2019 ECHO Board Nominations Form

The ECHO Nominating Committee is soliciting names of candidates for positions on the ECHO Board of Directors for the term 2020 to 2022.  You are encouraged to submit as much information […]

The North Bay Fires

As I write, the North Bay Fires are still raging in Sonoma and Napa Counties. I know that some of our member associations have been affected, as well as numerous […]

Political Rallies in the Clubhouse? SB 407 is Now Law

SB 407 permits residents of HOAs to sponsor meetings and invite the public to assemble inside the development to discuss “common interest development living, association elections, legislation, election to public […]

East Bay Panel Update – Director Liability

What did we learn at the East Bay Panel? A recent court case narrows the protection of the “Business Judgment Rule” for board members just a little bit more. 

ECHO Board Member Panel

Would you like to make a difference for your HOA and associations throughout California? You can by working with ECHO! Our new Board Member Panel will influence ECHO’s approach to […]

Congratulations to our Award Winners!

This year, at ECHO’s 45th Annual Seminar, we introduced two new annual awards: the Homeowner Association of the Year and the Board Member of the Year. These awards recognize and […]

Does a New Law Override CC&R Restrictions on “Granny Units?”

Several board members are concerned about changes to the California laws that regulate “Accessory Dwelling Units” (sometimes called “Granny Units”). Some are wondering if this law applies to HOAs.

Boards Have a New Obligation to Stop Discrimination

The Fair Housing Act prohibits the HOA boards from discriminating against protected classes. But changes to the Act now require the board to intervene when third parties discriminate.

2015 ECHO Board Election & Bylaws Update

In October, we mailed a proxy to all 1300 homeowner associations who are members of ECHO – the voting members of our community. The letter was sent to the HOA […]

California Makes Artificial Grass Permanent

This month, Governor Brown signed AB 349, a drought bill aimed at California HOAs that restrict the installation of artificial turf. Significant protections already exist for owners who wish to install […]

DAVIS-STIRLING ACT | ANNUAL DISCLOSURE LIST

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Effective Emergency Planning for HOA Communities

Nothing is more essential to managing risk than a plan for property emergencies. Time is of the essence. Water soaks in, wicks up walls, flows into electrical outlets and the cleanup grows more expensive. A clean water spill (water from a sink, bathtub or shower) can be dried easily, but if not handled correctly 24-36 hours later mold can begin to grow on porous materials.

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WHAT IS YOUR HOA’S RISK TEMPERATURE

  By Sharon Glenn Pratt, Esq.  | January 2021                                      Expensive problems can […]

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Insuring for Disasters: HOA Budgeting and Planning

The recent hurricanes in Texas and Florida have many of us thinking about what we would do in a catastrophe. For association boards, insurance is the front line of disaster […]

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Unforeseen Conditions and Hidden Costs of Construction Projects

Developing a Projected Cost Budget It is not surprising to know that in the initial phases of every proposed construction project, it is the first task of the Construction Manager […]

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How Can HOAs Use Reserve or Settlement Funds?

Boards in need of cash may want to use cash in the reserve accounts or from legal settlements, but there are important restrictions.

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HOAs and Defibrillators: the Pros and Cons

Should homeowner associations maintain defibrillators (or “AEDs”)? These life-saving devices can also be a source of major liability. Proceed with caution.

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10 Tips for New HOA Board Members

New to the HOA board or welcoming new board members? Here are 10 tips to help new board members get up to speed quickly and work effectively.

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Can the HOA Trespass to Correct Violations?

Your HOA board wants to go onto a property to correct a covenant violation. Can you? Even if you have legal authorization, should you? There are a number of risks […]

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How to Use Your HOA’s Political Power

Your HOA has political power: people who unite around a common cause can change local policies. And your neighbors can help you make big changes.

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The Special Assessment

“Special Assessment” is a dirty word in most HOAs. While boards and managers may view a special assessment as a tool to achieve the funding needs of the homeowners association, […]

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6 Common HOA Nuisances and How to Handle Them

Smoking, noisy floors, rambunxious children, and barking dogs are often the subject of HOA nuisance complaints. When do these issues qualify as a nuisance and when is the board obligated […]

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