Who Should Make Decisions in HOAs: the Board or the Members?

Educational Topics

Many people have observed that community associations are actually “mini-governments.”  The “citizens” (owners) elect “officials” (directors) to make both small and large decisions affecting their lives and assets.  These decisions […]

read more

California Drought: What Can Your HOA Do to Save Water?

Educational Topics

With California facing a historic drought, both individuals and HOAs must work together to conserve water. Water conservation means knowing how to efficiently water your lawn and best practices for […]

read more

11 Essential Clauses for Construction Contracts in HOAs

Educational Topics

Board members should be aware of these key contract provisions to include in agreements between homeowners associations and contractors. These terms cover everything from liability to attorney’s fees, and give […]

read more

7 Quick Tips on HOAs and Project Permits

Educational Topics

HOA boards and owners should understand construction permit basics: deadlines, budgets, liability, and other aspects of project permitting that they can (and should) control.

read more

Electronic Recordings During HOA Board Meetings

Educational Topics

Should Individuals be Allowed to Record HOA Board Meetings? Drama! As the meeting starts the Directors and manager notice an owner pull out a handheld digital recorder and push the start […]

read more

How to Fund a Lawsuit for Your HOA

Educational Topics

The question of how a community association will pay for a lawsuit must be decided by the board when the need for litigation arises. Depending on whether the HOA is […]

read more

Under the Surface: Hidden Issues in Construction

Educational Topics

Published in the ECHO Journal, February 2014 Buildings are always talking to us…it just may take a “building whisperer” to hear what they are saying. Of the many things buildings […]

read more

Fiduciary Responsibility of Association Directors

Educational Topics

The law of fiduciary responsibility can be viewed as having two purposes. The first is moral or educational in nature. The law sets a standard for appropriate conduct of association […]

read more

Cost of Earthquake Insurance for HOAs in California

Educational Topics

Earthquake risk keeps growing in California, making earthquake insurance a viable option for HOAs and condominium owners. Learn about the costs of insurance premiums, deductibles, and the types of homeowner […]

read more

Basic Homeowner Association Income Taxes

Educational Topics

Published in the ECHO Journal, January 2014 Before jumping into the discussion of homeowner association income taxes, it helps if you get a limited understanding of the tax history. Understanding […]

read more

A New Design for Leadership

Educational Topics

Published in the ECHO Journal, January 2014 Policy in this context is a written statement that causes others to take action in the attainment of a stated expectation. Governance is […]

read more

HOA Duty to Address the Upstairs Unit’s Noisy Floors

Educational Topics

HOAs of multi-level condominiums or other developments are probably familiar with nuisances caused by noisy neighbors, with a majority of complaints coming from unapproved flooring. Associations have a legal responsibility […]

read more