2016 Legislation – AB 1720 – 3rd Party Representation at Board Meetings

The Open Meeting Act requires associations to allow owners time to address the board at regular meetings. This bill would extend that right to any “representative” of a member of […]

2016 Legislation – SB 1431 – Service of Summons or Subpoena

This bill would require an investigator who is employed by an office of the attorney general, a county counsel, a city attorney, a district attorney, or a public defender, upon […]

2016 Legislation – SB 944 – Housing Omnibus Bill

The Annual Housing Omnibus Bill cleans up errors and makes non-substantive changes in the law. ECHO has proposed several amendments to correct errors and improve clarity within the statute.

2016 Legislation – AB 2362 – Pesticide Application and Notice

This bill would expand upon the 2016 law concerning notice requirements for the application of pesticides in common interest developments. It would require an association to provide notice to an […]

2016 Legislation – AB 1963 – Construction Defect Claim Conditions

Existing law, the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act, requires, until July 1, 2017, specified conditions to be met before an association may file a complaint for damages against a builder, […]

2016 Legislation – AB 1799 – Elections by Acclamation

AB 1799 would offer an alternative voting process to associations with uncontested elections – those elections where the number of candidates for the board equals the number vacant seats. Under […]

2016 Legislation – AB 1736 – Homeownership Savings Accounts

This bill would provide that a qualified taxpayer may withdraw amounts from a homeownership savings account to pay for qualified homeownership savings expenses, and would provide that any amount withdrawn […]

2016 Legislation – AB 1720 – Owner Attorneys at Board Meetings

Current law requires the board to permit any member to attend and speak at any meeting, except for executive session meetings. This bill would require the board to permit a […]

2016 Legislation – AB 587 – Waiving Payment Penalties When Buying a Mobilehome

Current law prohibits the State from issuing a new title to a mobilehome buyer when of any outstanding charges or liens exist as a result of the previous owner’s failure […]

2016 Legislation – SB 477 – Property Taxes for Mobile Homes

Updated on 7/6/15: SB 477 authorizes mobile home owners to seek postponement of ad valorem taxes as long as he or she is a qualified person.

State Law Mandates Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Homes and Communities

Every year, thousands of Americans are victims of carbon monoxide poisoning, requiring hospitilzation and sometimes even dying as a result. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless – and toxic […]

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Protecting Your HOA from Fraud and Embezzlement

Unfortunately, fraud happens in homeowners associations. No strategy will guarantee that your HOA won’t be a victim of theft or embezzlement, but your board can take reasonable steps to reduce […]

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Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: Green Amenities for HOA Property

There are nearly 100,000 plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs)  in California – 40 percent of the national PEV market.  Your homeowners association may have already received requests for charging stations on […]

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Effective Communication Is Necessary When Managing an Emergency

Communication Is the Key to Disaster Management Management of any disaster or emergency event is a complicated and multi-faceted task. One of the most important, and oftentimes overlooked, parts of […]

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How to Evaluate Your HOA Manager

How do you know if your HOA manager is doing a good job? Identify problems, and learn how to get better service for your condominium or association.

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We Won the Case: Now What?

From time to time, a community association is forced to sue a member who has violated the governing documents. Many times, these lawsuits are “settled” without trial. Sometimes however, a […]

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When Disaster Strikes: Emergency Planning for Community Associations

Start Planning for a Disaster Now Consider this scenario: You are a board member for an HOA that represents over 300 residents in a condominium complex of 20 buildings.  In the […]

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The 3 Methods of HOA Accounting and Financial Statements

We recommend that HOAs use the Accrual Basis of Accounting for financial statements. Learn the differences between accrual, modified accrual, and cash basis accounting, and how they affect your financials.

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Please Park Responsibly: The Ins and Outs of Parking Rules

Although CA State regulates private property towing, it gives each city the freedom to write more restrictive municipal codes.  Some cities require the properties to pay for permits to allow […]

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Problem Solving

Whether you are an owner, a board member, or a manager, here are some thoughts and philosophy about problem solving: Do not put the blinders on and ignore the good […]

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Drafting the Construction Contract for Your HOA

What Is a Construction Contract? When your property manager reports to a board that one portion or a significant element of the common area is in need of repair, the […]

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When Is Contruction Really Complete?

During project closeout, many differing interests and perspectives—some of them conflicting—create a complex dynamic. Pinpointing whether or not construction is truly “over” isn’t always a simple, straightforward matter. Numerous individuals […]

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