Discrimination Concerns for HOAs and Members

California HOA attorney
Both the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) protect Californians from discrimination in housing-related matters, which includes homeowner associations (HOAs). If an HOA is accused of discrimination, it can face costly lawsuits. On the other hand, if an HOA discriminates against you, the law gives you the right
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What are Special Assessments?

special assessments
If you live in an HOA community, you know you have to pay regular dues to contribute to the upkeep of the community. However, there are additional costs you might incur called special assessments, and these can be costly and difficult to plan for. If your HOA tries to demand excessive special assessments, you should
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Common Areas and HOAs

HOA attorney
One benefit of living in a community with an HOA is that you have the right to use well-maintained common areas. These might include lobbies, courtyards, fitness rooms, pools, and more. Different HOAs have different rules regarding who can use which common areas and who is responsible for the upkeep of such areas. Such rules
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Does a Homeowner Have an Underground Blog about Your HOA?

HOA lawyer
In today’s society, the internet is a place where some people air grievances or even spread false information about a variety of issues. If you are on the board of an HOA, a homeowner might be blogging about the HOA, sending out digital newsletters, or other communications without proper authorization by your HOA. Even if
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The Structure of an HOA Board

HOA attorney
Each HOA is run by a board of directors, who have the power to execute the bylaws and govern the property. The bylaws will specify the positions on the board and their powers. Here are some of the positions that you may find on an HOA board and what they do. President – The president
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What to Know Before Moving Into an HOA

HOA lawyer
While HOAs make homeowners’ lives easier by providing management and direction, there are also obligations and restrictions involved with owning a residence in an HOA. Here are some things that you should learn before you move into a home in an HOA. Payment of Dues Each HOA will require the payment of monthly dues. These
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Common HOA Covenants and Restrictions

HOA attorney
HOA covenants are essentially the rules about what homeowners can and cannot do with their property. Living in an HOA, they do not have an unlimited ability to do whatever they want. The covenants and restrictions enforce uniformity and help maintain property values for all homeowners. HOA covenants begin with the things that you need
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Who is On an HOA Board?

HOA board
Many HOA owners end up in bitter disputes with the boards. These are their neighbors and fellow owners in their residential development. HOA board members are elected positions that people seek. The elections are held according to the HOA’s bylaws at set periods. Each board will have its own positions based on the bylaws. This
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Are Your HOA Dues Unreasonable?

HOA attorney
When HOA dues are too high, it impacts the value of HOA properties. People factor in all monthly costs when they are deciding how much they can pay for a home. It also leads to unhappy homeowners, especially when the high dues are the result of one-time or yearly hikes. Some aggrieved owners may even
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Arbitrating HOA Disputes

HOA disputes
Litigation can be expensive, draining the budgets of HOAs and often forcing them to raise dues. Upset homeowners often force the HOA’s hand, leaving them with no choice but to spend legal fees to defend against lawsuits. There are some ways out when the HOA and homeowners have a dispute that does not involve a
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