Should an HOA have a Preferred Contractor List?

HOA contractor list
Some homeowner associations (HOAs) might think it is helpful or preferable to provide owners with a list of contractors that the HOA would prefer them to use for repairs or maintenance to their properties. While this might seem like a beneficial – and harmless – idea, it can lead to liability of the HOA in
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HOA Board Meetings Via Zoom

HOA zoom meeting
The COVID-19 pandemic has prevented many of us from gathering with those outside our households unless it is absolutely necessary, and this can apply to meetings of directors of homeowner associations (HOAs). It’s safe to say that 2020 will go down in history as the year of the Zoom meeting, and HOA director meetings are
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HOA Liability for Injuries

HOA liability
One responsibility of homeowner associations (HOAs) is to maintain common areas of the common interest development in question. HOAs assess dues from homeowners for this maintenance, and the association should use dues to ensure all common areas are kept in a reasonably safe condition for all homeowners and visitors. But what happens when an HOA
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Qualifications for HOA Board Candidates

Los Gatos HOA attorney
Homeowner associations (HOAs) are strictly regulated by California law, including who can become a candidate for an HOA board. Recently, state law has limited restrictions on candidates, allowing more homeowners to try to become directors. HOAs and their members should always ensure they do not unduly restrict qualified people from running. A bill passed in
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New California Law Regarding HOA Rental Restrictions

HOA rental restrictions
Governor Gavin Newsome signed Assembly Bill (AB) 3182 into California law on September 28, 2020. This provision further limits an HOA’s ability to restrict homeowners’ abilities to rent out their properties. The measure is hoped to help with the homelessness and housing crisis in California, and this, in part, aims to make more affordable housing
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Hiring a New Management Company for Your HOA

management company
Many homeowners associations (HOAs) hire management companies to maintain and repair the property and common areas. In some cases, your HOA board might not be satisfied with aspects of the management service, and you might want to look for a new one to take over. There are different aspects to this process, and it is
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Requirements for the HOA Election Process in California

HOA election process
In 2020, new changes took effect regarding HOA elections in California under Civil Code 5100. There are several changes that every HOA should have implemented this year, and the following is a brief overview. For HOAs with more than 6,000 members, elections can be settled by votes of acclamation when there are not more candidates
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Common Reasons for HOA Litigation

HOA litigation attorney
Many legal issues can arise when you are serving on an HOA Board. Our Los Gatos HOA attorneys aim to resolve any legal disputes involving HOAs in an efficient manner, including through mediation or arbitration. However, certain situations might arise in which a party – such as a homeowner – files a lawsuit in civil
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HOAs Might Need Collection Assistance

HOA collections attorney
An important function of homeowner associations (HOAs) is to assess and collect dues from homeowners. These dues provide funding for common area maintenance and other projects and services provided by the HOA for the community. However, anyone on an HOA Board can tell you that homeowners can be delinquent in paying their dues, and collecting
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Does Your HOA Board Need Legal Counsel?

HOA attorney
If you are serving on your HOA Board of Directors, you might be thoroughly familiar with the common issues that face residents of your community. However, you might not have significant legal knowledge needed to address complex disputes or concerns that might arise. In fact, your HOA Board might not have anyone with such legal
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