Owner Liability for Acts of Tenants – Article by Beth A Grimm
When an owner of a condo or townhome places a tenant, care should be taken to screen carefully. Some owners are desperate to rent their homes and so they do so without regard to careful screening or introducing any situation that might cause a rift between the tenant and their neighbors. Sometimes “bad stuff” just … Continue reading
LIFETIME TILE ROOFS, FACT OR FICTION? – Article by Carl A. Brown, RCI, RRO
The world of roofing is very competitive, causing product manufacturers to seek ways to separate themselves by offering more and more. The latest marketing trend is to advertise “lifetime” tile roofs. These “tile” roof products can be made of a variety of materials including concrete, clay and even steel. They are sold in a variety … Continue reading
THE QUESTION ALWAYS IS: WHAT IS THE COST? But is it the RIGHT question ????…………………….the answer is NO – Article by Carl Brown, RCI, RRO
Regrettably most HOA boards seem fixated on the bidder’s price as the most important item for selection of a service provider. While soliciting competitive bids for major services is commendable, the process is often poorly organized, resulting is less than complete satisfaction for one or both parties to a contract. Too often the process starts … Continue reading
“Rooftop Repercussions from Rudolph” – Protecting Your Roofs from Damage Caused by Holiday Lighting – Article by Charles Antis
The winter holidays are a favorite time of year for many who live in your communities. In fact, most of us get so excited that we decorate our homes with Christmas lights to spread our feelings of cheer. This enthusiasm sometimes results in damage to the weather-protective system that covers you. Damages include but are … Continue reading
6 Types Of Insurance Coverage You Didn’t Think You Needed – Article by Stephanie Christensen
You know you need auto, homeowners and probably renter’s insurance coverage. But, do you really know what kind of coverage your policies offer? The chances are, unless you are well-versed in the ins and outs of insurance, there are a few types of insurance you didn’t think you needed, when in fact, you might. Here … Continue reading
SUMMARY OF LEGISLATION EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2012 – Article by The Law Offices of Laura J. Snoke
New Legislation Affecting Community Associations 1. SB 563 Board Meetings This legislation amends sections of, and adds sections to, the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act (The Act), Civil Code sections 1350 et seq. The Act governs all common interest developments in California. Specifically, the legislation amends the following sections of The Act. A. Civil Code … Continue reading
Confidentiality Agreements; Are They Enforceable? – Article by David C. Swedelson
We are often asked to include confidentiality clauses in settlement agreements with owners, as the board often wants to avoid other owners hearing that the association settled. The concern is that these other owners will think it is OK to violate the CC&Rs or Rules, as they will ask for the same “sweetheart” deal. We … Continue reading
How Bankruptcy Affects Assessment Collection – Article by Sean D. Allen
So, your Association has a homeowner who is delinquent on his assessments. Before you are able to make any progress on collection and before a lien is recorded, you receive notice that he has filed for bankruptcy. What happens next? The moment a debtor files for bankruptcy, an “automatic stay” is imposed. The automatic stay … Continue reading
New Law—Independent Contractors: Willful Misclassification SB 459 Corbett – Article by By Sandra Gottlieb
We know that there is a tendency to classify some condo and HOA staff as independent contractors rather then employees. Some community association boards want to do this because they think that such a classification will mean that their association will not have to pay for all of fees, charges, taxes, etc. that are normally … Continue reading
HOA ADVISER: What kind of evidence can be used in a hearing? – Article By Michael T. Chulak
Q. Our board recently held a hearing to determine whether to fine a member for an alleged rule violation. The board allowed hearsay to be introduced. Is this allowable by law? A. Yes. Boards are not required to follow the California Rules of Evidence used by courts. They may hear the evidence and then weigh … Continue reading