- New Hawai‘i law aimed at tackling illegal short-term rentals, provides counties with home rule authority May 5, 2024
Gov. Josh Green touts it as a pivotal tool to tackle Hawai‘i’s housing crisis. Opponents say it doesn’t even address the real causes of the housing shortage. No matter which side you’re on, it’s significant for the state’s short-term rental industry. Green on Friday signed Senate Bill 2919 into law. The bill is aimed at ensuring the state’s four counties can guide their future development according to their long-term general plans while addressing the issue of illegal short-term rentals. Read ...
- Essential Guide to Understanding Your HOA Board of Directors May 5, 2024
HOAs play a crucial role in maintaining residential communities, ensuring they operate smoothly and preserve property values. Central to the functioning of an HOA is its Board of Directors, comprised of volunteers elected by members of the association (owners). This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding HOA board members’ roles and responsibilities. Read the article…………………………….
- Californians are Protecting Themselves from Wildfire. Why is there still an Insurance Crisis? May 5, 2024
Fire officials, lawmakers, insurance agents and others are asking homeowners to help lower the risk of devastating wildfires by making improvements to their properties — in some cases at great expense — and often in the context of trying to hang on to their insurance policies. The state has spent about $3.7 billion on forest management in the past seven years. Communities, fire districts and others are doing their part, too. Read the article…………………………….
- No peace symbol! Eagle Crest HOA cracks down on unauthorized flags (OR) May 5, 2024
No peace symbols. That’s the message one man in Eagle Crest got from his homeowner’s association in what he calls a newly enforced ban on most flags. Ken Bauman was notified this week his tie-dyed peace symbol flag did not meet the requirements, in a letter sent from The Ridge at Eagle Crest Owners Association. He said the rules permanently prohibit all flags throughout the neighborhood with the exception of the U.S. flag. Read the article…………………………….
- Delray Beach HOA Goes To Real Court Over Sport Court (FL) May 5, 2024
The Delray Beach gated community of Casabella is suing a Palm Beach County sport court installation company which allegedly took the community’s money and ran. Sport Surfaces of 7011 Wilson Road in West Palm Beach is the defendant. Read the article…………………………….
- Divided Gilbert community ousts HOA board (AZ) May 5, 2024
About 12 years after he moved into the newly built Greenfield Lakes community in Gilbert, Brett Woolley noticed his perimeter wall was tilting toward the canal in back of his property. Woolley said that he contacted the HOA board and the management company because it was their responsibility to fix it but for the next 14 years, all he heard was the same refrain – they were “investigating the situation.” Read the article…………………………….
- Warren fire investigators working to determine cause of fatal fire (MI) May 5, 2024
Warren fire officials say a man killed in a Saturday afternoon fire at his Bear Creek condominium likely suffered a medical emergency and did not die from smoke inhalation. “We are still investigating the scene to determine a cause of the fire and we won’t be able to confirm what killed the victim until we see the autopsy results,” said Warren Fire Commissioner Wilbert “Skip” McAdams. Read the article…………………………….
- A few owners are holding up move to hurricane impact windows that would save condo money (FL) May 5, 2024
Question: I am on the board of our condominium. I have been charged with reviewing our ever-increasing insurance costs. After a review, it has been determined that we need to upgrade to impact windows and doors or shutters to save a substantial amount on our annual insurance bill. Out of 20 units, roughly five owners do not want to spend the money to upgrade their windows Read the Q&A………………………………..
- WUCIOA For All (But Not Yet) (WA) May 4, 2024
In 2028, all of us who reside in community associations, whether we reside in condominiums, co-ops, planned use developments (“PUD”s) or homeowners associations, will be governed by one statute, the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (“WUCIOA”). Until then, we continue to understand that the time at which our condominium or homeowners association was created dictates which current act governs our ability to do certain things within our communities. Our governing documents, CCRs, Bylaws, and Rules, all still supplement the ...
- Australia: NSW Fair Trading to review Netstrata May 4, 2024
After their media investigation @LintonBesser and @NinahKopel from @ABCNews published an article High-profile strata company Netstrata caught charging excessive fees and taking kickbacks reporting on their business practices relating to insurance premiums, commissions, and brokerage, fire services, plumbing and building maintenance. Read the article…………………………….
- Increase Annual Meeting Attendance (AZ)
It’s Annual Meeting Season! Our firm has been busy helping clients prepare for and execute successful annual meetings. After all, the Association’s annual meeting is the Association’s TIME TO SHINE! Read the article…………………………….
- Arizona Law Mandates Open Meetings for Planned Communities
In Arizona, homeowners’ associations are governed by a law that promotes transparency and resident participation. The statute, A.R.S. § 33-1804, is part of the state’s Planned Community Act and requires associations to conduct open meetings with only a few narrow exceptions. Subsection (A) of the law sets forth the general rule: all meetings of an association and its board must be open to all members, who are entitled to attend and speak. Read the article…………………………….
- What is HOA Balance Sheet And How To Read Them?
As a member of a homeowners association (HOA), it’s important to understand the financial health of your community. One key document that provides insight into an HOA’s financial position is the balance sheet. In this post, we’ll explain what an HOA balance sheet is, review its key components, and provide tips on how to read and interpret this important financial statement. Read the article…………………………….
- Guiding Arizona Homeowners Associations Through the Federal Corporate Transparency Act Compliance and Reporting
In the ever-evolving legal landscape, homeowners associations (HOAs) and planned communities in Arizona find themselves with some new reporting requirements from the Federal Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”). This new piece of legislation, aimed at curbing illicit financial activities, necessitates meticulous attention from associations to ensure compliance. As directors, board members, and community managers grapple with these new directives, it becomes imperative to understand the implications of the CTA and embrace a proactive approach to compliance. Read the article…………………………….
- Arizona: The Ultimate HOA Records Retention Guide: What You Need to Know
HOA records retention is not just a procedural formality; it’s essential for effective association management. It’s the cornerstone for continuity, aiding decision-making, and assists in navigating legal processes. Every HOA board member knows the importance of maintaining organized and accessible documents—from board minutes to financial records. What’s more, categorizing these essential records, such as tax returns and maintenance histories, is critical since they hold informational value and are indispensable in legal compliance. Read the article…………………………….
- HOA Codes of Conduct and Why They Are Unenforceable
Codes of Conduct are all the rage in HOAs and condominium communities. Some associations are even attempting to insert these Codes of Conduct into their bylaws, declarations, and other governing documents. There’s just one major flaw with Codes of Conduct — they are invalid and unenforceable. Read the article…………………………….
- What Are the Rules and Regulations of the HOA in Scottsdale, AZ?
Each homeowners association (HOA) and multifamily property is unique. In Scottsdale and all throughout Arizona, you will find various HOAs. Each one may have different laws. There are many rules and regulations that HOAs have and here’s a look at some of them. Read the article…………………………….
- Arizona Court of Appeals Holds Severance Damages Unavailable for Homeowners Whose Easements were Extinguished in Eminent Domain
The Arizona Court of Appeals recently held that members of a homeowners’ association are not entitled to severance damages to their residential parcels when common areas are condemned. Read the article…………………………….
- Arizona Court of Appeals Addresses Proximity Damages in State of Arizona v. Foothills Reserve Master Owners Association, Inc.
On December 7, 2023, the Arizona Court of Appeals held in State of Arizona v. Foothills Reserve Master Owners Association, Inc. that 589 homeowners in an Ahwatukee subdivision were not entitled to “proximity damages” after the State of Arizona condemned their easement interests in the subdivision’s common areas.1 Read the article…………………………….
- Mastering Architectural Guidelines for Arizona HOAs
Architectural guidelines are more than mere regulations. They’re the keystones that shape the character and quality of our communities. These guidelines serve as the compass guiding homeowners and HOA boards alike, ensuring that every change and addition enhances the collective aesthetic and value of the neighborhood. In this comprehensive exploration, we explore the nuances of HOA architectural guidelines, revealing their importance, the critical role of HOA boards in shaping them, and the essential processes involved in their creation and adoption ...