The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Willis, a business of WTW (NASDAQ:WTW), have announced a groundbreaking $2.5 million wildfire resilience insurance policy—the first of its kind to factor in wildfire mitigation efforts. Structured by Willis, the policy was developed for the Tahoe Donner Association, a private homeowners association in Truckee, California. Read the article…………………………….
Modesto HOA looking to recoup $25,000 from its members (CA)
The HOA says this $25,000 assessment is for rotting decks and staircases. But residents tell us these issues have been around for years. Video news report……………………..
Castlewood association, Alameda County settle legal dispute; special election to follow (CA)
Now that Alameda County and the Castlewood Property Owners Association have settled their legal dispute, the next step will be a special election. The association had sued the county in December 2024 contending that it failed to follow state-mandated procedures to establish a special assessment for the county service area that provides water, sewer and […]
Litigation director rebuked for misleading claims in HOA
After a protracted 67-day bench trial, a Santa Clara County judge awarded $1.8 million to homeowner plaintiffs, citing extensive false statements made by the defense attorney, Stephan A. Barber, in a case involving water damage and mold at a condominium. Read the article…………………………….
When can HOAs tap reserve funds? (CA)
Q. Can major landscape renovation use reserve funds when too little funds are available as a line item? Q. Should HOA boards expense directly out of reserves without establishing a maintenance budget annually? Q. Our board believes the reserve fund is just a bank account and the required reserve study is just advisory. Therefore no […]
A first-of-its-kind neighborhood in California fights fire by just existing
In June, Steve Ruffner watched a demonstration where two sheds were set on fire. As a result of what he saw, people 30 miles north of San Diego are now moving into homes far less likely to burn in a wildfire. “I was shocked,” said Ruffner, who is president of KB Home Coastal, a large […]
Christmas Tree Lane walks nights could be on chopping block amid safety concerns (CA)
The future of a beloved Fresno tradition is now in jeopardy as residents of Fig Garden Village raise concerns about Christmas Tree Lane. “With this influx of so many vendors, it has really created a carnivalesque atmosphere,” HOA Treasurer Dan Gallagher said. In a newsletter obtained by Action News, Gallagher wrote that vendors have “inundated” […]
Family of slain Cash App founder Bob Lee files lawsuit against killer (and Assn.) (CA)
The lawsuit was filed on March 28 to the Superior Court of California of the County of San Francisco. The lawsuit’s defendants also include a homeowner’s association and a security camera company. It alleges the improper release of surveillance video that was used by the media. Read the article…………………………….
California homeowners association: ‘Repaint that $23,000 garage door!’
The fate of garage doors – any garage doors – does not exactly rate high on the list of world problems. But for Julie Good, her new garage doors are a triumph, a piece de resistance, a tour de force. Less hyperbolic, they improve her house’s curb appeal. “I’m very sad at the prospect of […]
California Expands FAIR Plan Insurance Limits Amid Wildfire Risks and Insurer Withdrawals
The California Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan serves as the state’s insurer of last resort, stepping in to provide essential property coverage when traditional insurers leave high-risk zones. Established in 1968, the FAIR Plan is a private consortium of insurance companies operating under state oversight. It was never designed to replace private insurance […]
Residents Sound Off on Neglected Conditions at Palm Springs View Estates (CA)
Palm Springs View Estates is once again in the spotlight—and not in a good way. Photos shared with NBC Palm Springs show what residents describe as worsening conditions, including standing water, rusted gates, and a spa so neglected people fear they could get a UTI from using it. Read the article…………………………….
Problems with your homeowners association? Ask the Lawyer (CA)
Q: We are having issues with our homeowners association. There is a large tree nearby that drips some kind of brown gunk on our wall, which is painted beige. The association says it “treated” the tree but it did not help, and our wall is badly stained. Suggestions? Read the Q&A………………………………..
What you need to know about HOA reserves (CA)
Q: Our HOA reserves for replacement are severely underfunded. Does California law require that HOAs undertake a third-party analysis of future replacement costs, and, if so, at what intervals? Is there a standard in California law or practice for a minimum percentage of projected reserves? Florida has recently booked state law, or so I understand, […]
California Insurance Commissioner Approves Major FAIR Plan Expansion to Help HOAs…Access Insurance Coverage
Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara last Thursday announced the approval of the California FAIR Plan Association’s commercial filing to increase commercial property coverage limits. This move is a key element of Commissioner Lara’s ongoing Sustainable Insurance Strategy and continues the implementation of landmark reforms to address California’s property insurance crisis. Read the article…………………………….
FEMA extends debris cleanup program for Southern California wildfire victims
The deadline to either opt-in or opt-out for government-run wildfire debris removal has been extended. FEMA made the announcement on Friday, stating that the new deadline to submit a Right of Entry form is April 15 for single-family homes affected by the deadly and devastating January wildfires. All property owners should submit an ROE form […]
Commissioner Lara approves major FAIR Plan expansion to help HOAs, builders, farmers, and businesses access insurance coverage (CA)
Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara today announced the approval of the California FAIR Plan Association’s commercial filing to increase commercial property coverage limits. This move is a key element of Commissioner Lara’s ongoing Sustainable Insurance Strategy and continues the implementation of landmark reforms to address California’s property insurance crisis. Read the article…………………………….
Corporate Transparency Act: What HOA Boards Need to Know
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is a significant new federal law that increases transparency and combats financial crimes. These crimes could include money laundering or fraud. While it primarily targets businesses, its provisions also affect homeowner associations (HOAs) in ways many boards might not anticipate Read the article…………………………….
HOA Homefront: What to do when reserves run thin (CA)
Q: Our HOA reserves for replacement are severely underfunded. Does California law require that HOAs undertake a third-party analysis of future replacement costs, and, if so, at what intervals? Is there a standard in California law or practice for a minimum percentage of projected reserves? Read the article…………………………….
Property manager defrauds HOAs and bank out of $2.1M, uses money to gamble, feds say (CA)
While managing HOAs and properties in Utah, a man defrauded tenants, a Las Vegas bank and others of more than $2.1 million over a span of five years, federal prosecutors said. Blake Floyd Cozzens, of Cedar City, used the money belonging to two HOAs, his tenants and property owners he managed to benefit himself from […]
FEMA extends debris removal deadline for some property owners (CA)
FEMA is giving some property owners more time to apply for debris removal help after the devastating wildfires. During a press conference Friday, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said the agency extended the deadline for owners of commercial and multi-family residential properties to apply for the debris removal program. Read the article…………………………….
Tensions stay high as settlement stalls between county, Castlewood board (CA)
The board of the Castlewood Property Owners Association made its position clear to members attending an association meeting Tuesday evening: Vote No when Alameda County distributes ballots on taking on debt. The association has been locked into negotiations with the county since filing suit last year contending that the county violated provisions of Proposition 218 […]
Homeowners of townhomes in wildfire zones face confusion with Army Corps’ debris removal process (A)
Homeowners of condos and townhomes that have “opted in” to be part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers debris removal process have been left in limbo. They said there is confusion about them being included in the program, because if not, they don’t know how to afford the work ahead that needs to be […]
Residents oust San Jose HOA board over ‘ridiculous’ fines, privacy concerns (CA)
Residents of a large San Jose condo complex are celebrating after successfully ousting the HOA board they say was responsible for hitting residents with tens of thousands of dollars in excessive and petty fines over the past two years. After the board’s critics gathered enough signatures to force a recall vote, all but one of […]
Modesto condo owners say they’re being hit with massive HOA fee increase
Condo Owners hit with major special assessment or monthly fee increase to fix major structural problems Video news report……………………..
Landlord wins judgment against Clippers’ James Harden in long-running fraud case
Plaintiff George Santopietro’s long-running Los Angeles Superior Court complaint alleged that Harden paid $82,200 to stay for a week at the home contingent on him not having more than seven guests. But Harden had multiple parties during the lease term in which he hosted more than 15 people and the home suffered property damage that […]
Another lawsuit accuses City of San Diego of negligence, following La Jolla sinkhole (CA)
It’s been two years since a sinkhole opened up near a La Jolla condo complex. All of the residents remain displaced. The anniversary comes as another lawsuit was just filed, accusing the City of San Diego and its contractor of negligence. There were civil engineers on the property Friday, continuing to assess how much the […]
Map: See the 700 condo communities in California on Fannie Mae’s blacklist
Nearly 700 condominium complexes around California have been placed on a “mortgage blacklist” that has created a headache for owners looking to sell their properties and, in many cases, forced them to lower their asking price. The list — reported on by The Orange County Register in 2023 — is maintained by Fannie Mae, a […]
HOA Homefront: Corporate Transparency Act enforcement ends for HOAs (CA)
This week we learned the Corporate Transparency Act will not be enforced against small businesses, including HOAs. On Sunday, March 2, the Treasury Department announced it would suspend any enforcement of new rules enacted under President Joe Biden requiring business owners file beneficial ownership information with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. Read the Q&A………………………………..
Measure T gets an ‘unconstitutional’ ruling from county court (CA)
After lengthy litigation on the citizen’s initiative Measure T, which prohibited short-term vacation home rentals (VHRs) in residential areas, El Dorado County’s Superior Court deemed that the measure’s wording was unconstitutional and struck the entire measure. The city of South Lake Tahoe is now deciding whether or not to file an appeal once they receive […]
Another Demoralizing HOA Fee Hits SF Real Estate Market (CA)
San Francisco remains a renter’s city. Roughly 60% of its residents rent, rather than own — a delta that appears to be growing by the year. San Francisco is also among the few major cities in the United States to have a rent control ordinance that oversees properties in San Francisco, which as about 40% […]
Award in Santa Clara HOA lawsuit is largest ever in California after ‘extensive deception’ over abandoned well under condo
It’s been nearly seven years since water began accumulating in the crawlspace of Doug Ridley and Sherry Shen’s condo — an alarming discovery that led to the uncovering of an abandoned artesian well under their living room that would wreak havoc on the couple’s lives. What followed was a years-long legal battle between Ridley and […]
Ding Dong the CTA is Dead
Treasury Department Announces Suspension of Enforcement of Corporate Transparency Act Against U.S. Citizens and Domestic Reporting Companies Read the article…………………………….
Canyon Lake golfers honored for saving a life
The Canyon Lake Property Owners Association Board of Directors on Tuesday honored a group of individuals for their swift life-saving actions when a golfer suffered a heart attack on the golf course. The group was commended for their courage and quick thinking, recognizing their heroic efforts in a moment of crisis. Read the article…………………………….
Orangetree HOA Embezzlement and Drug Trafficking (CA)
Orangetree Condo HOA in Irvine has misplaced 87,032 dollars in members’ assessments. Some homeowners are speculating the funds have been embezzled by the Board. In January of 2022 board member Kirk Kilian appointed Enrico Paterno to the Orangetree Condo Association. Five days prior Enrico Paterno created the business entity Orangetree Enterprise llc. Read the […]
Crisis in Leisure World (CA)
The crisis in Leisure World Seal Beach deepens. Shareholders were dancing in the street after the recent board meeting where it was announced that the executive director contract as written would not be renewed. It didn’t take long for shareholders to learn that they had not won their fight and, in fact, the ED might […]
HOA Homefront: Corporate Transparency Act enforcement ends for HOAs
This week we learned the Corporate Transparency Act will not be enforced against small businesses, including HOAs. On Sunday, March 2, the Treasury Department announced it would suspend any enforcement of new rules enacted under President Joe Biden requiring business owners file beneficial ownership information with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. Read the article…………………………….
Neighbors concerned after hidden camera found outside home (CA)
An alert resident in San Bernardino County called the sheriff’s department when they noticed a portable power supply device in their driveway. What deputies found was all too common these days: a hidden camera system installed by thieves. Read the article…………………………….
Opinion: HOA Horror Stories Abound — California Needs Better Regulation
Ask current or former members of a California Homeowners Association to relate a mismanagement or overly zealous board of directors horror story pertaining to owning or living in such a community of homes — chances are good they will respond with a few interesting tales. Read the article…………………………….
Palm Desert Man Arrested for Animal Cruelty After Brutal Golf Course Attack on Goose (CA)
Authorities have confirmed that Michael McCutcheon of Palm Desert was arrested for animal cruelty after a disturbing attack on a goose at Chaparral Country Club. The incident, which occurred on the fifth hole of the golf course, involved McCutcheon chasing two geese in a golf cart, clipping one, and then striking it with a golf […]
HOA Homefront: Should we have handicapped parking? (CA)
Q: My wife has a handicapped decal on her license plate. Although she has mobility issues and has a tough time getting in and out of her car when it is in the garage, she was told that ADA rules do not apply in private communities, and if she parks her car in the parking […]
Frustrated Natomas residents want solutions from mail theft town hall (CA)
Residents across Natomas are fed up, saying they’ve seen an uptick of mail theft. Now, city leaders are working with homeowners and tenants to address the problem. Sacramento City Council member Lisa Kaplan held a mail theft town hall in North Natomas on Wednesday. Members of the Sacramento Police Department, Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office […]
Canyon Lake homeowners raise concerns over rising losses at POA restaurants (CA)
Canyon Lake homeowners are voicing their concerns over the financial performances of the POA’s two restaurants: the Lighthouse Restaurant and Country Club Bar & Grill. Both restaurants are subsidized by annual dues paid by the homeowners. According to financial reports, the cost to members to operate the Lighthouse Restaurant was planned to be $303,826 for […]
Is your HOA ready for electronic voting? (CA)
California law now allows HOAs to conduct member votes electronically. Civil Code Sections 5105, 5115, 5120 and 5125 have been amended to give HOAs the choice, but HOAs must know the requirements to exercise this very helpful option. Read the article…………………………….
Updates on The Corporate Transparency Act as of 2/19/2025
On February 17, 2025, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas stayed a nationwide injunction halting enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (Act) in Smith v. United States Department of Treasury. The Eastern District of Texas’ decision cited the recent Supreme Court of the United States’ Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc. […]
Bird Rock condo residents worry about fire risk from rooftop HVAC units (CA)
In the wake of the recent outbreak of fires in Southern California and a smaller fire in the Seahaus La Jolla condominium complex in Bird Rock, some residents there are worried that another fire might be looming. According to those residents and an outside contractor, some rooftop heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems at Seahaus […]
Miracle Mile Residents Association Urges Preparedness at Annual Meeting (CA)
Over 200 residents attended the Miracle Mile Residential Association’s annual community last month at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Organizers told Buzz the entire meeting would be dedicated to organizing the community to be prepared for the next disaster. At the time of the meeting, firefighters had not yet fully contained the Palisades and Eaton fires, […]
Property Losses From L.A. Wildfires Could Exceed $30 Billion—From Condos to Megamansions
Real estate losses from the two most destructive wildfires that scorched Southern California in January—the Palisades and Eaton fires—could amount to more than $30 billion, affecting properties from condos to multimillion-dollar mansions and everything in between. Read the article…………………………….
Clubhouse renovation plan divides POA Board (CA)
On Saturday, February 15, a contentious Pine Mountain Club Property Owners Association (PMCPOA) board meeting was held at the clubhouse. Two resolutions raised during the meeting created the majority of the controversy. Read the article…………………………….
Corporate Transparency Act FILING OBGLIGATION RE-IMPOSED!
Recently the United States Supreme Court granted a stay of the injunction previously granted by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which injunction nullified the (BOIR) registration requirement of the Corporate Transparency Act (the “CTA”). This new ruling reinstates the filing requirement under the CTA and allows the original appeal to be fully reviewed by […]