One family that went through foreclosure earlier this year is still living in their home. Now, they say the company that bought the foreclosure is willing to give the home back, only if the family pays $29,000. Read the article………………………..
Broken elevator forces older residents to the stairs (CO)
The Problem Solvers were contacted by multiple residents at the Bayberry Condominiums in Aurora because they say the elevator in the building has been broken for nearly six weeks. “Many of us are seniors. We don’t walk very well,” said Geoffrey Jones, who has owned his condo in the building for 15 years. Read the […]
For Ruby Ranch residents, years of advocacy and planning brings wildfire mitigation (CO)
For property owners of Ruby Ranch, years of advocating, planning and work have come to fruition as work crews complete fire mitigation in the wilderness near their homes to limit the risks of wildfire. Read the article………………………..
Money & the Law: Law governing HOA’s grows even more complex (CO)
Restrictive covenants and homeowners associations (HOAs) are a mixed blessing. On the one hand, they help to keep residential properties well maintained, thereby enhancing property values. On the other hand, they restrict individual choice and can be a catalyst for bullying by an overly aggressive HOA. Read the article………………………..
‘Ruthless, unfair, unjust’: Pelican Lake Ranch residents complain of abusive behavior from POA board member (CO)
More than 10 neighbors at Pelican Lake Ranch have rallied together to address concerns they have with a property owners association board member’s alleged manipulative behavior. The group of neighbors in the Pelican Lake community, located in Platteville, believe POA board member Tina Wernsman has brought bad blood to their residential community — a sentiment […]
Homeowners outraged over HOA’s paid parking program (CO)
Residents of a Littleton housing development are upset their homeowners’ association will begin charging them to park on the street. Read the article………………………..
Stairwell falling apart, residents demanding answers (CO)
Boarded up and falling apart, a scary stairwell at an Aurora condominium complex has residents concerned, especially Octavia Brooks, who told FOX31 she is speaking out on behalf of children and elderly residents. Read the article………………………..
HOA Bans on BLM, Thin Blue Line Flags About to Be History (CO)
On June 1, the Colorado Senate followed the House’s lead and passed a bill that would prevent homeowners’ associations in the state from banning a wide variety of signage on private property, including Black Lives Matter and Thin Blue Line flags. If Governor Jared Polis signs the legislation, as expected, the measure will become Colorado […]
Local group files lawsuit against TMVOA, Telski (CO)
The lawsuit alleges TMVOA isn’t in compliance with the Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act (CCIOA), particularly when it comes to how voting rights are allocated and how it defines “member,” “unit” and “site.” It also cites how Telski, which is referred to as TSG in the lawsuit, also effectively controls the six-person board with its […]
Dispute over party responsible for repairing Thompson Road stalls improvement work (CO)
Thompson Road has deteriorated partially due to a dispute over who is responsible for its repair. Lisa Wood, a member of the Grand Elk Homeowners Association board, said Dillon Cos. Inc., not the HOA, is responsible for the worn-down stretch of Thompson Road. Read the article…………………………
You’ve got to be ‘kidding’: Herd of goats reduced damage from fire (CO)
A small wildland fire in unincorporated Elbert County was started by fireworks. A herd of goats kept it from being much worse, firefighters said. Read the article………………………
Boulder County HOAs face challenges from Marshall Fire (CO)
Tom Wade knows intimately the stress and frustration caused by the Marshall Fire. His home of 31 years in Louisville was totally destroyed. He’s also president of the Coal Creek Ranch Homeowners Association, which had 162 homes burned by that massive blaze. In addition to rebuilding his own life, Wade is devoting time to helping […]
Highlands Ranch HOA sues Xcel Energy over dual wildfires sparked by utility’s equipment (CO)
Two Douglas County wildfires four years apart that were sparked by faulty Xcel Energy equipment show the company has failed to properly maintain its infrastructure, a homeowners association alleged in a lawsuit filed this week. Read the article………………………….
State fines developer for stormwater violations (CO)
The Colorado developer who owns more than 1,600 lots in Diamondhead agreed to pay the state a $5,400 civil penalty for violating environmental protection laws. The fine was part of the consent administrative order Omni Home Builders entered into with the state Division of Environmental Quality last month. Failing to abide by the agreement subjects […]
Buckhorn Ranch HOA passes STR policy that includes big fines (CO)
The Buckhorn Ranch Homeowners Association (HOA) board of directors earlier this month passed an amended policy on short-term rental (STR) rules and regulations fine schedule. The key points of the policy are to ensure that each STR has a local contact available should any issues arise, establish rules and regulations for neighborhood safety, and initiate […]
As wildfire becomes unavoidable, Westside residents ask the city for advanced evacuation planning (CO)
Since Waldo, city council and the Colorado Springs Fire Department have worked with neighborhood associations and homeowners to expand fire mitigation efforts and passed the 2013 Ignition Resistant Construction Ordinance to ensure vulnerable neighborhoods are built using non-combustible materials. Read the entire article……………………………….
Homeowners associations will be required to notify residents of foreclosure rights (CO)
The Denver City Council approved the bill Monday night. It was introduced after at least 50 Green Valley Ranch homes were foreclosed on over unpaid HOA fines. Read the entire article……………………………….
Highlands Ranch group says it’s received hateful messages for hosting drag comedy show (CO)
community group in Highlands Ranch said they’re getting threats because of a drag comedy show they’re putting on Friday night. As some conservatives ramp up targeting of the LGBTQ community nationwide, it’s led Highlands Ranch Community Association in Douglas County to hire more security for the event. Read the entire article……………………………….
Aurora HOA considers armed security at pool (CO)
An email says Southshore Master HOA is “contracting an armed security service contractor to help promote safe and enjoyable environment for our neighbors.” Watch the news report………………..
Companies now must give 24-hour notice before towing from apartment, condo parking lots (CO)
A new bill signed will not allow towing companies to tow away cars from apartment and condo lots without warning the owner 24-hours in advance. Read the entire article……………………………….
New law aims to protect Colorado homeowners living in HOAs
Homeowners associations in Colorado will be prohibited from seeking foreclosures against homeowners based solely on fines, and they will have to adhere to a cap on those fines. Gov. Jared Polis signed HB22-1137 into law on Friday to set these limits on homeowners associations to avoid future large-scale foreclosures over escalating fines and fees like […]
Greeley cop log: Caller reports skateboarders in mall; HOA president draws weapon (CO)
8:30 p.m.: A caller in the 3600 block of 25th Avenue reported the home owner’s association president pulled a gun on him.
New law aims to protect Colorado homeowners living in HOAs
Homeowners associations in Colorado will be prohibited from seeking foreclosures against homeowners based solely on fines, and they will have to adhere to a cap on those fines. Gov. Jared Polis signed HB22-1137 into law on Friday to set these limits on homeowners associations to avoid future large-scale foreclosures over escalating fines and fees like […]
Gird Your Loins: HB 1137 Becomes Law (CO)
Governor Polis signed HB 1137 into law on Friday, in spite of calls by hundreds of community members for a veto. This ambiguous, flawed, and expensive bill will go into effect on August 10. As a reminder, HB 1137 will fundamentally alter all community collection and enforcement processes, Read the entire article……………………………….
Bill requiring HOAs to provide information on foreclosure rights passes first reading (CO)
Denver City Council approved on first reading a bill that would require homeowners associations to notify homeowners of their foreclosure rights. Read the entire article……………………………….
Gov. Jared Polis gets out veto pen for three bills (CO)
Gov. Jared Polis got out his veto pen for the first time in 2022, saying no to three bills sent to him by lawmakers during the 2022 legislative session. House Bill 1387, (is the only one related to HOA’s) Read the entire article……………………………….
Marshall Fire victim can’t move back home after HOA terminates lease (CO)
A victim of the Marshall Fire said that while her home is still standing, she is now without a place to live after her lease was terminated just days before she expected to move back in. Read the entire article……………………………….
Denver lawmakers tackle HOA foreclosure practices (CO)
Homeowners associations in Denver could face a new batch of regulations in an attempt to limit predatory practices. Read the entire article……………………………….
Bear visits front office at Colorado condo complex
A front desk worker at a Colorado condo complex captured video when a bear wandered into the office through an open back door. Kailee Duryea said the back door had been left open to let the warm breeze inside at The Lodge at Steamboat condo complex in Steamboat Springs and there were some cookies left […]
HOA Reserve Funds: an ever present flaw with HOAs (HB 22-1387) (CO)
Homeowners Association (HOA) Reserve funds are created, accumulated and used for future HOA maintenance and replacement costs for community assets. Part of each monthly assessment (aka monthly HOA dues) should be used by the HOA to fund reserves. Read the entire article……………………………….
Harden your home: How property owners can protect their house from fire danger, assist firefighters (CO)
Wildfire experts call the process “hardening a home,” or creating defensive space, which is what homeowners need to do if they want wildland firefighters to try to defend their home during an emergency. When trying to protect multiple homes, firefighters with limited resources must make tough decisions to rate a property as defensible or non-defensible, […]
Couple hoping to rebuild after Marshall Fire hits snag with HOA over style (CO)
“We talked to the architects, obviously, and said, ‘What happened here?’” Seth said. “And they said, ‘Well, we were under the impression there was — that was a guideline and there was flex room.’” The HOA shared design guidelines adopted by the architectural committee with the whole community before the Goldmans submitted their plans, the […]
Aurora homebuyers may lose condos awaiting U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development approval (CO)
Pritchard was approved for an Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan, and the single mom thought she had been doing everything right. That was until two weeks ago when her realtor learned the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) had still not approved the building for FHA loans. Read the entire article……………………………….
90-year-old woman stuck in HOA, insurance blame game (CO)
A 90-year-old Denver woman is stuck in a damaged condo as her homeowner’s association and insurance company point the blame at each other for a pipe burst in her building hallway. Read the entire article……………………………….
Boulder County District Court judge opens door for noise lawsuits against Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (CO)
A Boulder County District Court Judge has paved the way for homeowners near Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport to sue over noise violations, court documents obtained by Denver7 show. The ruling stems from a court case that began in late 2021. However, homeowners in the Rock Creek area of Superior were just alerted to the ruling […]
Former Green Valley Ranch HOA Manager ‘Shocked’ At HOA’s Cash Stash (CO)
Roger Sherman, who managed the Green Valley Ranch HOA for 15 years, says he was “shocked” to learn the current HOA board has amassed more than $1 million in cash, savings accounts, checking accounts and CDs while simultaneously initiating foreclosure proceedings against homeowners who haven’t paid their HOA penalties. Read the entire article……………………………….
‘Foreclosures Are Profitable’: Controversial Colorado HOA Has More Than $1 Million In The Bank (CO)
The Master Homeowners Association For Green Valley Ranch, which initiated more HOA foreclosures in 2021 than any other Denver HOA, has taken in more than $600,000 in one year from fines levied against its homeowners and the HOA has more than $1 million dollars on hand in checking accounts, CDs, saving accounts and cash, and […]
Colorado Legislature Passes HOA Foreclosure Reform Bill
The measure limits homeowners associations’ ability to foreclose on residents who accumulate fines for violating community rules known as covenants. Read the entire article……………………………….
Creekside in Erie alleges shoddy work from developer (CO)
The homeowners association that represents residents at Creekside in Erie Townhomes is suing the community’s developer, Meritage Homes of Colorado Inc., claiming that the builder failed to meet certain construction quality standards. Read the entire article……………………………….
Colorado legislators signal openness to reviewing HOA laws as fire victims complain of woes
Sandy Quiller, who is obligated to pay hundreds of dollars in homeowners association dues for a home in Superior that was destroyed by the Marshall fire, has found no relief since The Denver Gazette put a spotlight on her story earlier this month. Read the entire article……………………………….
A Late Legislative Arrival: Proposed Reserve Study Requirements (CO)
In direct response to the issues occurring across the nation, Rep. Titone (D) (Wheat Ridge) introduced HB HB22-1387, titled an Act “Concerning Measures to Ensure that A Common Interest Community has Adequate Reserve Funds.” Read the entire article……………………………….
Game Trail earns designation as Firewise USA community (CO)
The Game Trail Homeowners Association northwest of Buena Vista received national recognition from Firewise USA this year. HOA members are pictured with new signs and Chaffee Chips service partners during a fire mitigation event April 11. Read the entire article……………………………….
Bayfield Marshal’s Office investigates possible theft of thousands of dollars from Clover Meadows HOA (CO)
The Bayfield Marshal’s Office is investigating an alleged theft of what could be thousands of dollars from an account for the Clover Meadows subdivision homeowners association. At an emergency HOA meeting Monday night, HOA members voted to remove all members of the board, replacing them with seven new members. Members approved opening a new bank […]
Colorado legislators signal openness to reviewing HOA laws as fire victims complain of woes
Sandy Quiller, who is obligated to pay hundreds of dollars in homeowners association dues for a home in Superior that no longer exists following the Marshall Fire, has found no relief since the Gazette put a spotlight on her story earlier this month. Read the entire article……………………………….
Colorado Court of Appeals affirms ruling in 2019 Loveland foreclosure case, vacates order to pay
The nearly three-year-long foreclosure case of Loveland resident Martha Hummel has entered a new chapter after the Colorado Court of Appeals ruled on an appeal filed by the company that bought her house following the 2019 foreclosure. Read the entire article……………………………….
Colorado HOA foreclosure reform legislation moves forward
A Colorado House of Representatives committee narrowly voted Wednesday to advance a bipartisan measure aimed at limiting homeowners associations’ powers to file foreclosure cases based on fines for community-rule violations, capping such penalties and increasing due process for homeowners. Read the entire article……………………………….
House Bill 1137: Draft Amendments Still Impossible (CO)
If you pay attention to this blog or are involved in Colorado community association activities, you’ve certainly seen recent news stories detailing the impacts of HOA foreclosures on residents. While most of the foreclosures in the stories arose when owners failed to pay fines after violating rules or covenants, other foreclosures occurred because the owners […]
Cornelius seeking remedy for HOA speed bumps near high school (CO)
Unwanted traffic related to Hough High School has led a nearby neighborhood homeowners association to construct speed bumps, but town leaders are seeking other alternatives. Read the entire article……………………………….
“Tip of the iceberg”: Green Valley Ranch foreclosures spotlight Colorado’s lack of HOA regulation
In March, a rash of foreclosures filed over the past 15 months by the Master Homeowners Association for Green Valley Ranch shocked residents and triggered swift condemnation from elected officials and Denver housing advocates. Those involved with Colorado’s housing industry say it’s the perfect storm: an aggressive association operating in a field with no regulation. […]
HOA dues add insult to injury for Marshall fire victims (CO)
Just days after Colorado’s most destructive wildfire left Sandy Quiller with nothing but a suitcase full of clothes, $362 in homeowners association dues was lifted from her bank account like clockwork. Read the entire article……………………………….