Articles for HOA Boards
The following articles were written from January 2020 to the current date to supplement our frequently asked questions(opens in new tab) section of this website and to assist HOA boards govern their associations in accordance with California law:
Cash Accounting vs. Accrual Accounting for HOAs(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)
Rights and Powers of HOAs and HOA Board Members(opens in new tab)
Saving Money on Insurance(opens in new tab)
Ratio Utility Billing Systems (RUBS)(opens in new tab)
Governing Documents(opens in new tab)
Questions to Ask an HOA Management Company Before Hiring Them(opens in new tab)
HOA Portfolio Manager Training(opens in new tab)
Construction Proposals and Contracts - Sample Form(opens in new tab)
Reasons HOA Defendants Hire Litigation Managers(opens in new tab)
Reasons HOAs Get Sued(opens in new tab)
Earthquake Insurance for Associations(opens in new tab)
Notices and Disclosures(opens in new tab)
Warning and Security Disclaimer(opens in new tab)
Reasons Why Board Members Must Read Historical Minutes and Financial Reports(opens in new tab)
Financial Reports Warning Signs(opens in new tab)
How Are Management Fees Determined?(opens in new tab)
How to Interview an HOA Management Company
Management Company Traps - Caution(opens in new tab)
Developer to Homeowner Transition Services(opens in new tab)
Saving Dollars for Homeowner Associations
Artificial Turf, Artificial Grass(opens in new tab)
Seven Ways to Avoid Special Assessments(opens in new tab)
Certified Vendor Programs - Caution
Management Company Owned or Affiliated Maintenance Services
Twelve Reasons Homeowners Refinance Their Homes(opens in new tab)
Refinance Your Condominium - Get the Best Rate and Terms
Lender's Questionnaire - Purpose(opens in new tab)
Exclusive Use Common Area Maintenance Responsibilities(opens in new tab)
Budgets for Homeowner Associations(opens in new tab)
Budget Required(opens in new tab)
Timeline for HOA Budgets(opens in new tab)
Emergency Assessments(opens in new tab)
No Current HOA Budget - What can Happen?(opens in new tab)
Reserve Studies Required – Reserve Funds(opens in new tab)
Minimum Reserve Contributions(opens in new tab)
Reserve Account Accounting(opens in new tab)
Calculating Minimum Reserve Contributions(opens in new tab)
Reserve Expenses - Unanticipated
Reserve Transfer Resolution(opens in new tab)
Reserve Fund Expenditures(opens in new tab)
No Reserve Account - What Happens?(opens in new tab)
Borrowing from Reserves(opens in new tab)
Is Your HOA Protected from Fraud and Embezzlement?(opens in new tab)
Neighborhood Safety Evaluations(opens in new tab)
Video Surveillance Cameras - Release of Video(opens in new tab)
Dummy Cameras - Fake Cameras(opens in new tab)
Safety Considerations for HOAs and Apartment Buildings(opens in new tab)
Why Homeowner Associations Get into Trouble(opens in new tab)
Litigation Exposure(opens in new tab)
Reasonable Accommodations(opens in new tab)
Breach of Fiduciary Duty by Directors of Homeowner Associations(opens in new tab)
Appointment of a Provisional Director for an HOA(opens in new tab)
Unincorporated Associations(opens in new tab)
Reasons to Incorporate Your HOA(opens in new tab)
Reasons Why Management Companies Terminate Management Agreements
Waiving of Late Fees by Board Members(opens in new tab)
Late Charges - Homeowner Associations
Homeowner Association Assessment, Lien, and Collection Policy(opens in new tab)
Why You Should Run For Election to the Board of Directors of Your HOA(opens in new tab)
How to Get Elected to the Board of Directors of Your HOA(opens in new tab)
Candidate Qualifications for Board Members(opens in new tab)
Why You Must Vote for HOA Directors(opens in new tab)
Board of Directors is Required(opens in new tab)
Filling Vacant Board Positions
Candidate Forums–Board of Elections
Peaceful Assembly(opens in new tab)
Town Hall Meetings(opens in new tab)
Pledge by Nominee for Election to Board of Directors(opens in new tab)
Increasing Attendance at HOA Annual Meetings(opens in new tab)
What Happens if Nobody Runs for the Board(opens in new tab)
Who Can Attend Board Meetings–Open Meeting Act(opens in new tab)
Board Meeting Definition(opens in new tab)
Parliamentary Procedure - Robert's Rules(opens in new tab)
Minimum Number of Board Meetings(opens in new tab)
Loss of a Quorum(opens in new tab)
Minutes of Board Meetings(opens in new tab)
Adjournment of Meetings(opens in new tab)
Annual Membership Meetings Required(opens in new tab)
Most Common Reasons Board Members are Recalled(opens in new tab)
Business Judgment Rule(opens in new tab)
Agenda Required for Meetings(opens in new tab)
Who Can Attend Board Meetings(opens in new tab)
Recording Board and Homeowner Meetings(opens in new tab)
Minutes of Board Meetings(opens in new tab)
Minutes – Checklist(opens in new tab)
Minutes of Executive Sessions(opens in new tab)
Distribution of HOA Minutes(opens in new tab)
Secret Recording of Executive Session Meetings by Board Members(opens in new tab)
Recusal of Board Members(opens in new tab)
Payment of Assessments - Methods(opens in new tab)
Special Assessment Limitations
Delinquent Assessments – Board Members(opens in new tab)
Board Members and Close Relatives Performing Work for HOA(opens in new tab)
Independent Insurance Brokers vs. Captive Agents(opens in new tab)
HOA Board Duties Regarding Insurance(opens in new tab)
Insurance Company Notices(opens in new tab)
Insurance Coverage Options(opens in new tab)
Commercial General Liability Insurance Coverage(opens in new tab)
Water Damage Legal Liability Insurance(opens in new tab)
Additional Insured Endorsements(opens in new tab)
Certificates of Liability Insurance - Insurance Declaration Pages(opens in new tab)
Forms of Homeowner Insurance Policies(opens in new tab)
Employment Practices Liability Insurance(opens in new tab)
Umbrella Liability Insurance Policies(opens in new tab)
HOAs-Say Goodbye to Independent Contractors
Directors & Officers (D&O) Insurance(opens in new tab)
Protection of HOA Directors and Officers Against Personal Liability(opens in new tab)
Crime and Fidelity Insurance(opens in new tab)
Delegation of Duties by Board(opens in new tab)
Workers' Compensation Insurance Required by Homeowner Associations
Loss Assessment Coverage for Condominium Owners(opens in new tab)
Renters Insurance – Why it is Necessary(opens in new tab)
Voting for Earthquake Insurance(opens in new tab)
Checklist for Buying a Condominium(opens in new tab)
Disclosures to Prospective Purchasers by Owners(opens in new tab)
Disclosure of Lawsuits(opens in new tab)
Reasons Lenders Reject Loan Applications from Condominium Owners and Buyers(opens in new tab)
Why Do Mortgage Lenders Reject Home Loan Applications?(opens in new tab)
Freddie Mac - Conventional Mortgage Loans(opens in new tab)
Fannie Mae Insurance Guidelines(opens in new tab)
FHA Single Unit Approval Guidelines(opens in new tab)
FHA Certification of Condominium Associations(opens in new tab)
FHA and VA Certification Disclosures(opens in new tab)
Owner Claims Against HOA – Water Intrusion(opens in new tab)
Service and Comfort Animals(opens in new tab)
Animals - Service, Therapy and Emotional Support(opens in new tab)
Animal Registration and Emergency Information(opens in new tab)
Parking for Disabled Residents(opens in new tab)
Dogs and HOA Insurance(opens in new tab)
Dangerous Animals - Strict Liability(opens in new tab)
Satellite Dish Antenna Rules(opens in new tab)
Religious Items on Doors and Door Frames(opens in new tab)
Holiday Decorations(opens in new tab)
Homeowner Association Security(opens in new tab)
Privately Owned Security Cameras
Comparison of Management Services Offered(opens in new tab)
Commercial Condominium Management(opens in new tab)
Summary of Commercial and Industrial CID Act(opens in new tab)
Large Associations with On-site Management(opens in new tab)
FAQ About Reserve Studies(opens in new tab)
Timeline for HOA Budgets and Reserve Studies
Do Sewer Lines, Drain Lines, Gas Lines, and Plumbing Pipes Belong in a Reserve Study Calculation?
Consequences of Failing to Obtain Reserve Studies
Are Reserve Studies Required by FHA?
The 8 Most Common Legal Claims Against HOAs
Shutting Off the Water in Condominiums(opens in new tab)
Angle Stop Valves - Replacements(opens in new tab)
Backflow Testing, Devices, Prevention(opens in new tab)
Water Leaks - Clean, Gray and Black Water(opens in new tab)
Balcony Railings(opens in new tab)
Balcony Tile(opens in new tab)
Elevated Structure Inspections(opens in new tab)
Elevated Wooden Structure Inspections - Code(opens in new tab)
Before You Decide on Self-Management - Read This
HOA Self Management - Does it Make Sense?
How Much Does Self-Management Save?
How Ventura County HOA Management Processes Invoices(opens in new tab)
Why Hire a Construction Manager(opens in new tab)
Contractor's Bond(opens in new tab)
Failure to Maintain Roofs-What Could Happen?(opens in new tab)
Should Distance Be a Factor in Hiring a Management Company?
Homeowner Association Insurance - What you need to know
Selecting An Agent for Service of Process for Your Business or HOA(opens in new tab)
Election of Officers by Board of Directors(opens in new tab)
Duties of HOA President or CEO
Duties of Vice President of HOA Board
Duties of an HOA Treasurer - Chief Financial Officer
Duties of an HOA Secretary - Corporate Secretary
Duties of Member at Large - Director at Large
Records Retention Policy for Homeowner Associations(opens in new tab)
Delegation of Duties by Boards(opens in new tab)
Limitations on Board Members(opens in new tab)
Internal Dispute Resolution IDR Process(opens in new tab)
Alternative Dispute Resolution ("ADR")(opens in new tab)
Disciplinary Hearings - Due Process(opens in new tab)
Attorneys at Hearings - Violation of CC&Rs and/or Rules(opens in new tab)
Evidence at Disciplinary Hearings(opens in new tab)
Hearsay Evidence at Disciplinary Hearings(opens in new tab)
Anonymous Complaint - Violation Hearings(opens in new tab)
Disciplinary Procedure(opens in new tab)
Rescheduling Disciplinary Hearings(opens in new tab)
Failure of Accused to Appear at a Hearing(opens in new tab)
Proposed Operating Rule - Reimbursement of Recording Secretary Fees(opens in new tab)
Duty to Investigate - Due Diligence
Duty to Review Association Finances
Earthquake Insurance for Homeowner Associations(opens in new tab)
Earthquake Insurance for Owners(opens in new tab)
Seismic Ordinances in California(opens in new tab)
Power Outage Checklist(opens in new tab)
Flood Risks and Insurance(opens in new tab)
Brush Clearance Minimum Guidelines(opens in new tab)
Post Earthquake Responses to Severe Earthquakes for Homeowner Associations
Realtors as Board Members of Homeowner Associations(opens in new tab)
Community Association or Homeowner Association?
HOA Abbreviations and Acronyms
Real Estate Acronyms(opens in new tab)
Real Estate Signs(opens in new tab)
Realtor Instructions for the Sale of Condominiums(opens in new tab)
Commercial Signs(opens in new tab)
Political Signs(opens in new tab)
Rental Restrictions Effective January 1, 2021
Occupancy Restrictions(opens in new tab)
No Renting of Unpermitted Rooms(opens in new tab)
Escrow Services Provided by Management Companies
Accessory Dwelling Units – Granny Flats
Adopting and Amending Operating Rules
Repeat and Continuing Violations(opens in new tab)
Grandfather Clauses(opens in new tab)
Move-in and Move-out Deposits Move-in and Move-out Fees(opens in new tab)
Election Rules Required(opens in new tab)
Reasons to Amend or Restate Your Association's CC&Rs
Community Association or Homeowner Association? What is the Difference?
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Granting Exclusive Use Easements to Members(opens in new tab)
Audits, Reviews, and Compilations
Neighborhood Watch Programs for Your HOA(opens in new tab)
Fire and Carbon Monoxide Safety Checklist(opens in new tab)
Occupancy Restrictions - Condominiums and Apartments(opens in new tab)
Noise Between Neighbors(opens in new tab)
Nuisances and Restraining Orders(opens in new tab)
Senior Communities (55+)(opens in new tab)
Family Day Care Centers(opens in new tab)
Sober Living Facilities in Associations(opens in new tab)
Why CC&R's Must Be Updated(opens in new tab)
Mutual Water Companies - California Management Services(opens in new tab)
Requirements for California Mutual Water Companies - AB 240(opens in new tab)
Glossary of Groundwater and Water Well Terms(opens in new tab)
Yard and Estate Sales(opens in new tab)
Regulation of Homeowner Associations(opens in new tab)
Regulation of HOAs by the Government(opens in new tab)
Townhouses, Townhomes, and Condominiums(opens in new tab)
Community Associations - Names(opens in new tab)
Tenancy In Common (TIC) Housing(opens in new tab)
DRE Tenancy In Common (TIC) Guidelines(opens in new tab)
Master Planned Communities - Master Associations(opens in new tab)
Benefits of Owning a Condominium Home(opens in new tab)
Loft - Live Work Projects(opens in new tab)
Condominium Plans, Tract Maps, Parcel Maps(opens in new tab)
Airspace Condominiums(opens in new tab)
Cost Segregation - Cost Segregation Analysis(opens in new tab)
Operating Rules Available(opens in new tab)
CC&Rs and Operating Rules Enforcement Differences(opens in new tab)
Adding a Washer and Dryer to a Condominium Unit(opens in new tab)
What Do Condominium Association Insurance Companies Care About?(opens in new tab)
Rules Targeting Children - Risk Violating Fair Housing Laws(opens in new tab)
Megan's Law - Sex Offenders(opens in new tab)
Mold Glossary(opens in new tab)
Mold Prevention(opens in new tab)
Termite Infestation and Dry Rot(opens in new tab)
CC&Rs - Cover Page(opens in new tab)
Housing Discrimination is Illegal(opens in new tab)
Disabled Parking Requirements for Condominium Associations(opens in new tab)
Ski Resorts in California(opens in new tab)
Operating Rules for Homeowner Associations(opens in new tab)
When HOA Operating Rules are Unenforceable(opens in new tab)
Bylaws of Homeowner Associations(opens in new tab)
Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions(opens in new tab)
Mobile Home Park Management(opens in new tab)
Suspension of Common Area Privileges(opens in new tab)
Application for Use of Clubhouse/Recreation Room(opens in new tab)
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Ventura County HOA Management
Serving All of California
626-260-3553 (Cell)