January 2024
- 2024 New Laws – Some Good News actually.
- 24 New Year’s Resolutions – or 24 Best Practices to consider implementing.
- Navigating California’s Balcony Law – This is the year to get it done!
- New Lender Requirements – from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
- Is your Association Manager Certified?
October 2023
- Rain is Coming – Are you Ready?
- Board Email discussion – new ruling
- Reserve Studies – Updated standards
- Enhancing Community Appeal: Exterior Painting
- The Cure for Apathy – Possibly!
- HOA Leadership – A Great Challenge!
July 2023
- Insurance: Traversing California’s Wildfire Insurance Crisis
- Civility: Restoring Civility to your Community
- Legislative Update – Mid-year 2023
- Painting Advice from Three Experts
April 2023
- It’s Volunteer Appreciation Week!
- Every Owner Should have a “Unit Owner Policy”.
- Neighbor-to-Neighbor Disputes: They are such a nuisance.
- Virtual Board Meetings: A law that came too late.
- Where is the “Community” in Community Associations?
January 2023
- Who Will Serve on the Board?
- New Laws for 2023!
- SB326 The Balcony Inspection Requirement Q & A
- Is your Association Manager Certified?
July 2022
- Save Water by Resolving Plumbing Issues
- Navigating California’s Wildfire Insurance Crisis
- Architectural Rules: A requirement!
- HOA Leadership: Managing Board Roles
- And a correction to “Expert Advice Regarding Balcony Inspections”
April 2022
- New Lending Requirements for Condominiums
- How to be a Happy & Productive Volunteer Board Member
- Is your Association Manager Certified?
- Importance of Regular Tree Maintenance
- Expert Advice Regarding Balcony Inspections
January 2022
- Effectively Managing your Board Member Role
- Election Law Reform – Assembly Bill 502 – Acclamation Bill
- Got Conflict? Help is on the Way
- Earthquake Insurance for Unit Owners
- 2022 New Law Summary
October 2021
- A Board’s President Parting Words of Advice.
- The Balcony Inspection Law
- HOA Homefront: Shorter Meetings are better! Here’s how to do it.
- Keeping Track of your Money: the key tool to recognize the potential of running low on funds.
- 2022 Budget Preparation Advice & Resource on more Balcony information.
- Meetings: To “Zoom” or not to “Zoom”.
July 2021
- OWNER SATISFACTION SURVEY 2021
- UNDERSTANDING RESERVES: NEW BOOK RELEASE – CHAPTER 1
- ROOF MAINTENANCE – NOT TO BE SKIPPED!
- 2021 MID-YEAR LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
- EFFECTIVE BOARD LEADERSHIP TRAITS
- CALENDAR REMINDER FOR SUMMER – RESERVE STUDY!
March 2021
- 2021 LAW SEMINAR ANNOUNCEMENT – APRIL 20 – REGISTER FOR THIS ZOOM SEMINAR
- NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK – RECOGNITION OF HOA BOARD MEMBERS
- IMPROVING BOARD MEETINGS – DRAFTING A CODE OF CONDUCT!
- LEGISLATIVE BILLS TO WATCH in 2021
- PURSUING BOARD SUCCESS – IT’S NOT A FULL TIME JOB
- RENTALS IN HOA’S – PRACTICAL GUIDANCE FOR BOARDS AND OWNERS WHO RENT!
January 2021
- Rental Restrictions: New Law for 2021.
- Common Interest Development Manager Certification Explained
- Tax Filing Requirements for Year End
- CID Insurance: Best Practices
- Manager Designations Explained
October 2020
- The new “Balcony Inspection” Law
- Budget Preparation: Assessments too high?
- Reserves to the Rescue? Tapping reserves during Covid-19
- Rental Caps and Assembly Bill 3182
- Does your Association have “employees” that you don’t know about? (Assembly Bill)
July 2020
- Reserves: How much should an HOA have? (Page 1)
- The issue of TIME in HOA’s and what COVID taught us (Page 1)
- Legislative Bills to keep an eye on in 2020 (Page 3)
- Preventative Maintenance: don’t neglect the pipes! (Page 4)
- What to do, when you don’t “Love thy Neighbor”. (Page 5)
- “Great Ideas”: Safer package delivery to your residents (Page 7)
Click Here to Read Newsletter
April 2020
- Restoring CIVILITY to your Community!
- In APPRECIATION of HOA Board Volunteers
- PAINTING: Cutting corners the RIGHT way
- New Legal Requirement: Governing Documents
- 33 Leadership Ideas
- Manager Certification
Click Here to Read Newsletter
January 2020
- LEGISLATIVE UPDATE for 2020
- HOA ELECTION PROCESSES MUCH MORE DIFFICULT
- WINNING STRATEGIES FOR HOA BOARDS
- NEW EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE FOR BOARDS!
- A LOOK AT “HOA ELECTIONS”
- THE “JOYS” OF SERVING ON AN HOA BOARD
- HIRING VENDORS; BEST PRACTICES
October 2019
- ANNOUNCING A NEW EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE FOR BOARDS!
- RAINY WEATHER PREPARATION
- LEGISLATIVE UPDATE for 2020
- MANDATORY ANNUAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES
- EARTHQUAKE PREPARATION
- WHAT MAKES A DIRECTOR OUTSTANDING
- EARTHQUAKE INSURANCE CONSIDERATIONS
July 2019
- Code of Ethic for Community Association Members
- Meeting Agendas: Simple, Required and Helpful!
- “Trouble in River City HOA”
- Being a Good Neighbor Can Make You a Better Person
- Reserve Studies “Undercover”
- 2019 Pending Legislation
March 2019
- Small HOA’s are affected harder by State Laws
- Association Vendors – How to get the most out of them.
- Association Board Volunteers – Appreciation and Gratitude!
- Special Assessment Guidance
- The Truth about Toxic Mold
January 2019
- 2019 New Requirements – regarding Fidelity insurance requirements, Board review of finances and “Transfer” requirements.
- Manager Certification
- Painting: Four important questions to ask.
- The Beven & Brock annual manager certification disclosure
October 2018
- The Janitor Bill – New requirement for janitors with penalties to HOA’s.
- Reserve Study Results – What to expect from your study.
- Annual DISCLOSURE requirements –
- How to keep the lawyers at bay! Timely advice for boards
- Open Forum – A board meeting requirement.
- Why contribute to reserves?
- Challenging Board Transitions: Don’t throw the baby out……….
July 2018
- Legislative Update for 2019
- How to get a GREAT Reserve Study!
- Meetings: 10 tips for Shorter Meetings
- Recall Elections: Can’t we all get along?
- Insurance: Why a Unit Owner Policy is Important!
- Conflict in your HOA? Here is one solution.
- Quick Tips for HOA Leadership Success!
April 2018
- WHY WOULD I WANT TO SERVE ON THE BOARD? Addressing the excuses of owners who refuse to serve.
- BOARD MEMBER ROLES SUMMARY!
- ADVICE FROM A HOA PRESIDENT! This is excellent information from a successful Board President
- HOW TO AVOID A REALLY BAD DAY! Proactive measures with plumbing.
- MUTINY IN THE HOA! Adopt these measures to avoid a crisis in your HOA.
- CELEBRATING HOA VOLUNTEERS! It’s that time again.
- UPCOMING BOARD TRAINING SEMINAR – Back page
January 2018
- In this issue following topics are addressed: Manager Certification: Does it Really Matter?
- 2018 Legislative Update, by Matt Ober; Richardson Ober PC
- The Perfect Board Meeting
- Code of Ethics for Board Members
- Wet Weather Preparation for 2018
- Manager Certification at Beven & Brock, The Annual Disclosure
October 2017
In this issue we address the following topics:
- If I Was President of the HOA Board: 10 Leadership Tips for Presidents!
- Adequate Reserves: A new reason why funding makes sense.
- Worker’s Compensation Insurance: is it necessary if you don’t have employees?
- Mandatory Annual Information requirements – over 20 items to be aware of!
- FHA Approval for your association; one way to increase value of units in your association.
- Disaster Preparation: How HOA’s can prepare for the “big one”.
- Apathy: The Greatest Challenge in HOA Living
July 2017
In this issue we address the following topics:
- Painting: How to cut to corners the “right way” on your next painting project
- Proposed legislation for 2018 and what you can do about it!
- Good Neighbor day is coming: Being a good neighbor is a “Good” choice.
- Financial Oversight of your Association finances – what to look out for.
- Insurance Coverage: Important advice to be aware of!
April 2017
In this issue we address the following topics:
- HOA Board Members are the BEST Volunteers!
- New Law that may affect your rights and communication with owners!
- The President of the Board Job Description!
- Rules about Rules!
- Improving Property Values 10 ways to do it!
- Insurance: why a Unit Owner policy is important!
- Qualities of a GREAT President!
January 2017
In this issue we address the following topics:
- MANAGER CERTIFICATION: The Annual Disclosure
- THE FRONT PORCH! What happened to it? A fresh look at Community.
- BOARD MEMBERS CODE OF CONDUCT! A guide to help you with Board meetings.
- NEW LAW: ANNUAL MANDATORY INFORMATION REQUIRED OF OWNERS
- MODEL CODE OF ETHICS FOR BOARD MEMBERS!
- NEW LAW: Maintenance responsibilities for Exclusive Use Common Areas
- WAKE UP: 2017 is the YEAR OF THE ROOSTER! What do Boards need to be reminded of?
- ANNOUNCEMENT OF A NEW BEVEN & BROCK MANAGER: ANGELA NAZARI
November 2016
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) RENTALS IN YOUR ASSOCIATION: Addressing the challenges
2) ANNUAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES
3) COLLECTION ISSUES: In this issue we asked two collection firms to state why their approach is better: Judicial or Non-Judicial. You decide!
4) RAIN PREPARATION: What happened to El Nino?
5) INSURANCE: 3 Common Mistakes made by Agents
September 2016
In this issue we address the following topics:
2) BUDGET PLANNING FOR 2017 – some amazing and interesting information here!
3) ANNUAL DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT CHANGES!
5) WHY CONTRIBUTE TO RESERVES?
6) ELECTION LAW UPDATE
July 2016
In this issue we address the following topics:
1)Painting – You get what you Pay for!
2)HOA Bullies – How to address!
3)Reserve Studies – Why is it important!
4)Architectural Modifications – Tools to Ensure Compliance
5)Election Law update
6)Financial Surprises – Part 2
7) Management Companies – Good, Bad, or Ugly!
May 2016
In this issue we address the following topics:
1)Ten Tips for Shorter Meetings
2)Construction Defect Claims – Why should an HOA file?
3)FHA & VA Certification – A new requirement.
4)HOA Board Quick Tutorial
5)Financial Surprises – How to avoid them!
6)Vendors – How to get the most out of them!
March 2016
In this issue we address the following topics:
1)Celebrating HOA Board Volunteers!
2)Annual Tax Return requirements
3)Amending your governing documents – When is the right time?
4)Eight Things HOA Boards to do make their lives harder!.
5)Board meetings: The Five P’s of Success?
January 2016
In this issue we address the following topics:
1)El Nino rain preparation – Are you Ready?
2)Preparing your landscaping for El Nino!
3)New law regarding Pool Maintenance!
4)Major Improvements in California Earthquake insurance policies.
5)Manager Certification: The annual disclosure!
6)New Year’s Resolutions for HOA’s!
Announcement of newly Certified Manager, Laura Aguilar!
November 2015
In this issue we address the following topics:
1)The Elephant in the Room – Addressing challenging assessment and budget issues
2)Holiday Displays – Shedding Some Light for the upcoming season
3)HOA Advice from an HOA President
4)Burned Out Board Member Syndrome: How to prevent it!
5)Insurance Claims – Basic concepts
6)AirBnB? Good idea or no?
7)Annual Financial Disclosures
8)Apathy – No one will serve on the Board, what now?
September 2015
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) The Vice-President and the Member-at-Large Board Positions!
2) Recruiting Board Members – Addressing Excuses!
3) Annual Reserve Disclosure Requirements.
4) New Owner Challenges – How to address!
5) Pasadena water restriction requirements for faucets and showers
6) Worker’s compensation insurance and why HOA’s must carry it.
7) Roof Maintenance
July 2015
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) The Board Secretary
2) Code of Conduct for Board Members
3) Reserve Studies: How to get a great one!
4) Painting: strategies for a great result
5) A model Code of Ethics for the Boars
6) Plumbing Issues: How to avoid a major problem!
May 2015
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) Announcement of Great President Award
2) Judicial Foreclosure
3) Non-Judicial Foreclosure
4) The Role of Treasurer
5) Earthquake Insurance
6) Effective and Successful Board Meetings
7) Community Building
March 2015
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) Upcoming Seminar on April 23, 2015. Information on registration on Page 1.
2) Celebration of HOA Volunteers
3) Water Conservation for your landscaping
4) Rules about Rules: how to adopt effective rules!
5) The President of the Board!
6) Annual Tax Returns
7) Tax filing Changes
8) Annual Financial Review Requirements
January 2015
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) HOA Board Quick Tutorial – intended to make your life as a Board member more manageable
2) 2015 Legislative Update
3) Manager Certification – The annual disclosure
November 2014
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) Annual Disclosure Requirement Changes
2) Overcoming Apathy – Creating Community!
3) Required Board responses to Reserve Study Disclosures
4) Drought legislation
5) Painting: how often?
Septmeber 2014
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) Free Seminar for HOA Board members on October 23, 2014
2) Construction Defects: ABC’s of Defect Claims, by Michael A. Hearn, Esq.
3) Insurance: Understanding the Association’s Master Policy regarding interior damage, by Steve Segal, Farmers Insurance
July 2014
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) Architectural Modifications: Tools to ensure compliance, authored by HOA Attorney Matt Ober
2) Reserve Studies: How to select an Expert, written by Robert Nordlund.
May 2014
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) FIVE KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL BOARD SERVICE!
2) ASSOCIATION FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: HOW TO REVIEW!
3) THE 10 BIGGEST MISTAKES IN RE-ROOFING!
March 2014
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) March 27 SEMINAR on Rules: Liars, Lawyers & Lunacy – Free, but reservations are required.
2) Earthquake Insurance Coverage – Tim Cline, an HOA insurance expert provides perspective on this important issue.
3) Board Meetings – Why they are important for the value of your investment!
January 2014
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) 2014 – The Year of Implementation – learn how to apply the law changes to your Association
2) HOA Bullies! Learn how to deal with two types of HOA Bullies!
3) The Role of the Treasurer
4) Rules: Liars, Lawyers & Lunacy – announcement about the next seminar on March 27, 2014!
November 2013
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) New Leadership Resource for the President
2) Introduction of our newest Association Manager
3) Annual HOA Disclosures
4) Recruiting Board Members – Addressing Excuses!
5) If I was President of the HOA Board……
September 2013
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) THE FREE SEMINAR IN OCTOBER ON THE 2014 LAW CHANGES
2) HOW TO CONDUCT AN ENFORCEMENT HEARING!
by Attorney David Swedelson
3) RESERVE FUNDING: CONFRONTING THE TRUTH!
by Robert Nordlund, Association Reserves, Inc.
July 2013
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) BUDGET PLANNING for 2014
2) UPCOMING SEMINAR and 2014 LAW CHANGES
3) SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS – PART 2
4) SMOKING BAN TAKES EFFECT IN PASADENA
May 2013
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) Rules about Rules! This article provides some very specific advice on how to establish rules in your community
2) New Pool signage requirements – If you have a pool or spa, these new regulations affect you.
3) Special Assessments – This article addresses an issue that creates some of the most conflict in HOA’s.
March 2013
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) Does Board Service Have to be so DIFFICULT?
2) Insurance: The importance of having the right agent on your team.
3) Inspectors of Elections: What do they do?
December 2012
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) Manager Certification: The Annual disclosure
2) Model Code of Ethics for Board Members
3) Delegation: An important tool for the Board
4) Board Survival: Learn about and register for our next seminar
October 2012
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) DISCLOSURES – FAQ; this article will provide timely information on your current disclosure requirements which are likely due to be distributed within 30 days.
2) CARBON MONOXIDE requirements – new law taking effect January 1, 2013.
3) ASSOCIATION VENDORS – how to achieve optimum results.
August 2012
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) President of the Board – offering advice and direction for Board Presidents
2) Budget Development – providing you with timely direction for 2013 budget preparation
3) Conflicts in Homeowner Associations – tips on how to avoid conflict.
June 2012
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) Delinquency Issues – Pending Bill in the Current Session
2) Reserves – Why Contribute?
3) What Do Directors Need to Know!
April 2012
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) Meetings – Email vs. Live Meetings2) Renters: Restrictions & Relations
3) Association Leadership: Strategies for Success
4) Minutes: They Don’t Have to Be a Chore
January 2012
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) Good Care to Reduce Tree Damage
2) To Be or Not To Be on the Board
3) Five Issues of Importance to Condo Value and Growth
4) Pasadena Limits Smoking in Condos
5) Financial Reviews are Well Advised and Often Required
December 2011
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) New HOA Laws Take Effect in 2012
2) 12 HOA New Year’s Resolutions
October 2011
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) Association Collection Issues: How to determine which approach to take, either Judicial or Non-judicial.
2) Insuring Individual units – why owners should buy their own insurance.
3) Annual Disclosure requirements
4) Year End Budget Considerations
August 2011
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) The Benefits of Judicial Foreclosure
2) Meeting the challenges of Board service
3) Earthquake Insurance
4) Working Smarter, Not Harder
5) Announcement of a new Certified Manager at Beven & Brock
June 2011
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) 60 Minute Board meetings
2) Recording liens – don’t delay
3) Financial Statements – what to look for in reviewing them
4) Major Maintenance issues – how to address successfully
April 2011
In this issue we address the following topics:
1) Smoking – A current update, by attorney Tim Howett.
2) Board Service Doesn’t Have to be Difficult – ideas for Board’s to make the job easier.
3) Address conflict in the community with a social event this summer.
4) Worker’s Compensation insurance: strongly recommended.
In this issue the following issues are addressed:
1) FHA Approval – Is it really necessary?
2) Unit owner insurance is important
3) Roof warranties
4) HOA Presidency – a few guidelines
Useful Links
Organizations:
National Homeowners Association Organization, Community Associations Institute, CAI: www.caionline.org
Local Los Angeles Chapter: www.cai-glac.org
California Homeowners Association Organization, California Association of Community Managers, Inc., CACM: www.cacm.org
Legal Definitions, Research, Civil Code, websites:
www.leginfo.ca.gov/.html/civ_table_of_contents.html
Contractor License Research:
Better Business Bureau rating / status check: http://search.bbb.org/
California contractor status check / insurance check / level of expertise check (by contractor’s name and license number, and by employee name): http://www2.cslb.ca.gov/CSLB_LIBRARY/Name+Request.asp
Informational Only
The information on this website is for informational and educational purposes only, and does not constitute legal advice. The information applies to California only. Because the law is constantly changing, the information on this site may not always be accurate, complete or current. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything contained on the website without first seeking legal advice.
Amendments
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