In 2024, the California legislature passed an amendment that allowed online elections to be held within HOAs. It recognized that this could open the door to digital vote manipulation within the HOA's management, though, so the state mandated that each HOA election needed to have an independent inspector of elections.
California Secretary of State Filings This process legalizes the HOA and creates a public record of its existence. The filings include not only the Articles of Incorporation but can also encompass records of financial statements and any potential dissolution of the HOA.
Filing a lawsuit against an HOA is typically done in small claims court. The first step is to determine how much compensation is required. Small claims is bound by a limit for damages, and any cases seeking damages above this amount must either waive the excess or file in regular court instead.
Homeowners should direct their complaints against a board member to the HOA board or the community manager. An effective board or manager will handle the complaint properly, even if it concerns one of their own. If need be, homeowners can request to enter dispute resolution.
The number is usually five. Very small associations sometimes call for three directors, and very large associations may have seven or more.
New California laws taking effect July 1, 2024 ban hidden fees, limit deposits to one month's rent and double the fines for illegal fireworks.
Once you buy a home that's part of an HOA, you automatically become a member of the HOA. HOA rules are legally binding, and you must adhere to all rules and regulations in the governing document. Yes, there are bylaws that you may not like, but there are no HOA loopholes.
AB1033 is a California state law passed in October 2023 that aims to promote affordable homeownership by allowing ADUs to undergo inium conversion.
What are unenforceable HOA rules? Keep you out of court. Hush up litigation. Discriminate indiscriminately. Enter your home without cause or notice. String you out on the (clothes)line. Fine you for fun. Change rules on the fly. Demand you take down your dish.