The new HOA law in California, passed in September 2024, includes amendments to the Davis-Stirling Act of 1985. These amendments make it possible for HOAs to conduct elections online rather than through costly and time-consuming paper balloting.
Rules and Guidelines for HOA Lawsuits Individual members of the HOA board cannot typically be sued; however, the board as a whole functions as a single entity that can be held legally liable in court. Prior to suing a California HOA, it is wise to attempt other types of resolution.
The majority of the time, HOA board members can meet in private, but there are important considerations to bear in mind to ensure openness, adherence to association rules, and compliance with local laws. Private conversations can be beneficial but must be conducted with care and courtesy.
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.
The number is usually five. Very small associations sometimes call for three directors, and very large associations may have seven or more.
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.
Email Discussions Outside of Board Meetings are Permitted Although the Open Meeting Act prohibits the board from acting on items of Association business outside a board meeting…it does not prohibit the board from discussing the items outside a meeting.” (LNSU #1, LLC v. Alta Del Mar Coastal Community Assn (2023).)
HOA Board Membership Numbers Typically, a board needs at least three members, but the maximum size will depend on state laws and the governing policies. HOA boards can expand where the demands and scope of the association increase due to new homes in the neighborhood or a larger number of residents.