When I read this article, it sounded like something that would and could happen at a homeowners association. A man was asked to prune a Sycamore tree on the grounds of a hotel. Instead of leaning his ladder against the trunk of the tree itself, he placed his ladder against…
Assemblymember Julia Brownley has proposed legislation that would impose new and unwarranted restrictions on the assessment collection process for California community associations. Without any showing that there is a need for this new law, her proposed new legislation would protect delinquent owners at the expense of their associations and all…
You may remember the three pigs’ response to the wolf when he demanded entry into their homes in the old children’s story. Unfortunately, we have seen some cases where a few homeowners seem to consider their homeowners association to be a “wolf” and will not cooperate with the association’s reasonable…
No joke; this was the headline in a recent edition of the Ventura County Star newspaper. The article describes a bitter neighborhood dispute at the Bridle Path Community Association. There are accusations of ballots not being counted and other election issues. It appears that there is a fight by some…
We are seeing many associations deferring common area maintenance and repair because they are afraid to increase their regular assessments or levy special assessments because they are concerned that the owners cannot pay any more money. In many cases, associations are experiencing 20% to 30% (or more) delinquencies. This is…
We recently received an interesting request from a board of directors regarding amending the pet provision in their Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions. Apparently, many members of the association have a distinct love of ferrets. Following is the language we developed for this association… 1. Each Owner shall keep…
E-mail has become the communication method of choice for many board members and association management. It is a rare board member or manager that does not utilize e-mail, and while we all can agree that e-mail has improved our respective ability to communicate with one another, it does have its…
Recent reports indicate that about 4 million U.S. homeowners are 90 days or more delinquent on their loans or in foreclosure proceedings. Many experts are forecasting another wave of foreclosures. Follow these links for some interesting stories from the following sources: L.A. Times, Foreclosure Pulse, and MSN Money Central Adding…
Going legally broke has made a big comeback, especially in California, despite major revisions to the US bankruptcy code intended to curb filings. The number of Californians seeking bankruptcy protection is booming. The amount of personal bankruptcy filings rose 75% in 2009 (from the 2008 filings). With many Californians continuing…
Sandra Gottlieb, partner of SwedelsonGottlieb, and President of Association Lien Services, was also nominated by the Channel Islands Chapter for its Speaker of the Year for her program on boards of directors’ fiduciary duties and responsibilities. Sandra is a new member of the Channel Islands Chapter’s Board, was elected President…