Articles for HOA Boards
The following articles were written by Michael Chulak from January 2020 to the current date to supplement our frequently asked questions section of this website and to assist HOA boards govern their associations in accordance with California law:
Rights and Powers of HOAs and HOA Board Members
HOA Portfolio Manager Training
Why Does Michael Chulak Provide Free HOA Seminars?
Reasons HOA Defendants Hire Litigation Managers
Earthquake Insurance for Associations
Warning and Security Disclaimer
Reasons Why New Board Members Must Read Historical Minutes and Financial Reports
Financial Reports Warning Signs
How Are Management Fees Determined?
How to Interview an HOA Management Company
Management Company Traps - Caution
Developer to Homeowner Transition Services
Saving Dollars for Homeowner Associations
Artificial Turf, Artificial Grass
Seven Ways to Avoid Special Assessments
Certified Vendor Programs - Caution
Management Company Owned or Affiliated Maintenance Services
Twelve Reasons Homeowners Refinance Their Homes
Refinance Your Condominium - Get the Best Rate and Terms
Lender's Questionnaire - Purpose
Exclusive Use Common Area Maintenance Responsibilities
Budgets for Homeowner Associations
No Current HOA Budget - What can Happen?
Reserve Studies Required – Reserve Funds
Calculating Minimum Reserve Contributions
Reserve Expenses - Unanticipated
No Reserve Account - What Happens?
Is Your HOA Protected from Fraud and Embezzlement?
Neighborhood Safety Evaluations
Video Surveillance Cameras - Release of Video
Why Homeowner Associations Get into Trouble
Safety Considerations for HOAs and Apartment Buildings
Breach of Fiduciary Duty by Directors of Homeowner Associations
Appointment of a Provisional Director for an HOA
Reasons to Incorporate Your HOA
Reasons Why Management Companies Terminate Management Agreements
Waiving of Late Fees by Board Members
Late Charges - Homeowner Associations
Homeowner Association Delinquency, Lien, and Collection Policy
Why You Should Run For Election to the Board of Directors of Your HOA
How to Get Elected to the Board of Directors of Your HOA
Candidate Qualifications for Board Members
Why You Must Vote for HOA Directors
Board of Directors is Required
Filling Vacant Board Positions
Candidate Forums–Board of Elections
Pledge by Nominee for Election to Board of Directors
Increasing Attendance at HOA Annual Meetings
What Happens if Nobody Runs for the Board
Who Can Attend Board Meetings–Open Meeting Act
Parliamentary Procedure - Robert's Rules
Minimum Number of Board Meetings
Annual Membership Meetings Required
Most Common Reasons Board Members are Recalled
Breach of Fiduciary Duty by Directors of Homeowner Associations
Recording Board and Homeowner Meetings
Secret Recording of Executive Session Meetings by Board Members
Special Assessment Limitations
Payment of Assessments - Methods
Delinquent Assessments – Board Members
Board Members and Close Relatives Performing Work for HOA
Independent Insurance Brokers vs. Captive Agents
HOA Board Duties Regarding Insurance
Commercial General Liability Insurance Coverage
Water Damage Legal Liability Insurance
Additional Insured Endorsements
Certificates of Liability Insurance - Insurance Declaration Pages
Employment Practices Liability Insurance
Umbrella Liability Insurance Policies
HOAs-Say Goodbye to Independent Contractors
Directors & Officers (D&O) Insurance
Protection of HOA Directors and Officers Against Personal Liability
Workers' Compensation Insurance Required by Homeowner Associations
Loss Assessment Coverage for Condominium Owners
Renters Insurance – Why it is Necessary
Voting for Earthquake Insurance
Checklist for Buying a Condominium
Disclosures to Prospective Purchasers by Owners
Reasons Lenders Reject Loan Applications from Condominium Owners and Buyers
Why Do Mortgage Lenders Reject Home Loan Applications?
Freddie Mac - Conventional Mortgage Loans
Fannie Mae Insurance Guidelines
FHA Single Unit Approval Guidelines
FHA Certification of Condominium Associations
FHA and VA Certification Disclosures
Owner Claims Against HOA – Water Intrusion
Animals - Service, Therapy and Emotional Support
Animal Registration and Emergency Information
Parking for Disabled Residents
Dangerous Animals - Strict Liability
Religious Items on Doors and Door Frames
Homeowner Association Security
Privately Owned Security Cameras
Comparison of Management Services Offered
Commercial Condominium Management
Large Associations with On-site Management
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
Backflow Testing, Devices, Prevention
Water Leaks - Clean, Gray and Black Water
Elevated Structure Inspections
Before You Decide on Self-Management - Read This
HOA Self Management - Does it Make Sense?
How Much Does Self-Management Save?
How American HOA Management Processes Invoices
Why Hire a Construction Manager
Failure to Maintain Roofs-What Could Happen?
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
Election of Officers by Board of Directors
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
Delegation of Duties by Boards
Internal Dispute Resolution IDR Process
Alternative Dispute Resolution ("ADR")
Disciplinary Hearings - Due Process
Attorneys at Hearings - Violation of CC&Rs and/or Rules
Evidence at Disciplinary Hearings
Anonymous Complaint - Violation Hearings
Rescheduling Disciplinary Hearings
Failure of Accused to Appear at a Hearing
Proposed Operating Rule - Reimbursement of Recording Secretary Fees
Duty to Investigate - Due Diligence
Duty to Review Association Finances
Earthquake Insurance for Owners
Seismic Ordinances in California
Brush Clearance Minimum Guidelines
Post Earthquake Responses to Severe Earthquakes for Homeowner Associations
Realtors as Board Members of Homeowner Associations
Community Association or Homeowner Association?
HOA Abbreviations and Acronyms
Rental Restrictions Effective January 1, 2021
No Renting of Unpermitted Rooms
Escrow Services Provided by Management Companies
Accessory Dwelling Units – Granny Flats
Adopting and Amending Operating Rules
Repeat and Continuing Violations
Move-in and Move-out Deposits Move-in and Move-out Fees
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
Audits, Reviews, and Compilations
Neighborhood Watch Programs for Your HOA
Fire and Carbon Monoxide Safety Checklist
Occupancy Restrictions - Condominiums and Apartments
Nuisances and Restraining Orders
Sober Living Facilities in Associations
Mutual Water Companies - California Management Services
Glossary of Groundwater and Water Well Terms
Regulation of Homeowner Associations
Regulation of HOAs by the Government
Townhouses, Townhomes, and Condominiums
Community Associations - Names
Tenancy In Common (TIC) Housing
DRE Tenancy In Common (TIC) Guidelines
Master Planned Communities - Master Associations
Condominium Plans, Tract Maps, Parcel Maps
If you found these articles to be helpful,
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American HOA Management
Serving All of California
English: 818-991-9019
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