When Resident Conduct Crosses the Line: Understanding Restraining Orders in HOAs
Homeowners associations are more frequently faced with difficult situations involving resident conduct that may threaten the safety and well-being of community leaders, staff, and residents. Fortunately, California law provides HOAs with several legal tools to address threatening, intimidating, or harassing behavior through the use of restraining orders. One of the primary remedies available to associations […]
Impact of AB 130: May California HOAs Still Impose Daily or Ongoing Fines?
The recent enactment of Assembly Bill 130 (AB 130) has prompted widespread discussion across the California homeowners association (HOA) industry regarding the future of continuing or daily fines for ongoing violations of an HOA’s governing documents. While the statute now caps disciplinary fines at $100 per violation under Civil Code §5850(c) (absent a health […]
Regulating Holiday Decorations in Your HOA
As the holiday season kicks into full effect – let the decorating begin! But does your homeowners association have a say when it comes to expressing your holiday spirit? HOA’s often have some control when it comes to regulating the decorations adorning a home, but can the HOA decide if the 20-foot inflatable Santa and […]
Risk Management for HOAs & Large-Scale Repair Projects: Lessons from the Woodbridge Decision
*New Case Law A recent appellate court decision, 11640 Woodbridge Condominium Homeowners Association v. Farmers Insurance Exchange (2025) 110 Cal.App.5th 211, marks an important development in HOA law and insurance policy interpretation. The Woodbridge case clarifies how “all risk” (or “open peril”) policies are applied during major construction repair projects. The case stands as a […]
Asked & Answered: Liability for Injured Trespassers in an HOA
*Asked & Answered Asked: “To what extent may our HOA be held liable for an injury sustained by a trespasser in our community pool?” Answered: Under California law, a property owner, including a homeowners association (HOA) may have limited liability for injuries sustained by trespassers on the premises, such as at a community swimming […]
We’re Excited to Announce the Launch of CAM University
As a PCAM and former management company executive, I’ve grown increasingly frustrated with the level of training and education provided to new community managers through our existing trade organizations. About 15 years ago, several of CAI’s Executive Directors encouraged me to apply for National Faculty. At the time, there was a recognized need for California […]
Keeping Fines in Check: HOAs Face $100 Cap as AB 130 is Signed into Law
On June 30, 2025, AB 130 was passed by the California Legislature and signed into law by Governor Newsom. This law is effective immediately! The overall goal of the bill was to expedite housing and reduce costs by waiving some CEQA requirements. However, AB 130 affects homeowners associations by amending part of the Davis […]
HOA Liability FORE Errant Golf Balls
Golfers sustaining injury while out on the links is sometimes “par for the course”. Due to the nature of the sport, California courts consistently apply the “assumption of the risk” doctrine to claims by golf participants against golf course operators for injuries sustained from risks that are inherent in the sport itself. For example: “Golf […]
Understanding SB 900: HOA Repair of Utility Service Interruptions
Recent legislative changes under Senate Bill 900 (SB 900) have made notable updates to the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act. These changes are especially important for California homeowners’ associations (HOAs), as they directly impact maintenance obligations, reserve funding, and emergency financial planning. Here’s what your board needs to know and how your HOA can prepare. […]
Whose Yard is it Anyway? Part I: Homeowners’ Speech
Part I: Can HOAs restrict homeowners’ speech? For individuals residing in common interest developments, the constitutional right to free speech is not applicable. While many believe that they have a right to freely express themselves by posting signs, banners, flags, and religious symbols on their own properties, they may be surprised to learn that […]