HOA Homefront

06/01/2026

Without good care of the shared elements (the common area), one of the greatest benefits of HOA living disappears. Boards that skimp on maintenance or repair expenses are almost certain to find that the cost only gets worse with time.

Kelly Richardson, Esq., CCAL explains more:

Kelly: Our HOA has not kept up with building maintenance. I along with other residents have reported issues to our board but our requests apparently go unheard. These are reported through a resident portal which allows for pictures to be uploaded so there is a record.  Some are blatant safety iss...

05/26/2026

Readers: Senate Bill 1007 would prohibit boards from increasing budgets by no more than 8%, unless they obtain a membership vote. This would prevent boards from prudently managing association finances, by artificially keying the budget to “inflation.” It’s a bad bill and would harm HOA ability to keep properties in good maintenance and repair.

Urge your representatives to oppose it.

The bill may be heard on the Senate floor at any time. Please take a moment to call and email your state senator and urge a NO vote on SB 1007. Take Action Here: https://bit.ly/4v2UUEW

05/25/2026

Kelly Richardson, Esq., CCAL continues to address assessment-related questions from readers. Additionally, see information regarding SB 1007, a bill that would really handcuff HOAs.

Please urge your representatives to oppose it. The bill may be heard on the Senate floor at any time. Take a moment to call and email your state senator and urge a NO vote on SB 1007.

Read more here:

Dear Mr. Richardson: How much notice is an association supposed to give a homeowner before a special assessment is due? C.A., Orange 

05/18/2026

This week, Kelly Richardson, Esq., CCAL addresses reader questions on assessments. Find answers here: https://bit.ly/4ulahsG

💭 Have a question about your HOA or community association? Submit it here for a chance to be featured in a future column: https://bit.ly/3PsZIV5

05/11/2026

Misunderstandings regarding exclusive use areas lead to many regrettable disagreements. Simply put, exclusive use areas are not “your” property, but are a portion of the common area set aside for one member’s use. Kelly Richardson, Esq., CCAL explains more:

Condominium projects typically consist of three categories of property – the “separate interest” (normally called the “unit”), the “common area”, and “exclusive use common area.” Misunderstandings regarding exclusive use areas lead to many regrettable disagreements. Simply put, exc...

05/09/2026

🎉 HOA Homefront is officially 21! 🎉

For 21 years, HOA Homefront has been helping California homeowners, board members, and community association managers navigate the ins and outs of community living. 🏡

What started as a resource for HOA education has grown into a trusted weekly column featured in 17 newspapers across California, including the Orange County Register, San Diego Union-Tribune, San Bernardino Sun, Long Beach Press-Telegram, and more! 📰✨

From board responsibilities to neighbor disputes and everything in between, HOA Homefront continues to answer the real questions impacting community associations every day.

💬 Have a question about your HOA or community association? Submit it here for a chance to be featured in a future column:https://bit.ly/3PsZIV5

Here’s to 21 years of education, insight, and supporting stronger communities across California! 🎂👏

05/04/2026

This week’s column is an expository article focusing upon the installation of HOA security camera systems. Kelly Richardson, Esq., CCAL explains how security and privacy can co-exist- with some careful planning here:

Many HOAs inquire about installing security monitoring cameras. Such cameras may or may not be required by the specific history of a given property, under the rulings in California Supreme Court decision in Frances T. v. Village Green (1986), California Supreme Court case of Ann M. v. Pacific Plaza....

04/27/2026

This week, Kelly Richardson, Esq., CCAL addresses three questions on the same theme – homeowners who desire (or oppose) security cameras installed by other homeowners. Read more here:

Dear Kelly: What is the law when it comes to doorbell cameras mounted on outside, pointing at your neighbor’s front door? W.B., Canyon Country

04/20/2026

In 2029, a new law will ban watering of “nonfunctional turf” with potable water. What is “nonfunctional turf,” and must your HOA prepare to remove it?

Bottom line is good news for most HOAs, the law really doesn’t affect them in a major way

In 2029, a new law will ban watering of “nonfunctional turf” with potable water. What is “nonfunctional turf,” and must your HOA prepare to remove it? 

04/13/2026

Civil Code 4926 permits 100% virtual meetings as an alternative to solely in-person or hybrid board meeting formats. Kelly Richardson, Esq., CCAL shares some ideas your board may wish to consider as you update your HOA’s written meeting rules.

Civil Code 4926 permits 100% virtual meetings as an alternative to solely in-person or hybrid board meeting formats. Here are some ideas your board may wish to consider as you update your HOA’s written meeting rules.