Disclaimer: This information is intended for California residents only and should not be considered legal advice. When an HOA controls the purse, but no one checks the receipts Is your HOA spending money like there’s no tomorrow, while raising dues or threatening special assessments? You’re not alone. Across California, homeowners are questioning where the money […]
Tag: HOA special assessment
Selective Enforcement in HOAs
Why Do Some Neighbors Get Away With Everything While I Get Written Up? Disclaimer: This blog is for California residents only. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why did I get a violation notice when my neighbor did the same thing with zero consequences?” – you’re not alone. Selective enforcement is one of the most common […]
HOA IRS Revenue Ruling 70-604: What It Means When Homeowners Vote for It or Against It
Every year, your HOA holds its annual meeting, and buried in the agenda is a confusing line item that reads something like this: Vote to apply excess membership income to the following year’s budget or refund it to members: IRS Revenue Ruling 70-604. Most homeowners glance at it, shrug, and move on, but what you […]
The Top 10 Battles Homeowners Are Fighting in 2025
It used to be simple. You paid your HOA dues, trusted your board, and believed your fees went toward maintaining your community. But in 2025, homeowners across the country are realizing it isn’t that simple anymore. Surprise special assessments, hidden fees, and arbitrary rules have left many feeling frustrated, powerless, and unsure where to turn. […]
BBQs on Balconies: The Hidden Firestorm Inside HOA Rules
It always starts with something simple. A sunny Saturday.A new propane grill.And that first sizzle of steak on the balcony. For Mel, it was supposed to be a quiet afternoon… until a violation notice appeared on her door: Unauthorized use of an open flame appliance on balcony: $250 fine. She was stunned. Wasn’t this her […]
HOA Landscaping Fees and Special Assessments: Are You Overpaying?
It started with a notice in the mailbox: “Landscaping Improvement Assessment: $1,850 due within 30 days.” That’s how it happens for most homeowners. You move into an HOA community expecting tidy lawns, green belts, and a sense of order. Then one day, you’re asked to pay hundreds or even thousands more for something you thought […]
The Day Your HOA Parking Citation Changed Everything
It Started with a Bright Orange Slip The first thing Chelsie noticed wasn’t the orange slip. It was the glare. The afternoon sun bounced off her windshield, and for a moment, she thought it was just another flyer or delivery notice. As she got closer, her heart sank. “NOTICE OF VIOLATION.” Her HOA’s logo sat […]
HOA Insurance Hikes: How to Stop the Costs From Falling on You
When Your HOA Insurance Premiums Skyrocket and You’re Asked to Pay Homeowners across California are opening HOA notices with shock, insurance premiums doubling or tripling, followed by a special assessment or dues increase to cover it. What many don’t realize: not all of these charges are justified, and boards sometimes pass costs onto homeowners prematurely, […]
HOA Special Assessments: What Homeowners Need to Know Before Paying
Understanding HOA Special Assessments Before You Write a Check When your homeowners’ association (HOA) sends notice of a special assessment, it can feel alarming. Whether it’s for roof repairs, new landscaping, or electrical upgrades, few things frustrate homeowners more than surprise fees. Before paying, it’s critical to understand what special assessments are, when they’re legal, […]
Balcony and Deck Repairs: What California Homeowners Need to Know About SB 326 and Out-of-Control HOA Assessments
Across California, thousands of homeowners are being hit with massive special assessments for balcony and deck repairs, sometimes totaling millions across an HOA community. While safety is important, many boards are using new inspection laws as justification for excessive, rushed, or poorly managed repair projects that leave homeowners footing the bill. If you’ve received notice […]