NJ Legislation aims to make HOAs more accountable

Shared by Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities

Here’s a legislative proposal written in reaction to claims for storm damage in June of this year. Apparently, owners of association-governed property had a difficult time getting insurance claims resolved because they could not get information about their association’s policies.

“Association Homeowners’ Protection Act of 2015″ (S3235) seems like a step in the right direction.

Thank you , Kevin McArdle, for bringing this to our attention.

 

Are homeowners associations accountable enough to you?

By Kevin McArdle October 27, 2015 1:00 AM

More than 1 million New Jersey residents live in communities with homeowners associations. The top Republican in the state Senate said people pay hard-earned money in dues to these associations, and they deserve some transparency.

Homes
AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File

Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean (R-Westfield) said he is pushing to expand and update the “Planned Real Estate Development Full Disclosure Act,” which hasn’t been changed since 1993.

“This legislation focuses on accountability as well as transparency,” Kean said. “It’s time to update a 22-year-old law.”

Kean has introduced the “Association Homeowners’ Protection Act of 2015″ (S3235). The measure would require:

  • Homeowners associations to provide a copy of homeowners’ association insurance policies, which are needed to start personal home insurance claims processes. The association member would have to request the copy and it would have to be sent via email within 24 hours, or hard copy within 48 hours.
  • Homeowners associations to offer a 24-hour emergency phone number for members.
  • Homeowners associations to provide information including contact numbers for board members, as well as the most recent budget and all insurance information.

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