Category Archives: Transparency & Disclosure

Florida HOA legislation update (March 2019)

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Jail-cell-prison-bars

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Big news in Florida in the fight for justice for condo owners. Representative Javier Fernandez (D) has introduced HB1259, dubbed by its supporters as the #LockThemUp Bill. HB1259 would put some serious teeth into enforcement of Condominium Act (718). Proposed amendments would create criminal penalties for certain intentional acts and omissions of condo boards. Conflicts of interest, kickbacks Board members subject to criminal penalty for accepting kickbacks: Any such officer, director, or manager who Continue ReadingFlorida HOA legislation update (March 2019)→

HOA, condo & co-op legislation report (Feb 2019-Part 2)

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Rules restrictions hand written

Arizona Highlights of new and pending state legislation as of Feb. 2019, featuring Arizona, California, Idaho, and South Carolina. HOA would get paid last with new priority of payment proposal SB 1531 is a bill proposed by Arizona HOA trade group attorneys, sponsored by Senator David Farnsworth. It would change the priority of payment terms for both condominium and planned communities, to the advantage of HOA management companies, attorneys, and collection firms. Currently, Arizona statute Continue ReadingHOA, condo & co-op legislation report (Feb 2019-Part 2)→

HOA, condo & co-op corruption and fraud roundup (Jan 2019)

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Arrest handcuff fraud theft

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   Long list of HOA theft and embezzlement in this month’s roundup, as well as attorney misconduct. The industry can no longer claim “isolated incidents.” Former manager accused of taking more than $100,000 from Lincoln Village area HOA By Wes Bowers Record Staff Writer Posted Jan 25, 2019 at 5:18 PM Updated Jan 25, 2019 at 5:18 PM STOCKTON — The former manager of a Lincoln Village area homeowners association Continue ReadingHOA, condo & co-op corruption and fraud roundup (Jan 2019)→

Exposing corruption in the affordable housing industry

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Do governments and private individuals spend affordable housing taxpayer dollars wisely? Critics say the industry is plagued by fraud and corruption. What exactly is “affordable housing?” How many times have you heard the industry claim that it’s essential to build condominiums in order to provide more affordable housing? Multiple meanings It depends on who is promoting affordability. Real estate agents and developers often sell home buyers on the concept that Continue ReadingExposing corruption in the affordable housing industry→