Category Archives: HOA Community Association Disputes & Legal Matters

Chicago condo owner’s long-running Fair Housing case settled

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Last week Michael Novak, a plaintiff in a fair housing lawsuit against State Parkway Condominium Association and others, distributed a news release announcing an out-of-court settlement of his 13-year-long dispute over his family’s service animal. The Novaks, who are both deaf, live with their daughter and a service dog named Hera. Hera alerts the Novaks to doorbells, ringing telephones, alarms, and other situations that hearing people take for granted. Continue ReadingChicago condo owner’s long-running Fair Housing case settled→

Notable HOA lawsuits (August 2019)

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   This month: Allegations of fraudulent HOA foreclosures; derivative lawsuit involving elite golf community; CA Supreme Court considers issue of voter apathy; condo association accused of skipping elections; family sues after child drowns in community swimming pool; HOA lawsuit over alternating paint color scheme settled out of court.  Dozens of former owners sue their condo association over fraudulent foreclosures (TX) At least 30 current and former owners of units Continue ReadingNotable HOA lawsuits (August 2019)→

HOA, condo & co-op case law and litigation highlights (July 2019)

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities, debgoonan@icloud.com This month: court decisions affecting amendment of CC&Rs, HOA priority liens, foreclosure standards, Fair Housing Act accommodations, and much more.    Court approves reduction of percentage membership vote needed for amending CC&Rs (CA) Did you know that sometimes a judge can make it easier for your HOA-governed community to amend its restrictions? The case of Orchard Estate Homes, Inc. v. Orchard Homeowners Alliance is one example. The Owners’ Association Continue ReadingHOA, condo & co-op case law and litigation highlights (July 2019)→

HOA lawsuits – personal stories, homeowner challenges

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Gavel and legal books lawsuit court

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities debgoonan@icloud.com When things go wrong with your HOA, can you find justice in court? Lots of homeowners think they can — until they’re knee-deep in a long, drawn-out lawsuit. I’m not an attorney. However, over the past 7 years, I have been reading legal complaints, case summaries, and generally following the progress of legal disputes in HOA-Governed Housing. This updated repost summarizes the challenges homeowners face in fighting their Continue ReadingHOA lawsuits – personal stories, homeowner challenges→