Category Archives: HOA Corruption and Abuse of Power

HOA, condo state laws change homeowner rights (Nov. 2019)

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Debgoonan@icloud.com California provides increased protection against housing discrimination for military families; Florida considers bill to rein in power of CDDs to create new bond obligations for homeowners; Hawaii reverses course on condo owner protection from nonjudicial foreclosure.   California Housing providers cannot discriminate due to Veteran, military status SB 222 makes it a violation of civil rights to engage in housing discrimination based upon Veteran or military status, offering Continue ReadingHOA, condo state laws change homeowner rights (Nov. 2019)→

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

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Arrest handcuff fraud theft

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Debgoonan@icloud.com A noticeable pattern of theft this month: trusted HOA managers, treasurers embezzling money, then falsifying records to cover up their alleged crimes. Plus: one of Chicago’s condo attorneys suspended for one year. Illinois Condo attorney suspended, after he falsified financial records at his former law firm The state agency that regulates legal professionals, Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission (ARDC), recently suspended Michael Shifrin, of Kovitz Shifrin Nesbit. ARDC Continue ReadingHOA, condo & co-op corruption and fraud roundup (Oct. 2019)→

FL Homeowners sue HOA manager, board, and ex-con security guard

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Free Speech constitution first amendment

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Debgoonan@icloud.com When homeowners discovered that their community’s security guard, Joseph Conover, was unlicensed and a convicted felon, a group of four homeowners at Turnberry Reserve decided it was time to oust the current HOA board and management company. A few weeks ago, several homeowners staged a public protest outside the entrance to their community, holding up signs urging their neighbors to vote in a new board of directors at Continue ReadingFL Homeowners sue HOA manager, board, and ex-con security guard→

This month’s most notable HOA lawsuits (October 2019)

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Gavel and legal books lawsuit court

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities debgoonan@icloud.com This month: a fatal construction accident and toxic mold contamination lead to liability lawsuits; conflicts of interest in alleged against a golf resort community; victory for homeowners in HOA lawsuit over holiday lights; court rules HOA can’t stop construction of a nearby group home; $41M award in parking garage defect lawsuit. New Jersey Condo association named in $10M liability lawsuit The family of a construction worker, who was Continue ReadingThis month’s most notable HOA lawsuits (October 2019)→