Category: State Policy & Legislation

Spike in HOA foreclosures – implications for legislative change

September 15, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities The subject of foreclosure by association-governed communities is getting substantial attention in the past year or two, and that’s a good thing. Investigative reports, such as the following article published by The Arizona Republic at azcetnral.com, serve to increase public awareness of risks for homeowners, as well as the … More Spike in HOA foreclosures – implications for legislative change

HOA, Condo, Co-op Legislative Highlights (Sept 2017)

September 13, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   California California residents of common interest developments have moved one step closer toward upholding their First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and assembly. CA SB-407, An act to add Section 4515 to the Civil Code, has been signed by the Governor, and is now enacted as of September … More HOA, Condo, Co-op Legislative Highlights (Sept 2017)

Adult Bully: Condo association President arrested for harassment of former resident

September 12, 2017

NYPD arrests Neal Milano, condo President and manager of Sunnyside Condominiums,  a 47-unit building in Queens By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   Multiple media reports of alleged abuse and discrimination are circulating about Sunnyside Condominium Association in Queens, New York. Photographs and TV news videos reveal a bizarre and frightening display installed by 70-year-old … More Adult Bully: Condo association President arrested for harassment of former resident

Community Associations, HOAs should seek to remove offensive covenants

September 11, 2017

Rodgers Forge, Towson, MD, seeks to eliminate racist covenants. But why can’t owners and residents in HOAs challenge any restrictive covenant or law that violates the rights of Americans? Every year I read reports of homeowners shocked and dismayed to learn that deed restrictions on their vintage or historic home contain blatantly racist rules against … More Community Associations, HOAs should seek to remove offensive covenants

HOA, Condo, Co-op legislation highlights (July 2017)

July 30, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities California   SB-407: Common interest developments: noncommercial solicitation. (July 18) The bill has passed the Assembly and is now in the Senate. CA SB 407, as amended, clarifies that a common interest community’s governing documents may not prohibit a member’s right to “peacefully assembly and freely communicate” on association … More HOA, Condo, Co-op legislation highlights (July 2017)

Why do HOA residents rarely organize and fight back against injustice?

July 27, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities The latest association-governed common interest community (HOA) industry PR effort that appears to be news – but is not news – is a report from WBTV in Charlotte, North Carolina. The gist of this report is that, when your HOA is non-responsive, read your governing documents, organize a group … More Why do HOA residents rarely organize and fight back against injustice?

Honolulu Condo fire stirs controversy over sprinkler retrofits

July 18, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Fire fighters in Hawaii and other states say that fire sprinklers would have prevented loss of life and property in the recent fire at Marco Polo highrise condominium in Honolulu. Unfortunately, the fire that started on the 26th floor resulted in three fatalities, at least a dozen people injured, … More Honolulu Condo fire stirs controversy over sprinkler retrofits

Priority liens or not, HOAs do not protect property values

July 7, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities The HOA industry got another black eye this week with the release of Nevada Association of Realtors (NVAR) report on the adverse effects of HOA foreclosures on property values. NVAR teamed up with SGS, a professional survey company, to measure consumer opinions of HOAs and the controversial priority lien. … More Priority liens or not, HOAs do not protect property values

HOA, condo, co-op Legislative highlights (June 2017)

June 28, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities California CA SB 407 has been placed on the calendar for a third reading in the Assembly, with amendments to clarify that a common interest community’s governing documents may not prohibit a member’s right to “peacefully assembly and freely communicate” on association property for various political purposes, to include … More HOA, condo, co-op Legislative highlights (June 2017)

Condo to hotel conversion a bad deal for 20% of FL unit owners

June 14, 2017

Minority investor-owners’ investments turn sour, full-time residents are displaced. By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   People buy condo units for several different reasons. Some buyers purchase a unit in a condominium with the intention of making it their primary home. Other buyers may intend to live in their condo full-time or seasonally upon retirement, … More Condo to hotel conversion a bad deal for 20% of FL unit owners