Tag Archives: Alternative Dispute Resolution

Does an HOA respect your due process rights? Don’t count on it.

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities This past week, the controversial confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh as Supreme Court Justice had the effect of raising America’s awareness of the importance of due process to the U.S. Justice System. Likewise, it has shined the light upon the principles of our Constitutional Republic. Due process is a distinctly American concept that begins with the premise that an individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Effective due process Continue ReadingDoes an HOA respect your due process rights? Don’t count on it.→

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In this Texas HOA, working class residents feel unwelcome

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RULE blackboard authority Know the rules

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities This is another crazy HOA with #StupidRules. According to a report from ABC 13 Eyewitness News, Summerwood HOA in Houston has a rule against parking any work or commercial use vehicles in the driveway of a home. That’s a huge deal for Joey Albritton, a very busy plumber by trade. His work van is too large to fit in the garage, but the HOA won’t allow him to park Continue ReadingIn this Texas HOA, working class residents feel unwelcome→

WA homeowner wonders: How does a single $300 late payment turn into $8,000 in HOA late fees and attorney fees?

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   Collection of past due assessments or monetary penalties (fines) imposed by  homeowners,’ condominium, or cooperative associations is way out of control. This is a common complaint I hear from owners of property in association-governed communities all over the U.S. A single missed or late payment of assessments, or the refusal to promptly pay a disputed fine, quickly balloons from a debt of a few hundred dollars to thousands Continue ReadingWA homeowner wonders: How does a single $300 late payment turn into $8,000 in HOA late fees and attorney fees?→

What is HOA trade group’s 2018 Legislative agenda?

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HOA suburb aerial view

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   As 2017 comes to an end, housing and consumer advocates that are concerned about legislative reform need to keep a close eye on what trade group Community Associations Institute (CAI) is up to. In case you missed it, here is CAI’s legislative agenda for 2018. Unfortunately, too many state legislators willingly accept CAI’s claim that it represents homeowners. But technically, CAI represents the members of its trade group, Continue ReadingWhat is HOA trade group’s 2018 Legislative agenda?→

Do homeowners experience due process in HOAs?

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Following yesterday’s blog, Legislation should limit power of HOAs, a reader sent the following comment: This article raises many important issues and misunderstandings about HOA governance. At the Owner level, far too many Owners do not understand their Governing Documents and their rights and duties under those Governing Documents, particularly their due process rights and their duties to elect the Board of Directors. They, too often, don’t exercise their right Continue ReadingDo homeowners experience due process in HOAs?→