Tag Archives: Alternative Dispute Resolution

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?→

HOA, Condo Legislation updates: Hawaii

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities As noted in a previous blog, several HOA and Condominium bills have been introduced in Hawaii this year. One of the most notable, HB 381, a proposal for establishment of a Condominium Ombudsman to handle dispute resolution, has died in committee, following testimony at a hearing held on February 8, 2017. Although the committee received written testimony in support of HB 381, twice as many letters were received in opposition to Continue ReadingHOA, Condo Legislation updates: Hawaii→