Tag: discrimination

Does HUD’s new harassment rule make HOAs, condos, co-ops state actors?

April 19, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities George Staropoli published a fascinating and important blog this week, entitled We don’t want no stinkin’ government protection for HOA members. It is well worth reading and commenting. You can do so here: https://pvtgov.wordpress.com/2017/04/18/we-dont-want-no-stinkin-government-protection-for-hoa-members/ In his blog, regarding a recent newsletter from a California HOA attorney, Staropoli ponders: This … More Does HUD’s new harassment rule make HOAs, condos, co-ops state actors?

The Great HOA Divide

April 16, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Every day I read dozens of reports of conflict and division in association-governed, common interest communities. None of it surprises me anymore. The pattern of behavior and the nature of these fights is disturbingly predictable. Some experts in the industry blame frequent conflict on a few selfish people, those … More The Great HOA Divide

HOA cannot afford to maintain failing onsite sewer system

April 4, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   When you buy into a private community, it often comes with additional costs. In some communities, that cost includes a private water or sewer system, built just for your community. But private infrastructure such as sanitary sewer systems are costly to operate and maintain. And what happens when … More HOA cannot afford to maintain failing onsite sewer system

Texas State Rep files bill to prevent HOA restrictions on displays of religious items

March 1, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities If you have ever lived under the rule of a homeowners association, you know that rules and restrictions can sometimes be onerous. HOAs typically dictate what color you can paint your house and trim, how you can landscape your yard, where you can park your car, and even where … More Texas State Rep files bill to prevent HOA restrictions on displays of religious items

Fair Housing victory: Kuhn v. McNary Estates HOA

January 15, 2017

Posted By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Good news on this lovely Sunday! Gary and Renee Kuhn, parents of Khrizma Kuhn, Woodburn, Oregon, recently contacted me to let me know that a federal Judge has ruled that McNary Estates Homeowners Association violated Fair Housing laws by denying the family a reasonable accommodation for their adult … More Fair Housing victory: Kuhn v. McNary Estates HOA

Vail condo association settles EEOC complaints for more than $1M

January 11, 2017

by Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   I’m posting this as an update to a 2015 blog,  EEOC files suit against Vail CO condo association, management company In 2015, EEOC filed a lawsuit against Vail Run Community Resort Association for discrimination and sexual harassment of Mexican employees. In February of 2016, the EEOC concluded that … More Vail condo association settles EEOC complaints for more than $1M

PA Housing Equality Center says 40% of municipalities violate Fair Housing Act

November 17, 2016

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   This is a follow-up to a blog I wrote a few weeks ago, Are Townships, Townhouse Associations, discriminating against the disabled? According to Attorney John Rule, representing Heart to Heart Care, and Rachel Wentworth, Executive Director of the Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania, both Forks and Palmer Township are … More PA Housing Equality Center says 40% of municipalities violate Fair Housing Act

HUD files Fair Housing claim against GA HOA over children’s backyard play set

November 14, 2016

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities In October 2016, HUD issued charges of discrimination in connection with a complaint filed in June 2014 against Peachtree Court Homeowners Association, the HOA board of directors,  and the Architectural Advisory Committee (AAC). Peachtree Court HOA is a subdivision of 196 single family homes in Cumming, Georgia.   Summary of … More HUD files Fair Housing claim against GA HOA over children’s backyard play set

HUD “Quid Pro Quo” rule clarifies HOA duty to stop discrimination among residents

November 9, 2016

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   Earlier this year I told you about a proposed HUD rule to put an end to discrimination in Association Governed Housing. The rule is now effective, and was recently recorded in the Federal Register (see reference below). The following article from the LA Times provides one example of … More HUD “Quid Pro Quo” rule clarifies HOA duty to stop discrimination among residents

Where can homeowners turn for help with HOA issues?

September 17, 2016

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities I get a lot of requests from homeowners and residents seeking help when things go wrong in their homeowners, condominium, or cooperative association. It depends on the issue, but I try to guide readers to limited available resources. The truth is, while the HOA industry is very lucrative for … More Where can homeowners turn for help with HOA issues?