Tag Archives: Massachusetts

City Councilman objects to his own developer-controlled HOA

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities debgoonan@icloud.com Today’s post reveals another reason for the waning popularity of HOA-governed communities: Local politicians now have their very own HOA-horror stories to tell. After decades of local governments blessing or mandating HOA-governed common interest communities, it was just a matter of time before the politicians got caught in the snares of their own dysfunctional communities. Owners have no say in Lake Forest HOA Hebron, Ohio city councilman Wayne Continue ReadingCity Councilman objects to his own developer-controlled HOA→

HOA, condo & co-op case law and litigation highlights (July 2019)

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities, debgoonan@icloud.com This month: court decisions affecting amendment of CC&Rs, HOA priority liens, foreclosure standards, Fair Housing Act accommodations, and much more.    Court approves reduction of percentage membership vote needed for amending CC&Rs (CA) Did you know that sometimes a judge can make it easier for your HOA-governed community to amend its restrictions? The case of Orchard Estate Homes, Inc. v. Orchard Homeowners Alliance is one example. The Owners’ Association Continue ReadingHOA, condo & co-op case law and litigation highlights (July 2019)→

HOA, condo & co-op corruption and fraud round up (June 2019)

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities debgoonan@icloud.com This month’s roundup. Ex-treasurer gets one year to repay condo association. Law enforcement finally catches up with rental agent who allegedly cheated condo owners and vacationers. Police arrest former board member for alleged theft of almost $100,000.   Judge cuts former condo treasurer a break in plea deal When nearly $11,000 went missing from the condo association’s bank account, Stillwater Condominium Association filed criminal charges against their former Continue ReadingHOA, condo & co-op corruption and fraud round up (June 2019)→

States enact new laws regulating short-term vacation rentals (AZ, MA, WA – 2019)

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities City and town governments have been regulating short-term and vacation rentals for several years, especially with the growing popularity of online rental platforms such as Airbnb, HomeAway, VRBO, and others. The battle over short-term rentals is controversial, often pitting neighborhood residents against owners and investors who earn substantial profit sharing their home. Local regulation typically results in inconsistent, piecemeal regulations from town to town. Not wanting to miss out Continue ReadingStates enact new laws regulating short-term vacation rentals (AZ, MA, WA – 2019)→