Davis-Sterling.com Newsletter – 05/13/2012
UNDERGROUND CHARGING STATIONS QUESTION: We have underground parking which makes it expensive to retrofit anything. A resident wants the HOA to supply power to his parking space so he can install a charging station for his car. He claims the electric draw is less than a hair dryer (not sure I believe that). As more [...]
Davis-Sterling Newsletter – 05/06/2012
POLITICAL SEASON BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES QUESTION: We live in a security complex and we have a “No Solicitors” sign posted in the front of the building. Somehow political canvassers and campaigners are still entering our complex. Because it’s political, do we have to allow them in the building? ANSWER: No you don’t have to [...]
Davis-Sterling.com Newsletter – 04/29/2012
ROGUE TREASURER QUESTION: We have a director who is under the impression he is the only one who can sign checks because he is the treasurer. Without board approval, he has called special meetings of vendors, refused to pay vendors and has even torn up a large check in front of a vendor. He has [...]
Davis-Sterling.com Newsletter – 04/22/2012
POOL COVERS I received a number of comments about pool covers. Following are a few: #1. Last week a reader recommended pool covers but I believe an association cannot use covers for their pools–only individual homeowners. -Dan F. #2. California doesn’t allow HOAs to have pool covers because our pools are considered commercial. Please tell [...]
Fannie and Freddie Set Timeline Requirements for Short Sales
BY: CARRIE BAY Beginning June 15, real estate agents working with distressed homeowners whose loans are backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac should expect to receive a decision on a short sale offer within 30-60 days. The GSEs issued new guidelines Tuesday that fall under the Servicing Alignment Initiative rolled out last fall and aim to bring greater transparency to [...]
Davis-Sterling.com Newsletter – 04/15/2012
DELINQUENCY GIFT QUESTION: A buyer can’t obtain financing because the lender requires a lower delinquency for our association. If we had one less delinquency, escrow could close. The buyer wants to pay off one of the delinquent owner accounts to move the escrow along. Can this be done? ANSWER: Yes, it can be done. It [...]
Community Associations Institute – Spring Newsletter
For many associations, spring means maintenance. Let CAI Press help with expert guidance for all your maintenance and contracting needs. The Ultimate Guide to Pool Maintenance Learn how to keep pools, spas and other recreational water-containment units in tip-top shape. This comprehensive guide contains technical information and tricks of the trade suitable for the [...]
Davis-Sterling.com Newsletter – 04/08/2012
STRAY CATS, POSSUMS AND RATS QUESTION: We have a lady who feeds many stray cats in the common areas. Because she leaves out food, it attracts possums, raccoons and rodents. She totally ignores our letters. What can we do? Can we fine her? She is creating a dangerous environment. ANSWER: You can fine her under [...]
Does Your Condo or HOA Need to Install a Pool Lift?
Blog post by David Swedelson, Senior Partner at SwedelsonGottlieb, Community Association Attorney; Condo Lawyer and HOA Attorney We have been receiving calls and emails asking whether California condo, planned development, or stock cooperative HOAs are required to comply with a 2010 change in Federal law that requires that pool lifts be installed at public pools. [...]
Davis-Sterling.com Newsletter – 04/01/2012
ONLINE PETITIONS QUESTION: Can homeowners use an online petition such as www.GoPetition.com to recall the board? ANSWER: Your question raises two issues. First, just to be clear, petitions cannot be used in place of secret ballots to recall a board. Petitions can only be used to call special meetings of the membership. Second, just as California does not recognize electronic [...]