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Best Practices to Protect Your HOA Data

May 30, 2018 / by HOA Manager

Homeowner associations (HOAs), like most organizations, have adopted information technology for everything from accounting and bookkeeping to email and other forms of communication to preparation of documents and presentations, etc.  However, HOA board members and their management staff must recognize and address the risks inherent in modern electronic technology, especially data breaches & server hacks that compromise information the HOA is responsible for keeping private.

 

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Steps to Take If You Suspect Fraudulent Activity Within the HOA Board

May 28, 2018 / by HOA Manager

Groups that are run by volunteers that handle money are particularly vulnerable to fraud, embezzlement, illegal activities, and scams. HOA boards are no exception. Access to funds is a temptation that some cannot resist.

Dishonest board members can exploit the fact that most volunteers don’t know the details on how to financially manage the HOA’s funds. They also know other board members are busy with family life, jobs and hobbies and may not have the time to scrutinize every transaction. Board members with a bit of financial savvy can “cook the books” to embezzle money or collude with outsiders to collect kickbacks.

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5 Ways Your HOA Board May Unknowingly Put the Community at Risk 

January 23, 2018 / by HOA Manager

As a homeowners association board member, your responsibilities to the community you oversee are many. Homeowners look to their board to keep their community safe, well-maintained and properly managed. Board members are obligated to do everything in their power to meet its members needs while complying with the community’s CC&Rs as well as any state and local regulations. Unfortunately, there are instances where your HOA board may unknowingly be putting the community at risk. Hiring an HOA manager can take the pressure off of your board members. Let’s take a closer look at the pitfalls that can exist and how you can avoid them. 

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End of the Drought: Law Changes Your HOA Board Needs to Know About

April 17, 2017 / by HOA Manager

The California drought has officially been acknowledged as coming to an end. While this is great news for the residents of California, it’s not back to the normal day-to-day management of homeowners association just yet.

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Does Your Homeowners Association Allow Political Yard Signs?

October 28, 2016 / by HOA Manager

Americans are starting to gear up for voting date and showing support for their preferred 2016 presidential candidate by volunteering at campaign locations, watching the latest debates, and posting political signs on their property. This raises the issue of whether or not a homeowners association can restrict residents from posting political signs. Learn more in the article excerpt below and what the law in California says.

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An HOA Board’s Fiduciary Duty: The Key to Avoid Conflicts of Interest

April 15, 2016 / by HOA Manager

In homeowner’s associations, you and every board member are considered a fiduciary and are duty bound to act in the best interests of all residents, not your own best interests.

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Why It's Imporant an HOA Board Pays Attention to the Open Meeting Act

February 17, 2016 / by HOA Manager

casual_meetingA good number of  Board members understand that being a leader within their homeowners association can be a very rewarding yet sometimes thankless job. If they have been on the Board for any length of time, they also know that change is inevitable. Rules and regulations governing homeowners associations are consistently being reviewed and evaluated, and keeping up on the changes is just one responsibility of the Association board.

 

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What to Know About Using Private Drones in Your Homeowners Association

October 14, 2015 / by HOA Manager

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a drone! Camera-mounted private drones are becoming increasingly popular. However, the technology and problems that come with them are still new, and enforcing this violation in your homeowners association will bring unique challenges, as well as the ability to locate the operator.

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New Bill Proposes Guidelines for Turf in Homeowners Associations

August 4, 2015 / by HOA Manager

Does your homeowners association have guidelines/specifications for installation of artificial turf?

Bill AB 349 makes the governing documents, architectural or landscaping guidelines, or policies of an Association void and unenforceable if they prohibit the use of artificial turf or any other synthetic surface that resembles grass.

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3 Steps an HOA Board Can Take to Resolve Disputes in the Association

July 15, 2015 / by HOA Manager

A homeowners association and its members disagree from time to time. The HOA board must provide the homeowner an opportunity to meet and confer with the board. Members must be provided with a fair, reasonable and expeditious procedure for resolving disputes with the Association without being charged a fee. The process is referred to as "Internal Dispute Resolution" (IDR).

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