Is Your HOA Board Exposed to Liability for Negligence? | Ep. 93

Is Your HOA Board Exposed to Liability for Negligence? | Ep. 93

Volunteer HOA board members don't get paid...but they can absolutely get sued. In this episode, HOA attorney Lisa Tashjian of Beaumont Tashjian [https://www.hoaattorneys.com/lawyer/Lisa-A.-Tashjian,-Esq._cp16391.htm] joins host Matthew Holbrook to break down one of the most overlooked risks in community association governance: board member negligence. Lisa explains the difference between negligence and gross negligence, why boards that haven't raised assessments in years should be concerned rather than proud, and how deferred maintenance creates real legal exposure. She also covers the business judgment rule, what happens when boards go opinion shopping for favorable expert reports, and why ignoring a complaint is never a neutral act. Plus: the social media habit that quietly creates liability for the whole board, the difference between meeting minutes and board resolutions, and why a "book of resolutions" might be the most underused protection tool in HOA governance. If you serve on a board, manage communities, or advise associations, this one is worth your full attention. Follow The Uncommon Area for expert-led discussions on HOA law, governance, and property management best practices. Rather watch the episode? Subscribe to our YouTube channe [https://www.youtube.com/@theuncommonarea]l or go to our page [https://www.actionlife.com/the-uncommon-area]. Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at marketing@actionlife.com [marketing@actionlife.com] or follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ActionPropertyManagement/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/actionproperty/], or LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/action-property-management/].

AB 130 Revisited [Pt 2]: Are We Overreacting? | Ep. 92

California HOAs are still trying to fully understand the impact of AB 130, and according to attorney Dirk Petchul, many boards may be focusing on the wrong things. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook sits down with Dirk to break down the real-world implications of AB 130, including HOA fine limitations, “cured” violations, enforcement confusion, and the legal gray areas community associations are now navigating across California. The conversation explores: • AB 130 explained for HOA boards • California HOA enforcement changes • The $100 HOA fine limitation • What qualifies as a cured violation • Why some HOA boards may be overreacting • The risks of aggressive enforcement strategies • Health and safety enforcement concerns • Why associations should review their governing documents now This episode is essential listening for HOA board members, community managers, homeowners, and industry professionals trying to understand how AB 130 is reshaping HOA operations and enforcement in California. Learn more about Dirk Petchul and HOA legal services at Petchul Law [https://petchullaw.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Follow The Uncommon Area for expert-led discussions on HOA law, governance, and property management best practices. Rather watch the episode? Subscribe to our YouTube channe [https://www.youtube.com/@theuncommonarea]l or go to our page [https://www.actionlife.com/the-uncommon-area]. Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at marketing@actionlife.com [marketing@actionlife.com] or follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ActionPropertyManagement/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/actionproperty/], or LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/action-property-management/].

AB 130 Revisited [Pt 1]: The Enforcement Challenges Facing HOAs | Ep. 91

California HOAs are still adjusting to the realities of AB 130 months after the law reshaped HOA enforcement rules across the state. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook is joined by HOA attorney Maria Kao [https://briscoefirm.com/lawyers/maria-c-kao/] for Part 1 of a two-part AB 130 series focused on one major question: How can HOA boards enforce community standards when traditional fines are no longer an effective deterrent? The conversation explores: * California HOA fine limitations under AB 130 * Repeat and ongoing violations * HOA reimbursement assessments * Health and safety exemptions * Hearing procedures and enforcement policies * Short-term rental enforcement * Amenity suspension and alternative enforcement tools * Communication strategies for improving homeowner compliance Rather than simply discussing the legislation itself, this episode focuses on the practical challenges California HOA boards and managers are now facing in day-to-day operations. Follow The Uncommon Area for expert-led discussions on HOA law, governance, and property management best practices. Rather watch the episode? Subscribe to our YouTube channe [https://www.youtube.com/@theuncommonarea]l or go to our page [https://www.actionlife.com/the-uncommon-area]. Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at marketing@actionlife.com [marketing@actionlife.com] or follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ActionPropertyManagement/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/actionproperty/], or LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/action-property-management/].

When HOA Meetings Go Wrong: Texas Law & Codes of Conduct | Ep. 90

What happens when a homeowner refuses to leave a board meeting? When a fellow board member is exposing the association to liability? When one resident sends 173 emails in four months and every single one is technically civil? In Episode 90 of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook is joined by Texas HOA and condominium attorney Teddy Holtz to explore one of the most pressing challenges in community association management: what to do when civility breaks down. From meeting notice requirements to codes of conduct, from disruptive homeowners to dysfunctional boards, this episode gives board members and property managers the legal tools they need to run better, more protected communities. Topics covered in this episode: * Texas board meeting notice requirements for HOAs and condominium associations * When and how to run an executive session properly * Whether boards are legally required to allow homeowner participation * How to handle a disruptive homeowner, including removal, adjournment, and reconvening * Whether a homeowner can legally be barred from a reconvened meeting in Texas * Recording board meetings in Texas: what is allowed and what is not * Homeowner codes of conduct: what to include and how enforceable they are * Board member codes of conduct: ethical standards, self-dealing, and speaking with a unified voice * Whether a board can vote to remove one of its own members under Texas law * Why financial consequences may be the only thing that changes a bully’s behavior * The growing impact of AI-generated responses in HOA disputes Resources: Guest: Teddy Holtz, Texas HOA Attorney [https://www.winstead.com/People/Teddy-Holtz] Host: Matthew Holbrook, Action Property Management [actionlife.com] Subscribe to The Uncommon Area on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-uncommon-area/id1628927819], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/60iHFvm9CFPna7BlZGKTQi], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@theuncommonarea] Follow The Uncommon Area for expert-led discussions on HOA law, governance, and property management best practices. Rather watch the episode? Subscribe to our YouTube channe [https://www.youtube.com/@theuncommonarea]l. Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at marketing@actionlife.com [marketing@actionlife.com] or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. *Legal requirements vary by state. This episode uses Texas law as examples. Board members should consult local counsel for state-specific guidance.

Is Your HOA Properly Insured? | Ep. 89

In this episode of The Uncommon Area, Action Property Management's CEO, Matthew Holbrook, is joined by insurance expert Dennis Socher to break down HOA and D&O insurance in a way that is practical, clear, and actionable. From directors and officers (D&O) insurance to general liability coverage, this conversation helps boards understand what their policies actually cover and where they may be exposed. Many associations assume they are properly insured, but coverage gaps, exclusions, and outdated property valuations can create serious financial risk. This episode explores how those gaps happen and how boards can take a more proactive approach to managing insurance. We cover: * The difference between HOA D&O insurance, errors and omissions, and general liability * What HOA insurance policies typically cover and what they exclude * How HOA insurance coverage limits are determined and why minimums may not be enough * How to evaluate property replacement cost and avoid underinsurance * Why HOA insurance premiums are rising and why the market is tightening * How water damage, maintenance, and claims history impact your policy * What to expect during the HOA insurance renewal process * The role of an insurance broker and how to choose the right one * When umbrella insurance makes sense for additional protection This episode is essential for HOA board members, community managers, and anyone involved in community association management who wants to better understand HOA insurance, reduce risk, and make more informed decisions. Follow The Uncommon Area for expert-led discussions on HOA law, governance, and property management best practices. Rather watch the episode video? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@theuncommonarea]! Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at marketing@actionlife.com or follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ActionPropertyManagement/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/actionproperty/] or LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/action-property-management/].