This is very good information Dennis and after reviewing it again I am reminded of the important information here, Thank you for all the hard work you are doing to improve the relationship between Management Companies, BofD’s and Members. FYI, another word for Voluntary Associations is Neighborhood Associations. Too many in Tucson want to make the association mandatory. I think all the word tricks should be known to the naive buyer or HO.

Your “lot info” can usually be foundon the financials given to the board members. Ask a member. If your HOA maintains a web site ( as mine does ), that is another avenue for easy access. Go to a board meeting & ask questions !

These are actually part of the disclosure documents that associations are required to provide potential unit buyers prior to closing. Unfortunately just because it is a law for HOA’s does not guarantee compliance.

Matt
Being self managed is surely an option for smaller HOA’s or Condo’s, but you must do that with your eyes wide open. This takes real work, managing records and business contracts as well as supporting the needs of your community, it is not just about getting an accountant to handle the finances. It also takes a commitment to know and understand the laws and the community documents. While we see issues with many if not most so called professional management companies, the possibility of even worse issues come up with self managed communities because the board members do not take or have the time to stay current with the laws governing you community, and in doing so infringe on the rights and due process due each homeowner.

What the article is however dealing with as a viable option to HOA’s in total called improvement districts. The only municipality that we know of in the state is the City of Gilbert that allows these options for developers. We have tried for three years now to make communities at least allow this option to any developer building one of these common interest communities, but so far have been unsuccessful at getting these bills passed.

This site is absolutely fabulous!

Your site is so fantastic. I’m going to come back here again.

No on SB 1080

The Casa Grande Lakes HOA refuses to allow anyone access to the books, records , or tax returns. They are self managed, no one can even see the ballots. They told us we could see all the stuff then quickly called executive session . I smell a serous problem. They even pay themselves to serve and don’t get a 1099.. Can you see the issues that I see?

There needs to be a one source database of current lawsuits against any particular HOA in any county – other than going through county court records which are usually behind. The AARP wrote a good primer on the duties of HOA’s in Florida. There is a Seminole case in District Court of homeowners winning against HOA foreclosure – wherein they assert they have first priority lien over mortgages to foreclose. The maricopa county general’s office gave me the name of a company that audits HOA records if you make a claim or request for audit – I lost the name because after I threatened to have this done, my issues were resolved by HOA. Does anyone know what company does this as an advocate for homeowners in Arizona? Our HOA year end budget looks drastically off – the numbers and justication for costs and special assessments look bogus, but I have no comparison or rule of law to refer to check.

Nice post! Please share some more tips about Arizona HOA Statutes