The California legislature has extended the deadline for inspection of balconies, stairways, decks, and similar structures to January 1, 2026. The prior deadline was January 1, 2025. Under California law, engineers, architects, or other qualified parties can perform the inspections and provide the required report. However, many insurance companies will not accept reports prepared by anyone other than California licensed engineers or architects which means that anyone relying on a contractor is taking a risk.

Shutting off the water in one condominium often requires shutting off the water to a stack of condominiums, and in some cases, the entire building. See: Shutting off the Water in Condominiums.

Coast Management of California recommends the purchase of earthquake insurance. While most boards have the authority to decide whether to purchase earthquake insurance, it is wise for boards who have such authority to permit the overall membership an opportunity to vote on this important issue unless the board decides to acquire such coverage. If a board is opposed to obtaining earthquake insurance coverage, they should always permit the overall membership to vote on the matter in order to minimize their personal liability. Such liability can result from an earthquake that results in damages.

It is important to be aware that some Directors and Officers Liability Insurance Policies (Errors and Omissions Coverage) do not cover directors and officers for their failure to obtain correct or adequate insurance coverage.

The results of any vote taken concerning the issue of whether to purchase earthquake coverage should be noted in the minutes.

Architectural committees should be concerned about compliance with the CC&Rs, Rules and Regulations and the appearance of proposed modifications. Compliance with building codes should be left to the local city or county. If your architectural committee assumes responsibility for making comments on possible code violations, it places your association in a position to be held liable in the event that it makes an error in judgment. There is no reason for an association to assume that responsibility.

The policy of HOAs regarding delinquencies, liens and collections must be consistent with the association’s CC&Rs, but must include other information. Following is a sample policy that conforms to most HOA CC&Rs: Homeowner Association Delinquency, Lien and Collection Policy.

Coast Management of California provides management services to Tenancy in Common (TIC) homeowner associations located anywhere in California. See: Tenancy in Common (TIC) housing.

Homeowners who want information about registered sex offenders in California can find information by visiting meganslaw.ca.gov. Searches can be made by location or by name. In most areas, the number of offenders within a five-mile radius is substantial.

Our list of articles for HOA board members and future board members continues to be expanded. The list and all articles can be found on this website. They are intended to assist your board manage your association while complying with the Davis-Stirling Act.

More and more homeowners are purchasing electric vehicles and need to make arrangements to install a charging station in a common area garage. Owners are encouraged to read: Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.

More and more HOA insurance companies in California are requiring an updated reserve study before they will renew an insurance policy. California law requires that associations with common area obtain an updated reserve study every three years. It must also be reviewed by the board every year in between to determine whether it needs to be adjusted or updated at that time. For information about reserve studies: Pacific Reserve Studies.