The post office is taking more and more time to deliver mail. CoastManagementofCalifornia.com sends assessment invoices out on approximately the 22th day of each month. Assessments are due on the first day of the following month and a late charge is incurred on the 16th if payment is not received by that date. While the post office may be slow, every owner has more than sufficient time to mail in their assessment and avoid a late charge. The other alternative is to arrange have your assessment paid by your bank on a specified date. Note that the management company does not have authority to waive late charge.

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.

Coast Management of California is pleased to announce that we have been engaged to manage a 70-unit condominium community in Long Beach, California.

Michael Chulak is available to provide cost effective mediation services for homeowner association, real estate, construction, business, employment, premises liability, and other disputes. See: Southern California Mediator.

The property management company you hire makes a difference. Knowledge and experience saves your HOA money and protects your interests. See: The Property Management Company You Hire Makes a Difference and Evaluate Your HOA Management Company.

Late fees should be waived by HOA boards only rarely and for limited reasons to avoid legal claims. Litigation is expensive and should be avoided if at all possible. See: Waiving of Late Fees by Board Members.

According to our escrow department, fifteen and thirty year mortgage rates have been increasing dramatically. They are now the highest they have been in more than one year. If you intend to refinance, you should do it now. See: Refinance Your Condominium – Get the Best Rate and Terms and Reasons Lenders Reject Loan Applications.

Many homeowner association boards utilize the services of maintenance providers, classifying them’ as independent contractors when they should be classified as employees. The risk of misclassifying a worker can be catastrophic for an association. The risks are based on new laws and include: 1) Being forced to pay unpaid overtime; 2) Being forced to pay unpaid employer payroll taxes; 3) Being forced to pay Workers’ Compensation Insurance premiums retroactively; 4) Being forced to pay vacation benefits, paid leave benefits, and possibly other employee benefits; 5) Being forced to pay penalties and interest; 6) Being subjected to a possible’ lawsuit by one or more homeowners for negligence; and 7) Being subjected to an audit by the State of California, and/or the Franchise Tax Board.

In summation, it is highly dangerous to hire individuals without classifying them as employees. Associations are strongly urged to place individuals on payroll either directly or through their management company. See: HOAs – Say Goodbye to Independent Contractors.

All corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships (legal entities) in California must select an Agent for Service of Process (Agent) when they are formed but may change the Agent at any time. The Agent is the person who is actually served with a lawsuit should the entity be named as a defendant. Many entities select an owner or officer as the Agent. Your entity can protect its interests by having us serve as your Agent for Service Process.