Kelly G. Richardson

Condominium projects typically consist of three categories of property – the “separate interest” (normally called the “unit”), the “common area” and “exclusive use common area.”

Exclusive-use areas are not “your” property, but are a portion of the common area set aside for one member’s use.

Q: My large HOA has monthly assessments that are the same for all units. The units vary in size from free-standing units with yards to attached housing of varying square footage.

There are several ways HOAs can allocate monthly fees Q: My large HOA has monthly assessments that are the same for all units.

Q: How much notice is an association supposed to give a homeowner before a special assessment is due? — C.A., Orange

Your HOA board is not allowed to collect money that is not connected to defraying an actual cost

Nothing in California law says the HOA's obligation to repair property depends on whether it can afford the expense.

Without good care of the shared elements (the common area), one of the greatest benefits of HOA living disappears.

HOA boards often stall on major maintenance or repairs because of a desire to avoid increasing assessments.

Emergency special assessments have saved many HOAs from disaster.