The Uncommon Area

Insurance is one of the most complex and fast-changing aspects of HOA management. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook talks with Jonathan Naranjo of Liberty Naranjo about the biggest insurance challenges communities face today and what boards can do to prepare.

They discuss why HOA insurance premiums are rising, how to identify and reduce risk factors, and what boards should know about the difference between admitted and non-admitted carriers. Jonathan also shares practical tips for improving board communication, increasing transparency with homeowners, and planning ahead to protect both property and finances.

If you serve on an HOA board or manage a community, this episode will help you make sense of insurance, navigate coverage options, and make smarter, more confident 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!

Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at [email protected] or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

When public access meets private HOA property, the legal boundaries can get complicated. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook talks with attorney Sandra Gottlieb of Swedelson Gottlieb about how California associations can navigate shared spaces, easements, and access rights under the California Coastal Act.

They break down how public use impacts liability, insurance, and maintenance responsibilities, plus what boards should know about managing trails, beaches, and community amenities that border public land.

If you are an HOA board member, manager, or homeowner dealing with shared or open-access areas, this episode offers practical legal guidance to protect your association and its property rights.

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!

Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at [email protected] or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

California HOAs face major changes with AB 130, the new law limiting fines to $100 per violation and requiring homeowners be given an opportunity to cure issues before enforcement. In this special episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook talks with HOA attorney Steve Tinnelly about what these changes mean for enforcement, health and safety exceptions, and how boards should update policies to stay compliant.

If you are a board member, property manager, or community leader in California, this episode provides actionable guidance to navigate AB 130, maintain compliance, and protect your association.

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!

Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at [email protected] or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

HOA insurance costs are skyrocketing, and boards need to act before it impacts residents and budgets. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook talks with Cory Neubauer of NEXTIER Insurance Services about why premiums are surging, how to navigate admitted vs. non-admitted carriers, and strategies for risk management in high-cost markets.

They cover the drivers behind rising premiums, the limits of deductible changes, per-unit policy impacts, and why early communication with brokers and homeowners is critical. Cory also shares practical steps boards can take to protect property values, maintain compliance, and plan for future insurance spikes.

If you serve on an HOA board, manage a community, or want to understand how insurance changes affect your neighborhood, this episode provides actionable guidance and expert insight.

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!

Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at [email protected] or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

Can an HOA restrict what homeowners say or display? In this episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook sits down with attorney Sarah A. Paas of Tinnelly Law Group to unpack one of the most misunderstood issues in community living: free speech rights inside an HOA.

They explore what the First Amendment actually protects, how California law extends additional rights to residents, and where the line is drawn between commercial and non-commercial speech. From political signs to social media posts, this conversation breaks down what HOAs can and cannot regulate, and how boards can set fair, compliant rules that respect freedom of expression while maintaining community harmony.

If you’re an HOA board member, community manager, or homeowner, this episode will help you navigate speech rights, signage rules, and practical policies that protect both values and voices.

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!

Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at [email protected] or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

California HOAs face major compliance and financial challenges under SB 326, the Balcony Bill. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook is joined by Ryan Darby, Regional Director at Action Property Management, and Tad Black, VP of Community Management, to explain how balcony inspections impact lending, insurance, and property values.

They cover what qualifies as a compliant inspection, the “stoplight” grading system, how ambiguous reporting can halt real estate transactions, and why associations may end up on Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac blacklists. Boards and managers will learn proactive steps to secure repair scopes, document compliance, and protect their community from financial and reputational risk.

If you serve on a board, manage a community, or own property in an HOA, this episode provides actionable guidance to stay ahead of SB 326 requirements and prevent costly surprises.

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!

Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at [email protected] or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

HOA elections can make or break community trust, yet many boards and managers underestimate the complexity of running them fairly. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook talks with Lisa Schwartz, founder of The Ballot Box, a firm specializing in HOA elections for over 18 years.

They unpack everything from legal requirements and ballot security to electronic voting and common election pitfalls. Lisa explains why third-party oversight is critical, how her firm prevents fraud with unique identifiers and double-envelope systems, and what boards should do before, during, and after election season to ensure transparency and compliance.

Listeners will also learn about cumulative voting, electronic tabulation, and the responsibilities of inspectors, plus practical tips for avoiding privacy violations, tampering, and procedural errors.

If you are an HOA board member, property manager, or resident, this episode provides actionable insights to run fair, compliant, and trustworthy elections.

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!

Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at [email protected] or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.



Clear, consistent communication is essential for successful HOA management. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook and industry expert Julie Adamen discuss how proactive communication reduces homeowner frustration and increases engagement. They explore best practices such as using multiple communication channels, incorporating visuals, leveraging experts, and maintaining a positive tone. Whether through emails, newsletters, video updates, or in-person meetings, transparency is key to building trust and preventing conflict. Tune in to learn how HOAs can improve relationships with their residents through better communication strategies.

Read Julie’s article here

Adamen, Inc.

Synthesia.io

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The post Can Communication Kill Conflict? | Ep. 66 appeared first on Action Property Management.



Electronic voting is coming to California homeowners associations! Starting January 1, 2025, HOAs will have the option to conduct elections through electronic voting, offering a modern alternative to traditional mail-in ballots. But what does this mean for board members and managers?

Join Matthew Holbrook and Dennis Burke, attorney at Fiore Racobs & Powers, as they dive into the specifics of this legislative change. From updating election rules to navigating the new technical requirements, we break down what you need to know to prepare your HOA for this shift. Plus, we discuss how California’s approach compares to other states and the potential benefits (and challenges) of electronic voting.

Learn more about Dennis

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The post Electronic Voting in 2025 | Ep. 65 appeared first on Action Property Management.