FAQ — HOA Law Stars

Question 1

What exactly does HOA Law Stars do?

Accepted Answer

HOA Law Stars provides low-cost consultation and clarification of community governing documents and state law concerning HOA communities. We help homeowners understand their CC&Rs, By Laws, and Rules & Regulations in plain language, so they know their educated on their rights and can identify whether their HOA Board is meeting its obligations. We do not provide legal advice or legal representation.

Question 2

What is the difference between consultation and legal advice?

Accepted Answer

Legal advice involves a licensed attorney applying the law to your specific situation and representing your interests in a legal proceeding. HOA Law Stars provides consultation and document clarification of your governing documents, help you understand how they apply to a homeowner's specific situation, and clarify how state HOA law generally applies to common interest community situations. We do not represent you in any legal matter, and our consultations are for homeowner informational purposes only.

Question 3

Do I need a lawyer, or will a consultation with HOA Law Stars be enough?

Accepted Answer

That depends on your situation. Many homeowners find that understanding their governing documents and knowing their rights is all they need to resolve a dispute or respond to their Board effectively. If your situation involves litigation, formal legal proceedings, or requires someone to represent you, you will need a licensed attorney. HOA Law Stars can help you get clarity before you decide whether legal representation is necessary.

Question 4

What types of HOA issues can you help with?

Accepted Answer

We can help with a wide range of common HOA concerns, including: understanding your CC&Rs, By Laws, and Rules & Regulations; reviewing whether fines or special assessments were properly imposed; clarifying Board member obligations under your governing documents; understanding due process requirements for enforcement fines and disciplinary actions; and identifying homeowner rights you may not have known you had. If you are unsure whether your situation is something we can help with, call for a quick consultation.

Question 5

What documents do you review?

Accepted Answer

We review the primary governing documents of HOA communities: CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions), By Laws, and Rules & Regulations, along with reviewing applicable HOA state law, as well as reviewing Hearing letters and Violation notices to make the community Management and Board are following proper procedure. These are the documents that define how your community is governed, what the Board can and cannot do, and what rights and obligations homeowners have.

Question 6

How do I share my documents with you?

Accepted Answer

You can share your governing documents with us ahead of your scheduled session. Most HOA governing documents are available from your HOA management company, your county recorder's office, or through your HOA's online portal. We will review them prior to or during your session and explain what they mean and say in plain language.

Question 7

How long does a document review session take?

Accepted Answer

Document review sessions are typically billed at $3 per minute for sessions over 30 minutes. The length depends on the complexity and volume of your governing documents and the specific questions you have. Most standard document clarification sessions run between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours. We also offer a flat-rate 1-hour Consultation & Document Review session at $175.

Question 8

What if my HOA documents are very long or complicated?

Accepted Answer

Many HOA governing documents are lengthy and written in dense legal language. That is exactly why we are here, to provide a low-cost alternative for homeowners to avoid paying expensive attorney fees for the simple review their existing governing documents. We are experienced in reading and interpreting these documents and will focus on the sections most relevant to your situation. If your documents require more time than a single session, we can schedule follow-up sessions.

Question 9

How do I book a consultation?

Accepted Answer

You can book a consultation by calling us directly at (424) 274-1618 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm), or by submitting an inquiry through our contact form. We will confirm your session type, date, and time, and provide instructions for sharing any relevant documents ahead of your appointment.

Question 10

What are your consultation session options and pricing?

Accepted Answer

We offer four session types: Quick Consult at $5 per minute (under 30 minutes) — best for a focused question; Standard Session at $3 per minute (over 30 minutes) — ideal for document review; Flat Rate 1-hour Dispute Consultation at $175; and Flat Rate 2-hour Fines & Assessment Review at $300. All sessions are conducted online.

Question 11

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Accepted Answer

We aim to schedule consultations within a few business days of your inquiry. Availability may vary depending on demand. For urgent matters, call us directly at (424) 274-1618 and we will do our best to accommodate you as quickly as possible.

Question 12

Are consultations conducted in person or online?

Accepted Answer

All HOA Law Stars consultations are conducted online. This allows us to serve homeowners across the country, regardless of location. You will receive a link or call-in details when your appointment is confirmed.

Question 13

Can HOA Law Stars help me fight an unfair fine?

Accepted Answer

We can help you understand whether a fine was properly imposed under your governing documents and whether or not due process was followed. We will clarify what your HOA CC&Rs and By Laws say about the enforcement process, notice requirements, and your right to a hearing and right to appeal a hearing decision if necessary. Armed with that clarity, you will be better positioned to respond to your Management and Board or to decide whether you need legal representation.

Question 14

What is due process in an HOA context?

Accepted Answer

Due process in an HOA context generally refers to the procedures your Management company and Board is required to follow before scheduling a Hearing, imposing a fine or special assessment. This typically includes proper written notice, an opportunity for the homeowner to be heard, and adherence to the procedures set out in your governing documents and state law. We can review your documents and clarify whether the process used in your situation met those requirements.

Question 15

Can you help with special assessments as well as fines?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can help clarify if the special assessment or fine was fair practice. Special assessments charges levied by the Board for specific expenses beyond the regular budget must also follow the procedures set out in your governing documents, as well as consideration of state law. We can review your CC&Rs and By Laws to clarify whether a special assessment was properly authorized and whether the correct process was followed.

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