HOA HELL

In the final episode of our 6-part Neighbor Dispute Series, attorney Michael Kushner tackles the lesser-known but still highly effective legal claims that often go overlooked in neighbor disputes. These “legal wildcards” may not fit the typical categories of nuisance or trespass—but they can be just as powerful when applied correctly.  Michael explains how negligence and waste show up in real-life...

In Episode 5 of our 6-part Neighbor Dispute Series, attorney Michael Kushner explores the most emotionally charged—and legally dangerous—types of neighbor conflict: harassment, surveillance, defamation, and even physical assault or battery.  If your neighbor is yelling through walls, filming through your windows or into your yard, spreading lies about you, or crossing the line physically, this epi...

In Episode 4 of our 6-part Neighbor Dispute Series, attorney Michael Kushner breaks down one of the most common—and infuriating—scenarios homeowners face: when your HOA refuses to intervene in neighbor disputes. Whether your HOA is enforcing the rules selectively, ignoring serious violations, or pretending it’s “not their problem,” this episode will show you exactly how to force them to act. Micha...

In Episode 3 of our 6-part Neighbor Dispute Series, attorney Michael Kushner is joined by senior associate Sam Khil to tackle one of the most aggressive categories of neighbor conflict: trespass, encroachments, grading manipulation, and spite fences.  If you’ve ever discovered a fence or other structure built on your property, watched runoff destroy your landscaping, or had a neighbor claim rights...

In this first episode of our 6-part Neighbor Dispute Series, attorney Michael Kushner breaks down one of the most common—and misunderstood—legal tools in California neighbor law: the private nuisance. Whether it’s relentless noise, recurring foul odors, or something harder to pin down like light pollution, Michael explains when everyday annoyances cross the legal threshold and become actionable. D...

In Episode 02 of our 6-part Neighbor Dispute Series, attorney Michael Kushner digs into one of the most common—and most expensive—sources of neighbor conflict in California: tree disputes. Whether it’s overhanging branches, root damage, or a tree blocking your view, this episode explains when you can act, when you need permission, and when you’re setting yourself up for a lawsuit.  You’ll learn th...

HOAs across California are misleading homeowners about what they can and can’t do when it comes to renting out their property. Whether it’s an arbitrary rental cap, an outdated restriction buried in the CC&Rs, or a flat-out ban, the result is the same: intimidation, confusion, and lost income. But the law tells a different story—and in this episode of HOA HELL, noted attorney and HOA expert Mi...

California homeowners are getting blindsided by soaring HOA insurance costs—but what’s actually driving this crisis? In this episode of HOA HELL, attorney Michael Kushner breaks it down: the real reasons behind exploding premiums, how it's impacting HOAs statewide. What You’ll Learn in this Episode ✅ The real causes behind soaring HOA insurance premiums: Wildfires, insurer exits, and a stran...

In this episode of HOA HELL, attorney Michael Kushner delivers something every California homeowner needs: a step-by-step playbook for holding your HOA accountable. If you’ve been dealing with a dysfunctional board—whether it’s ignoring maintenance obligations, enforcing rules unevenly, or blocking your improvement requests without justification—this episode gives you the legal roadmap to fight ba...

In this episode of HOA HELL, attorney Michael Kushner takes on a topic that cuts to the core of every California homeowner’s battle with their HOA: transparency. This episode focuses on the very brief rise—and immediate fall—of Assembly Bill 21, a 2025 legislative proposal that would have forced HOAs to operate with the same level of transparency as public agencies. Kushner breaks down what AB 21...

What started as a well-meaning safety law has turned into a financial wrecking ball for thousands of California homeowners. In this episode of HOA HELL, attorney Michael Kushner—one of the pioneers of HOA litigation in California—is joined by senior associate at MBK Chapman, Sam Khil, to break down California’s Balcony Law and its devastating unintended consequences for everyday homeowners. In thi...

Did you know that on January 1, 2025, a new law went into effect that, for the first time ever, allows HOAs to adopt electronic voting procedures—without the red tape that used to make it nearly impossible?  In this episode of HOA Hell, attorney and a leading authority on HOA law, Michael Kushner, along with his producer, Justin Rodriguez, take a deep dive into California’s new HOA Electronic Voti...