The Uncommon Area

How do homeowners associations make sure their voices are heard when new legislation is proposed? In this episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook is joined by Mike Perlof, Director of Client Services at Fenton Grant Law Group and President of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) Orange County Chapter, along with Cory Neubauer, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nextier Ins...

Update (June 24, 2026): The Assembly committee hearing on SB 1007, scheduled for June 24, was canceled at the author's request. The bill has not been defeated or signed into law and remains active in the legislative process. The concerns discussed in this episode remain relevant, and there is still time for homeowners, board members, and community associations to make their voices heard. We'll con...

Volunteer HOA board members don't get paid...but they can absolutely get sued. In this episode, HOA attorney Lisa Tashjian of Beaumont Tashjian joins host Matthew Holbrook to break down one of the most overlooked risks in community association governance: board member negligence. Lisa explains the difference between negligence and gross negligence, why boards that haven't raised assessments in yea...

California HOAs are still trying to fully understand the impact of AB 130, and according to attorney Dirk Petchul, many boards may be focusing on the wrong things. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook sits down with Dirk to break down the real-world implications of AB 130, including HOA fine limitations, “cured” violations, enforcement confusion, and the legal gray areas communit...

California HOAs are still adjusting to the realities of AB 130 months after the law reshaped HOA enforcement rules across the state. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook is joined by HOA attorney Maria Kao for Part 1 of a two-part AB 130 series focused on one major question: How can HOA boards enforce community standards when traditional fines are no longer an effective deterrent...

What happens when a homeowner refuses to leave a board meeting? When a fellow board member is exposing the association to liability? When one resident sends 173 emails in four months and every single one is technically civil? In Episode 90 of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook is joined by Texas HOA and condominium attorney Teddy Holtz to explore one of the most pressing challenges in community a...

In this episode of The Uncommon Area, Action Property Management's CEO, Matthew Holbrook, is joined by insurance expert Dennis Socher to break down HOA and D&O insurance in a way that is practical, clear, and actionable. From directors and officers (D&O) insurance to general liability coverage, this conversation helps boards understand what their policies actually cover and where they may...

Executive session is one of the most misunderstood aspects of HOA governance. In Episode 88 of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook continues his conversation with HOA attorney James McCormick of Delphi Law Group to explain when boards should move discussions into executive session and why it matters. They discuss legal matters, collections, member discipline, contract formation, foreclosure discus...

What happens when conflict erupts inside the HOA board? In Episode 87 of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook speaks with HOA attorney James McCormick of Delphi Law Group about one of the most uncomfortable realities of community governance: disagreements between board members. They explore whether a board member can actually be removed, how recall elections work, and why most association conflicts...

HOA audits play a critical role in ensuring financial transparency and accountability within community associations. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook sits down with CPA Sam Timothy to discuss how HOA audits work and what boards should pay attention to when reviewing financial reports. They explore how auditors verify cash balances, confirm expenses, and identify irregula...

Litigation is one tool, not the only tool. This episode with Chad Thomas of Berding & Weil explores how boards can evaluate defects, understand SB 800, and pursue resolution without rushing into a lawsuit. 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...

Cybersecurity threats against homeowners associations are increasing, and HOAs are becoming prime targets for cyber attacks, fraud, and data breaches. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook is joined by Brad Perry, CIO at Action Property Management, to break down what HOA board members and managers need to know about cybersecurity today. This conversation covers why the human...

What does it really mean to serve on an HOA or condo board? In this episode of The Uncommon Area, attorney Grant Neidenfeuhr joins Matthew Holbrook to unpack the legal and practical realities board members face. From understanding that associations are nonprofit corporations to navigating enforcement, assessments, communication, and decision making, this conversation provides clear guidance for bo...

Creative financing is changing how homes are bought and sold. Caleb Christopher joins The Uncommon Area to explain what HOAs need to know about investors, seller financing, and rental rules, and why clarity may be a board’s strongest tool. Key Topics Covered What creative financing actually means Seller financing vs. subject-to transactions Why low-interest mortgages are valuable assets How invest...

As the year comes to a close, we wanted to share something a little different. This special holiday episode is a story about a delayed flight, a tired mother, a hurt toddler, and a few strangers who chose to pay attention. What unfolded was a simple act of kindness that grew into something meaningful and unforgettable. At Action Property Management, this is our heartbeat. Caring for people. Walkin...

Attorney Cang Le of Le Firm joins The Uncommon Area for a clear look at what fiduciary duty really means for HOA board members. Cang and host Matthew Holbrook break down how board decisions are judged, why expert guidance matters, what creates legal exposure, and how the business judgment rule actually works in practice. If you serve on an HOA board or work in community management, this episode gi...

Matthew Holbrook sits down with mortgage advisor John Farrell to break down how SB 326, the Balcony Bill, is reshaping condo sales across California. They explore why inspections can derail a sale, how Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac evaluate HOA risk, and why some communities are seeing major price shifts. If you are on a board, buying a condo or managing an HOA, this episode helps you understand the...

Can an HOA act like law enforcement? Attorney Darren M. Bevan joins host Matthew Holbrook to unpack what homeowners associations can and can’t do when neighbor disputes escalate. From late-night parties to illegal behavior, this episode explores how far an HOA’s authority really goes and where the law draws the line. Learn how to handle nuisance complaints, enforce governing documents legally, and...

Is your HOA facing construction defects or considering legal action? In this episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook talks with Joe Smith of Burg Simpson Law Firm about how community associations can protect themselves when construction issues arise. They cover everything from identifying potential defects and navigating statutes of limitation to understanding tolling agreements and st...

HOA disputes are inevitable, but how your board handles them determines whether your community grows stronger or fractures under pressure. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook talks with attorney Sandra L. Gottlieb of SwedelsonGottlieb about what it really means to fight fair in homeowners associations. From mediation and arbitration to board decisions and neighbor disagreem...

What makes some HOAs consistently successful? In this special episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook talks with Judge Bugbee, founder of HOA Connect North Texas, about what separates thriving communities from struggling ones. Judge shares his journey from HOA board president to launching an organization that educates and equips volunteer leaders across Texas. The conversation explores...

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 shoul...

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 mai...

Attorney Leah Burton joins host Matthew Holbrook to unpack what HOAs can do regarding short-term rentals.

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 polici...