HOA Law Blog

As you hopefully know by now, as of July 1, 2006, the way all California community associations conduct elections and membership votes was changed. Among the major changes is the requirement that all elections and certain other membership votes be held by secret ballot pursuant to operating rules. This includes votes for the selection and removal of members of the board, amendments to the governing documents, votes regarding assessments, and the grant of exclusive use common area. In addition, the role of the inspectors of election has grown significantly, and the use of proxies, while still permitted, may not be as prevalent as in the past. This new law affects all community associations, irrespective of their size. Failure to comply with the new law could subject an association to a challenge in small claims court. Because this new law is so complex, we are receiving a lot of questions. In response, we present the following frequently asked questions:

1. Our Association has always had secret ballots; can't we just keep on holding our annual elections as we have been doing for years?

The simple answer is no. The new election law was adopted because Senator Battin from the Coachella Valley somehow came to believe that fraud was rampant within association elections. This was news to us. If an association does not comply with the new law, which includes, among other things, the adoption of election rules and procedures, which specify procedures for voting by secret ballot, designating and detailing the responsibilities of the inspector(s) of election, the voting results can be challenged and a fine imposed on the association. We do not believe that the new election law is required as we certainly do not see rampant fraud at associations, but it is the law and if you do not fully comply, there are potential serious consequences.

2. What is required for the election rules and procedures - do they need to be approved by the members?

New Civil Code Section 1363.03 provides that the new election rules and procedures must provide, among other things, that the association allow for equal access for all candidates or members to advocate their point of view in all association media (via newsletter, websites, etc.); that the association provide access to common area meeting space at no cost to all candidates and members who advocate a point of view during a campaign; set forth the qualifications of candidates for the board; set procedures for the nomination of candidates; set qualifications for voting; establish a method for selecting the inpector(s) of election and who can serve as an inspector of election. This new law specifically provides that these rules must be treated like other "operating" rules and sent out to the members for their comment thirty (30) days before being adopted by the board of directors. However, regardless of member comment, it is the board's decision whether to adopt the rules; the members do not vote on them.

3. What happens if we don't have election rules and procedures?

The failure to adopt election rules and procedures means that actual results of the voting can be contested in small claims court.

4. Do these voting rules and procedures only apply to the election of board members or to voting on other matters as well?

The new law provides a list of different votes that are taken by the members in accordance with the election rules - the election or removal of the board members, voting regarding assessments, amendment of the governing documents, and the grant of exclusive use common area.

5. We are a small association of only 10 units. My board does not want to have to make rules or follow the new law regarding secret ballots. Can a majority of the homeowners decide that we don't want to follow this new law?

Unfortunately, Senator Battin (and the California legislature) did not believe that there was any need to differentiate between larger and smaller associations; all community associations subject to the Davis-Stirling Act must follow the new election law. Any homeowner that wants to challenge the results of an election may do so by going to small claims court, and a small claims judge not only has the power to invalidate the election results, but also has the power to impose a fine of up to $500 per violation. Although there may not be any homeowners today that even know about these new election laws, it only takes one disgruntled homeowner to file a small claims action involving the results of your election. This does not even take into consideration the question that if the results of the election are invalidated, is there a board of directors in place to make decisions, sign checks, etc.?

6. What exactly has to be provided in the upper left hand corner of the outer secret ballot envelope?

The following must appear in the upper-left hand corner of the outer secret ballot envelope:

• Written or pre-printed voter’s name
• Written or pre-printed voter’s address or separate interest identifier that entitles him or her to vote (such as parcel, unit or lot number - can simply be the voter's full address)
• Voter’s signature

7. What if a homeowner doesn't know their parcel or lot number?

By recent amendments to Civil Code Section 1363.03 (effective 7/1/06), it is no longer necessary that an owner place their parcel or lot number as long as the voter can be identified from the information provided (address and unit number may be sufficient).

8. Does everyone need to fill out a candidacy notice, including existing Board members who are running for reelection?

Some election rules provide for candidacy notices to be sent out to the membership, and the answer would depend on how your election rules are drafted since the code does not address candidacy notices. Candidacy notices are just one way to provide equal access for those persons running for election. It is a good idea to provide in your election rules that all candidates, regardless of whether they are running for reelection, must fill out a candidacy notice.

9. Should the inner envelope say only "SECRET BALLOT" or does it also need to include an address?

The inner envelope should say no more than: "Secret Ballot, to be opened by the Inspector of Election only." It should not be marked with any identifying information by anyone.

10. Do we need to send homeowners a proxy? How do we let homeowners know that they can give a proxy to someone and what needs to be on it?

If the governing documents don’t require the Association to send a proxy, you are not obligated to do so. The requirements for proxies are set forth in the Corporations Code and should be addressed in the election rules. The Inspector(s) of Election validates proxies. All proxies must be exchanged for Secret Ballots because the proxy itself can’t be voted.

11. Is it 1 Inspector under 100 units and 3 for 100 + units?

No, it's one or three at the Board’s discretion. If the Board fails to designate the Inspector(s), the members may vote on the appointment.

12. What if five members are up for election, all five want to run again and no candidacy notices are received by the deadline? What is the use of having nominations from the floor if a member can't change their vote once it has been mailed?

Recently amended Civil Code Section 1363.03 makes clear that nominations may be allowed from the floor if provided for in the rules and not prohibited by the governing documents. This helps in cases where nominations are not received in advance of the meeting. A member may wish to refrain from voting until the meeting itself in order to ensure the member knows all of the choices available. The member shouldn't mail their ballot unless they are sure of their vote. Another option is to write in a candidate that is not yet nominated, mail the ballot, and then nominate that candidate from the floor at the meeting. It is obviously an advantage for a candidate to return the candidacy notice within the time provided so that candidate is on the ballot. Also, elections by acclamation are no longer allowed (a vote must still be taken where the number of candidates is equal to the number of open board positions).

13. Do only members not planning on attending the meeting need to mail in their secret ballots? The members attending can bring them in but they must be in the 2 sealed envelopes...correct?

Yes. But mailing in your ballot does not mean you cannot attend the meeting. Members can complete their secret ballots and seal them at the meeting. We recommend the board, manager or Inspector(s) bring extra blank secret ballots and envelopes to the meeting in case someone lost their voting materials, etc. and needs a replacement.

14. What if quorum is not achieved?

Remember that even secret ballots received by mail count as members present at the meeting for quorum purposes, so be sure to count them towards quorum. Also, the Inspector(s) should not open any envelopes until quorum is satisfied (if quorum is not satisfied, move to adjourn the meeting and check to see if your governing documents have a provision for reduced quorum at an adjourned meeting).



We encourage all associations to comply with the new law. If you would like more information, there are additional articles on this blog and our website, or you may e-mail our office and we will be glad to forward you additional documents.

Posted by David Swedelson | Permalink | Email This Post | Comments (0) | Print this Post

Posted In: 1363.03 -Adoption of Rules; Election; Inspectors of Election; Procedures , Davis-Stirling Act Text , Disclosure/Civil Code Compliance

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Please do not shoot the messenger as we are only reporting the news. On September 18, 2006, the Governor signed S.B. 1560 (the “Amendment”), which modifies recently enacted Civil Code Section 1363.03. This “cleanup bill” clarifies some troublesome issues, which will hopefully allow associations to get through the election process more efficiently.

• §1363.03(e)(1)

One of the provisions in 1363.03 required homeowners, when voting by secret ballot, to write his or her name in their own hand on the exterior envelope sent to the inspector(s) of election and state their unit, lot or tract number. The Amendment allows an owner to sign the exterior envelope and indicate the owner’s name or address or separate interest identifier that entitles that owner to vote. Therefore, the homeowner will no longer have to print their name, unit, lot and tract number in their own hand but may instead utilize a label. However, the member is still required to sign his or her name.

• §1363.03(f)

The changes to Civil Code Section 1363.03 now confirm what we already knew to be the case, that once the inspector receives the ballot, it is not revocable. This change can be found at 1363.03(f). An additional change to 1363.03(f) allows the inspector or the inspector’s third party designee to verify members’ information and signature on the outer envelope of the secret ballot prior to the meeting at which the ballots are tabulated. We had been very concerned that only the inspector(s) of election could perform this job and only perform it at the meeting. Now, the inspector(s) can designate third parties to help perform some of the work and allows for the signature on the outer envelope to be verified (this will help with reaching quorum) prior to the meeting.

• §1363.03(m)

1363.03(m) has been added to confirm that the secret ballot procedure is not required for votes cast by delegates or other elected representatives, but only for votes cast directly by members of the association.

• §1363.03(d)(1)(A)

Another important change defines a proxy (this is a new definition for the code) as “a written authorization signed by a member or the authorized representative of the member that gives another member or members the power to vote on behalf of that member.” (Emphasis added.) In the past, a proxy could be given to any third party whether they were the member, the member’s attorney or a family member unrelated to the association. Now, a proxy can only be given to a member.

• §1363.03(d)(1)(B)

The word “signed” is now defined as “the placing of the member’s name on the proxy, whether by manual signature, typewriting, telegraphic transmission or otherwise by the member or authorized representative of the member.” This is important because it clarifies whether faxed signatures count; they do.

• §1363.03(d)(2)

The cleanup legislation clarifies that proxies may not be construed or used in lieu of a ballot. The modifications to the Civil Code provide that if proxies are permitted or required by an association’s bylaws, and if the proxy meets the statutory requirements, they shall be used. However, associations are not required to prepare or distribute proxies pursuant to Section 1363.03. A member may revoke his or her proxy prior to the receipt of the secret ballot by the inspector(s) of election pursuant to Section 1363.03(d)(3).

• §1363.03(b)

An important concern has been the quorum requirement. The Amendment provides that if quorum is required for elections in the governing documents or other provisions of law, each secret ballot received by the inspector(s) shall be treated as a member present at a meeting for purposes of establishing a quorum (1363.03(b)). We believe that since the ballot is contained within the first and second envelope referenced above, when the envelope is received, it can be used for establishing quorum. Since quorum is determined by ballots, if an envelope is received without a ballot enclosed, then the empty envelope would not count toward quorum.

Additionally, this same subparagraph adds to the already designated four issues for which secret ballots must be utilized to include the removal (recall) of directors.

Unfortunately, these changes did not go as far as we would have liked. However, the changes are significant and clarify many unanswered questions that followed the enactment of Civil Code Section 1363.03.

Posted by David Swedelson | Permalink | Email This Post | Comments (0) | Print this Post

Posted In: 1363.03 -Adoption of Rules; Election; Inspectors of Election; Procedures , Davis-Stirling Act Text , Disclosure/Civil Code Compliance

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Wondering where you can find sample annual meeting and secret ballot forms? Look no further. Click on the links below to find some handy reference.

These forms are provided as reference only and do not constitute legal advice. Swedelson and Gottlieb makes no representations as to whether these forms are suitable for any purpose. Consult an attorney before using any of these forms.

Download Secret Ballot Form

Download Secret Ballot Instructions

Download Candidacy Notice

Download Notice of Annual Meeting

Posted by David Swedelson | Permalink | Email This Post | Comments (0) | Print this Post

Posted In: Davis-Stirling Act Text , Disclosure/Civil Code Compliance

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It comes up all the time. A resident wants to attend and participate at a board meeting or wants to serve on the board of directors. That resident may be a tenant or the significant other of an actual owner of that property, or perhaps the beneficiary of a trust or shareholder of a corporation that owns the property. Often, governing documents state that only an "owner of record" can serve on the board, and the Open Meeting Act states that "any member of the association may attend a meeting of the board of directors of the association." Electing a non-owner to the board of directors, when the governing documents require ownership as a qualification, could jeopardize the legality of the board's decisions, and perhaps even insurance coverage.

Black’s Law Dictionary defines an "owner" of real property as a person who is vested with title to property and has a right to enjoy that property and do with it as he or she pleases. The "Record Owner" is usually defined in the CC&Rs as the "owner of the Title" at the time of notice. But does this mean that the association is required to go out and check Title? Not necessarily. Typically, the owner of record at a community association is the owner on the association's records based on the information that was provided, perhaps through escrow, when the unit was sold. Some management company agreements obligate the manager to a higher level of record keeping by requiring that the manager keep not only a list of the homeowners, but rather a "current list." This rather innocuous phrase could actually place an ongoing obligation on the manager to verify correct ownership. If that's your intention, great; if not, contracts should be rephrased. The association is entitled to rely on its records, unless it is provided proof by way of a recorded deed, that ownership (in whole or in part) has been transferred to someone new. A resident may present the association with a copy of a quit claim deed, showing that he or she may own all or a portion of the property, but that deed may not have been recorded. Then that person would not necessarily be the "owner of record," at least not recognized by the County Recorder's Office as the owner, and thus should not be considered by the association to be an owner.

Record Owner

It is important to determine who the owner of the property is because many activities (read most) at common interest developments require the owner to be the Record Owner of the property. Only a Record Owner can make decisions on behalf of a unit/lot as it relates to association matters. Association disputes over ownership generally arise over the issue of "legal ownership" and are usually easily resolved by determining identity of the property owner as listed on the recorded grant deed.

Prior planning and organization should allow a board or manager to ascertain who the true Record Owner of the property is prior to mailing ballots or holding official meetings of the members. Most CC&Rs require homeowners to provide the association with the names and addresses of the Record Owners. In fact, Corporation Code Section 8320 places the obligation on the corporation or unincorporated non-profit association to maintain a list of all homeowners and their addresses. It is the association's obligation, even prior to an annual meeting, to ascertain who is the record owner for the purpose of collecting assessments and enforcing the governing documents. Because state statute provides that the levy of assessments is a debt of the owner at the time the assessment was levied, going after the correct owner for payment is important, not only to the association's financial health, but also to limit the association's liability for proceeding against the wrong person or entity for a debt.

Under California law, a recorded interest has priority over an unrecorded interest. That means if two owners claim a right of ownership to a piece of property, the association should treat the Record Owner, the person listed on the recorded grant deed, as the true owner. The same holds true even where a homeowner acquires title to their unit/lot by a quit claim deed, provided, of course, that the deed is recorded. When an unrecorded grant deed is involved or if more than one person claims a right of ownership under a separate recorded grant deed or a representative of a trust claims the ownership, the issue can become murky. If no recorded deed exists or more than one recorded deed is discovered. Management should, based on the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act, refer to recorded interests only. Other statutes, not specific to homeowner associations, provide that a grant deed is valid and enforceable even if not recorded as long as the grant deed gives notice to all. However, what is more commonly found is that the notice of ownership has not been given to all prospective buyers and does not provide legal notice as required by law.

First In Time, First In Right

If there is an ownership dispute between record owners and management does not know who to allow to vote (who gets the ballot), management should rely on Civil Code Sections 1213 through 1220, which provide, when more than one grant deed exists, the "Record Owner" will be the person(s) whose grant deed was recorded first. For example, if a homeowner were to record her or his deed to a unit/lot in 2002 and a subsequent grant deed for that same unit/lot was recorded by another person in 2003, without there being a chain of title that satisfies the transfer of property, the Record Owner would be the homeowner who recorded first.

Trust Ownership

A problem occurring more and more frequently arises when property is owned in trust. When conducting check in at an official meeting or sending out a written ballot, if a trust ownership is presented, the association should require official verification that the person who wants to vote on behalf of the trust is authorized to do so. The individual is usually the trustee of the trust. Interestingly, although the trustee does not own the property, the trustee has the same legal rights to act on behalf of the property as those that would be afforded any other ownership rights of the association. It is incumbent upon associations to advise homeowners that, if they are a trustee of a trust, they need to provide trust documentation to establish that they have the authority as referenced above.

Most times it seems the ownership issue is a problem only in contested elections or when certain members of the association have an agenda. Management's agenda is to make sure the right owners are representing the memberships in the association. Following the above guidelines will guarantee your success.

Posted by David Swedelson | Permalink | Email This Post | Comments (0) | Print this Post

Posted In: Davis-Stirling Act Text , Disclosure/Civil Code Compliance

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