Homeowners

“Bay Area Homeowners Left Stranded by ADU Builder’s Collapse Amid Inadequate State Bond Protections”[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmHOtdF9d7E[/embed]

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San Francisco, CA — Homeowners in the Bay Area who lost large sums of money to a contractor building accessory dwelling units (ADUs) have discovered the inadequacy of California’s financial safeguards meant to protect consumers. Numerous families shared that they had prepaid Anchored Tiny Homes, a local contractor, for ADUs that were not completed. Collectively, these families claim they have lost over $5 million. The situation has revealed a significant gap between the perceived and actual protection the state-required contractor’s bond provides. In California, all contractors must secure a bond meant to offer financial recourse … Read more

Neglected Historic Black Cemetery Sparks Lawsuit Against Atlanta Homeowner’s Association

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Atlanta, Georgia – A lawsuit alleges that a homeowners association in Buckhead is neglecting a historic Black cemetery adjacent to its property. Descendants of those buried at Piney Grove Cemetery are taking legal action to compel the Bluffs at Lenox Homeowners Association (HOA) to fulfill its commitments to maintain the cemetery. The lawsuit claims that during the era of segregation in Buckhead, Piney Grove Cemetery was one of the limited options available for Black burials. The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation suggests that many of the burials at this cemetery could be of former slaves. … Read more

New Decking and Catwalk Regulations in California Aim to Ensure Safety of Homeowners and Apartment Dwellers

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Santa Clarita, California – Two new statutes, Senate Bill 326 and SB721, have been introduced in relation to decking and catwalks. SB326 specifically applies to homeowners associations (HOAs), while SB721 is targeted at apartments. These regulations aim to address the inspection and repair of exterior decks and catwalks in HOAs and apartments with three or more units. The need for these statutes arose following a tragic incident in northern California where a balcony collapsed, resulting in the deaths of six people. Investigations revealed that rotting timbers and faulty connections were common factors leading to such … Read more

New California Law Gives Homeowners the Option to Sell Accessory Dwelling Units Separately, Sparking Debate on Affordable Housing

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San Diego, California – As 2022 begins, several new laws are taking effect that directly impact accessory dwelling units (ADUs), also known as granny flats or backyard homes. One notable law, AB 1033, grants cities the option to allow homeowners to sell their ADUs separately from the main house. The reception to this law is mixed, with some championing the opportunity it provides for affordable housing, while others express concerns. Raphael Perez, Chair of the Casita Coalition, an organization advocating for the construction of more smaller, affordable housing, supports the idea of selling ADUs separately. … Read more