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Walking the Tightrope: Board Decision‑Making Under Increased Homeowner Scrutiny in Arizona Communities

Serving on a community association board of directors in Arizona has become increasingly complex as homeowners pay closer attention to how decisions are made and resources are allocated. Rising operating costs, deferred maintenance, special assessments, and large‑scale repair projects have placed boards under a level of scrutiny that many volunteer directors did not anticipate when […]

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Board Meetings Demystified: What Homeowners Should Expect

Board meetings are where many of the Association’s most important decisions are made. Budgets are approved, contracts are considered, policies are discussed, enforcement matters are addressed, and future projects are planned. For homeowners, attending Board meetings is one of the best ways to stay informed about the direction of the community and better understand how […]

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The Cost of Inconsistent Enforcement

Few issues create more frustration within a community association than selective or inconsistent enforcement of the governing documents. From the board’s perspective, enforcement decisions are often driven by practical realities such as limited resources, competing priorities, or unique circumstances surrounding a particular violation. From an owner’s perspective, however, inconsistent enforcement can quickly lead to accusations […]

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Finally, good news on the Corporate Transparency Act

Good news from Washington rarely means the whole story is over, and this update is no exception. Ever since the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) was enacted in 2021, community associations have had concerns regarding the CTA and its Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements. After years of shifting deadlines, litigation, and compliance uncertainty for community […]

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Architectural Changes: Why Approval Matters Before You Build

Whether you’re installing a new patio, replacing windows, adding landscaping, or constructing a shade structure, one simple step can save significant time, expense, and frustration: OBTAIN APPROVAL BEFORE BEGINNING THE WORK. Most homeowners’ association governing documents require owners to receive Architectural Committee or Board approval before making exterior modifications. These requirements are not just procedural, […]

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When Noise, Parties, and Complaints Arise: Understanding the Association’s Role and Its Limits

Noise complaints, party calls, and allegations of unruly gatherings are no longer isolated issues for community associations. Whether driven by short‑term rentals, changing lifestyles, or simple density, boards and managers across Arizona are increasingly asked to “do something” when disturbances disrupt residents’ quiet enjoyment. The challenge is that many communities try to solve these problems […]

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New Arizona Court of Appeals Ruling Impacts Board Meeting Procedures for Planned Community and Condominium Associations

On April 28, 2026, the Arizona Court of Appeals issued a decision that significantly impacts Board meeting procedures for planned community and condominium associations in Arizona. In AZNH Revocable Trust v. Sunland Springs Village Homeowners Association, the Court emphasized Arizona’s statutory policy favoring transparency in association governance and provided critical guidance on how boards must […]

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Preparing for and Testifying in Court: A Guide for HOA Board Members and Community Managers

Homeowners associations (HOAs) sometimes find themselves involved in legal proceedings related to enforcing restrictions, defending against homeowner claims, or resolving disputes with vendors or contractors. When this happens, board members and community managers may be asked to testify in court. Testifying can feel intimidating, but with preparation and understanding, you can provide effective, credible testimony […]

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The HOA’s Right to Foreclose

Homeowners associations (HOA) in Arizona have a statutory right to enforce the homeowners’ assessment obligations through lien foreclosure. This can be a powerful legal tool—but one that must be handled with care, transparency, and full compliance with state law. The process is governed primarily by A.R.S. § 33-1807 (for planned communities) and A.R.S. § 33-1256 (for condominiums). This article outlines the key steps, legal requirements, and strategic considerations in pursuing lien foreclosure.

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Livestock Trespass in Arizona: Guidance for Homeowners Associations

Arizona law addresses when livestock owners are liable for animals that stray onto another’s property and what remedies are available to affected property owners. For homeowners associations, understanding these rules is essential to protecting common areas, enforcing community standards, and coordinating appropriate responses when livestock trespass occurs. Open Range vs. No-Fence Districts Arizona historically follows an […]

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What is the Laches Defense in Homeowners Association Enforcement Claims?

Homeowners associations are tasked with upholding the community’s governing documents to preserve property values, maintain aesthetics, and promote community harmony. But what happens when an association waits too long to enforce a restriction? In those situations, a homeowner may raise a defense that could protect the homeowner from being obligated to bring the property into […]

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Considering Quorum

The concept of quorum is fundamental to the governance of Arizona’s community associations. Quorum serves as a threshold for the validity of both board of director and membership meetings and a community association’s decision-making processes. The legal framework governing quorum requirements for community associations is primarily outlined in the Arizona Revised Statutes, including A.R.S. 33-1249, […]