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NealN2 (California)
Posts: 1
Posted:
We live in a 55+ community with quite a few elderly homeowners who are not always knowledgeable about the business of the HOA. Our HOA Board is considering amending our CC&R and possibly Bylaws by changing the 2/3 super majority vote requirement to a simple majority vote requirement. I believe the main reason is convenience to the Board because there have been State and County laws that have been passed which are not in agreement or present in our CC&R, although the CC&R is superseded by State and County laws. However, I am concerned that if the CC&R/Bylaws is amended to the simple majority vote requirement without certain restrictions to protect the rights of homeowners, there may be negative consequences that we may not anticipate. I would like to hear the pros and cons of the simple majority vote, and if implemented, what restrictions should be incorporated in the amendment.

Here is an example of what has happened in our community and could be added to our CC&R. Last year the Board of Directors sent out waivers to all homeowners requiring that homeowners sign the waivers so that the HOA would not be responsible for any injury to homeowners who use the pool, spa, and clubhouse. I refused to sign the waiver because our CC&R says that all homeowners have usage of all HOA facilities without any waiver requirements. I asked the Board President why we are required to sign the waiver and she replied that our managing company suggested the waiver because the Board decided to create an exercise room in the clubhouse. I responded by saying that if anyone should sign waivers, it should be the users of the exercise room. I never heard back from the Board President. Also, our CC&R requires that the HOA carry liability insurance. Could a waiver amendment be added to our CC&R easily with a simple majority of uninformed HOA members?

What protections/restrictions should be included in the amendment for simple majority vote?
CathyA3 (Ohio)
Posts: 6,299
Posted:
The board should be talking to the HOA attorney about this. An attorney has to write the amendments anyway - it's not a job for amateurs - and will be able to provide the necessary guidance.

I'll just say that there is a reason that the large majority of HOAs and condo communities require a super-majority to approve amendments (some amendments may even require unanimous approval). It may look like a good idea to make the process "simpler" - but keep in mind it will also make it simpler to pass ill-conceived amendments. Boards that are up to no good love it if they can easily make changes benefiting them at the expense of the community as a whole. And communities by and large benefit from stability - you don't want to jerk everyone around every time somebody gets a bright idea that doesn't pan out.

Talk to the HOA lawyer.

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By CathyA3 on 10/06/2023 11:50 AM
The board should be talking to the HOA attorney about this. An attorney has to write the amendments anyway - it's not a job for amateurs - and will be able to provide the necessary guidance.

I'll just say that there is a reason that the large majority of HOAs and condo communities require a super-majority to approve amendments (some amendments may even require unanimous approval). It may look like a good idea to make the process "simpler" - but keep in mind it will also make it simpler to pass ill-conceived amendments. Boards that are up to no good love it if they can easily make changes benefiting them at the expense of the community as a whole. And communities by and large benefit from stability - you don't want to jerk everyone around every time somebody gets a bright idea that doesn't pan out.

Talk to the HOA lawyer.


Sound advice.
CathyA3 (Ohio)
Posts: 6,299
Posted:
About the waiver: I understand that people can get nervous about it, but it's VERY common to require such a waiver when people are participating in physical activities. The participants should understand and acknowledge the risks (the waivers I signed for figure skating included the phrase "up to and including death").

This may be another question that needs a chat with a lawyer - both homeowners who have questions and boards who need to make decisions that protect the association. The HOA is obligated to minimize liability risks, and the insurer may jack up premiums or even refuse to insure an association that plays fast and loose with liability. The insurer may require such a waiver, and I'm willing to bet the HOA's attorney would agree with the policy of requiring it. Owners can refuse to sign, but it may mean they can't use the exercise facilities.

(If one of the proposed amendments that people want to pass is eliminating the waiver requirement, then your board *really* needs some education.)

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