right to know request

Can I legally file a right to know request with my HOA? A board director was sued by a community member for a slander incident that took place during a monthly meeting. The community member won the suit and was awarded monetary compensation. Do I have the right as a community member to find out the disposition of the case and how much was awarded? Thanks for any info.

If the legal action was won through the courts, it would be public record.
If the legal action was settled, as Bill points out, they typically can not disclose settlement amounts.

That said, take a look at the financials for this year and last year.
This may give you an idea.

However, if it was paid via D&O insurance, you won't see any amount above the deductible.

Thank you!

Who cares at end of the day? Your job and others is to follow the rules for replacing the board. It may be that the board has to vote out the officer. Voting in a new board or voting back in the ones who are volunteering is the option.

You got people stepping up to run? The expenditures report will tell how much spent on legal. This may beam insurance claim as well.

That is not always the case. If they considered the communication was between members in the HOA, then it is an HOA matter.

Example: Me as President someone goes around to say the "President is a liar and a cheat". That is slanderous against the HOA and office position.

Now if I am a car sales person as well as President, and sell you a lemon car... That is NOT HOA slanderous. It is personal but you are effecting HOA business if you do not reference it to the car sales job.

The HOA may be responsible for paying if the lawsuit was brought against it.

At this point putting toothpaste into the tube. The money is never coming back. Learn and move on.

hi Maryann,

Hang in there. Kerry has a good question and it would help to know that information. Melissa point is to focus and get rid of the board or you will be mired in the past. Best thing is to get a new board and that might include you in running if you are not a board member already. There are folks who have experience in ousting and I am sure they will chime in also. Everything lies in the docs and your State rules. Loads of people here with your state experience. I already see people are getting together at your assn which is a great sign . If you want to help out the best way is to join them. Also recruit more people. You are going to go through a time black hole because that is what is going to happen. This will eat up your hours and give you a bad dispostion. If there is a will there is a way. Stay positive and please get back with answers to the questions.

Sure, you can file a right to know request (what ever that is), but an HOA in most states is only required to provide you records required by law.