Management Case Study #2 – court HOA receivership; attorney sued; case sealed

“The events of 2008 – 2012 presented here span wrongful acts by an Arizona HOA and its attorney resulting in a court appointed receivership, and leading to the attorney being sued for aidding and abetting, among other things.  The case then disappears from county court public records and the outcome remains unknown.

“‘Defendants have conspired to take over their homeowners association . . . for improper purposes. Defendants have utilized the Association to gain control of as much property in the community as possible, through improper means .’

“[The HOA atorney] was personally sued for: ‘Breach of Ethical Duties: Disgorgement; Aiding and Abetting; Professional Negligence; Breach of Contract; Breach of Fiduciary of  Duty.’ 

“I do not have any additional court filings, either updates or final disposition.  In May 2012, after 1 ½ years of silence,  I looked into the court records only to discover that the case disappeared from public view.”

Read the full 5-page case study here.

HOA vs public government

Ever wonder what would happen if your town/city council did not have enough public minded citizens to run for office?  You know, like what we see in many HOAs?

While I’m not sure, several scenarios are possible.  A small clique would soon dominate the council and the shortage of councilmen ignored.  Or, the state would be asked to get involved either by citizens unhappy with the ruling click, or vendors concerned about the legitimacy of contracts would seek protection.

In HOA-Land who would be able to step in and restore order and a just government?  Not the state since the HOA is not a state subdivision.   Could be the vendors who are mainly the lawyers and managers.  Not likely. After all, it is they who control the HOAS “council.” They like it just this way, because, as we see in the governing documents and state laws, they are a privileged class. Not the board composed of the clique and perhaps “conscripted” directors – those bodies urged to become a director to satisfy the CC&R and who remain silent and acquiesce to the president’s wishes.

I hope readers begin to realize that the dogmatic cry of “no government interference” got just what they asked for – complete independence and on their own. HOA-Land private government requires a higher degree of public involvement than found in the nation as a whole – an insurmountable barrier.

However, some disgruntled member can file a request to the court to appoint a receiver who will manage the HOA – and get paid for it — as it is quite evident that the members are incapable of governing their HOA. Now, he would have his orders from the court and that would not include the irrational lament promoted by the CAI lawyers and managers that it ain’t fair to the “good” members.  Well, it is fair in terms of the fact that it is the failure of the members to participate that makes them guilty of the failure to manage their HOA.  Oh, you thought you were just buying a home and management of the HOA was someone else’s problem.  SURPRISE!

In my opinion, HOAs as a state entity bring more protection than the private and adhesive CC&Rs “contract.”  Understand that turning to the 42 year-old national educational entity, as several states and towns have, that has failed all these years to fix HOA problems is irresponsible and lunacy pure and simple.  As a state entity you have bodies of statutes and common law, and traditions and precedent that serve to protect citizens as opposed to the Johnny come lately, make new law on the fly by courts. New laws that interpret your “contract” in many unexpected ways that do not serve individual rights and interests because the HOA is a private entity.