Acknowledgments

It takes many dedicated volunteers to compile this important collection of laws governing common interest developments (CIDs). The bulk of which are found in California Civil Code Sections 4000 through 6150 – commonly known as the Davis-Stirling Act. But the law is not limited to just these sections and, as many HOA boards have learned, there are several other statutes and hundreds of cases that create the legal framework in which you, an HOA board member, homeowner, or professional in the industry, work.

We have returned to an expanded edition of the Echo Statute Book which includes other legal code important to HOA operations and management. In addition, we now provide a quick reference web link to important HOA case laws on the Adams|Stirling PLC website (www.davis-stirling.com/HOME/Case-Law/Case-Law-Intro) and have included a directory of professionals specializing in HOA legal matters.

The intent of the 2023 edition of the Echo Statute Book is to provide the reader with a framework of the most important laws affecting HOA management, and a directory of HOA legal professionals to help navigate the maze of California law governing homeowner associations.

The Statute Book is the reference text for a series of three courses offered by Echo to it’s membership. The first course examines the Davis-Stirling Act per se. The second examines laws other than those in the Davis-Stirling Act and found in the booklet. Finally, we use the reference to case law to review and learn about the seminal cases which set the practical HOA legal landscape as interpreted by the courts. These three courses combined provide a core understanding of the legal environment in which HOAs operate. A fourth course is offered annually after the legislative session to review new legislation and update important case law. Those pursuing this legal curriculum will be well schooled in the body of laws most important to the leadership of their HOA.

It is with warm appreciation that Echo acknowledges the guidance and tutelage of Deon R. Stein, Esq. and Rosalind D. Olson, Esq. from the Law Offices of Deon R. Stein LLP. Without your commitment to compile the Echo Statute Book in a timely and accurate way, there would be no similar tool for our HOA boards and homeowners. You are contributing more to society than most understand. Your efforts help build communities and the competence to manage them. Thank you to the Deon R. Stein team!

Further appreciation is shared with Adrian Adams of Adams|Stirling PLC for allowing us to use the industry leading repository of HOA case law website. Thank you for supporting our mission to educate HOA boards and homeowners!