In this episode of HOA HELL, attorney Michael Kushner takes on a topic that cuts to the core of every California homeowner’s battle with their HOA: transparency. This episode focuses on the very brief rise—and immediate fall—of Assembly Bill 21, a 2025 legislative proposal that would have forced HOAs to operate with the same level of transparency as public agencies.
Kushner breaks down what AB 21 would have required, why it terrified HOA boards and management companies, and how its demise exposes some of the most critical enforcement loopholes in California’s Davis-Stirling Act. You’ll hear stories of opaque finances, rigged elections, and boards run like private fiefdoms—and you’ll get real-world legal tools to push back.
Whether you’re a homeowner demanding access to records or a board member unsure of your obligations, this episode is your roadmap to reclaiming transparency and oversight.
🎧 IN THIS EPISODE
— What AB 21 tried to fix—and why it failed
— How HOAs routinely avoid their statutory transparency obligations
— Loopholes in California’s Davis-Stirling Act
— A real case involving secret debt, dues abuse, and board corruption
— Three reforms that every HOA should be legally required to follow
— Practical steps to force accountability using inspection and IDR statutes
📩 Got a question or horror story? Email: podcast@hoahellpodcast.com
Disclaimer:
This content constitutes attorney advertising.
The content of this podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by listening to this podcast, submitting a question, or receiving a response. Always consult with a licensed attorney regarding your specific legal situation. MBK Chapman and Michael Kushner disclaim any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this podcast.
This communication does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.
About:
Michael Kushner is the attorney who pioneered this niche area of the law—representing homeowners in disputes with their HOAs—in California. He created and taught the systems now used by the biggest law firms in the state focused on HOA litigation. Through his firm, MBK Chapman, and now through HOA HELL, Kushner continues to give homeowners practical legal tools to fight back.
🔥 HOA Hell
When your HOA goes rogue, we go to war.
California’s top HOA attorney shares real legal tools to help homeowners fight back—and win.
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