County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs New Consumer Laws 2006

Homeowners Associations - Elections:

Must use secret ballots for elections (Civil Code 1357.120, 1363.03, 1363.04, 1363.09)

Effective July 1, 2006

This law requires homeowners associations to use secret ballots for elections. The association is required to mail to every member election ballots and 2 pre-addressed envelopes at least 30 days prior to the voting deadline.

The association is also required to appoint an independent inspector to maintain custody of the sealed ballots, count and tabulate the votes, and determine the results of the election.

Action:  DCA’s Real Estate Fraud Unit takes complaints against homeowners associations that violate this law.

For more information:
County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs
B-96 Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 W. Temple Street * Los Angeles, CA 90012-2706
Telephone (800) 593-8222 (within the County) * (213) 974-1452
web site: dca.lacounty.gov