The Uncommon Area

Action Property Management

The Uncommon Area is a leading HOA podcast for board members, community leaders, and industry professionals looking for clear, practical guidance on homeowners association management. Hosted by Matthew Holbrook, CEO of Action Property Management, the show breaks down complex HOA topics including governance, financial management, insurance, legal issues, and community operations. Each episode features expert guests from across the industry, offering real-world insights, proven strategies, and fresh perspectives to help you run a more effective, well-managed community. Whether you're a board member, property manager, or homeowner, this podcast delivers actionable advice you can actually use.

  1. 1d ago

    Is Your HOA Ready for El Niño? | Ep. 98

    Is your HOA's roofing ready for El Niño? Before the rain arrives, HOA boards and community managers have a window of opportunity to find problems, complete maintenance and prepare their communities for a potentially very wet winter. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook talks with Charles Antis of Antis Roofing & Waterproofing about El Niño, roof leaks, maintenance, inspections, reserves and the decisions boards should be making before the storms arrive. Charles shares the story that shaped his career in roofing, including the first leak he thought he'd successfully solved and the lesson that changed how he approached every roof afterward. He also explains: • Why clogged drainage can cause some of the most expensive leaks • The three areas where most roof leaks occur • How often HOA roofs should be cleaned • Why maintenance can extend the life of a roof • When a targeted repair could make more sense than replacement • Why boards should track their community's leak history • How roofing should factor into reserve studies • When a third-party roofing consultant can be valuable • What boards should understand about total systems warranties • Why now may be the time to prepare for the next rainy season For HOA boards and managers, the message is simple: don't wait for the first leak to tell you there's a problem. Follow The Uncommon Area for expert-led discussions on HOA law, governance, and property management best practices. Rather watch the episode? Subscribe to our YouTube channel or go to our page. Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at marketing@actionlife.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. 00:00 Why HOA Roof Maintenance Matters 02:42 Charles Antis: How He Got Into Roofing 04:34 The Roof Leak That Changed Charles Antis' Career 05:53 How Antis Roofing Started Solving Difficult Roof Leaks 09:00 Why Roofing Is About Keeping Families Safe and Dry 15:29 El Niño and California: Why HOAs Should Pay Attention 17:59 How Roofers Predict Weather and Prepare for Rain 19:34 How to Find a Difficult Roof Leak: The Drop of Water Method 22:14 Is California Heading Into a Wet Winter? 23:31 HOA Roof Maintenance: What Boards Should Do Before the Rain 25:09 The #1 Cause of Major HOA Roof Leaks 27:13 The 90/10 Rule: Where Most Roof Leaks Actually Happen 29:34 When Should an HOA Clean Its Roof? 31:44 Why Your HOA Roof Needs Maintenance Like a Car 33:49 Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement: How to Extend Roof Life 36:55 HOA Roofing Records: Why Leak History Matters 40:31 Should Your HOA Hire a Third-Party Roofing Consultant? 42:40 Roofing Warranties: What HOA Boards Need to Know 45:02 HOA Reserve Studies: Why Roofing Costs Matter 48:21 Rising Roofing Costs: What HOAs Should Prepare For 50:24 How Two Leaves Caused a Major Condo Roof Leak 52:34 HOA Storm Preparation: Why the Time to Act Is Now

  2. Aug 4

    What Really Happens at an HOA Board Meeting? | Ep. 97

    In this episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook sits down with attorney John MacDowell of Fiore Racobs & Powers to unpack how HOA board meetings actually work under California law. They cover the difference between executive session and general session, the four categories that belong in executive session (legal matters, personnel, contract formation, and member discipline), and why the intent of the statute matters more than what a board can technically get away with. The conversation moves into notice requirements, agenda specificity, and disclosure obligations after an executive session concludes. In the second half, John and Matthew get practical, covering how to run an orderly meeting, how to manage open forum without letting it take over the agenda, Zoom meeting settings, and how boards can plan ahead for meetings that go sideways. Key Takeaways: - Executive session is for legal matters, personnel, contract formation, and member discipline, not for anything a board finds uncomfortable - Assessment delinquency issues must be discussed in executive session; other member discipline issues should be - Attorney client privilege protects communications about what to tell your attorney, even without the attorney present, but not every conversation held in executive session - Contract formation exists to protect vendor bidding information, not to shield decisions that affect the homeowner experience - Regular board meetings require four days notice; executive session requires two days notice, and both require a posted agenda - Open forum must have a mandatory time limit, and boards should set that expectation early and enforce it consistently - The board president, not the manager, is generally the best person to keep meetings on track Follow The Uncommon Area for expert-led discussions on HOA law, governance, and property management best practices. Rather watch the episode? Subscribe to our YouTube channel or go to our page. Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at marketing@actionlife.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. 01:45 Welcoming attorney John MacDowell 03:29 The two types of board meetings 04:07 The risk of moving hard conversations into executive session 07:28 Civility clauses and codes of conduct for boards 09:44 The four categories that belong in executive session 10:55 Member discipline: delinquency versus rule violations 12:33 When a homeowner can demand a public hearing 13:28 Legal matters and attorney client privilege 19:20 Personnel matters and management company staff 20:34 Contract formation and protecting vendor bids 22:46 Case study: buying new fitness equipment 26:31 Why budget discussions belong in general session 30:20 Notice requirements for board meetings 35:50 Notice and agenda rules for executive session 39:56 Running an orderly meeting: the board president's role 43:26 Open forum: time limits and best practices 50:45 Zoom meeting settings and homeowner visibility 52:59 The most memorable (and dangerous) board meetings

  3. Jul 21

    Are We Thinking About HOAs All Wrong? | Ep. 96

    Are homeowners associations businesses, governments, or something entirely different? In Episode 96 of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook sits down with attorney David Graf, partner at Moeller Graf, to explore one of the most important questions in community association management. Together, they discuss why the most successful HOAs require more than sound finances and legal compliance. From stewardship and fiduciary duty to communication, compassion, and community reputation, this conversation challenges conventional thinking about what it means to lead an association well. You'll hear practical examples of how boards can reduce conflict, build trust, and make decisions that strengthen their communities for the long term. Whether you're an HOA board member, community manager, homeowner, or industry professional, this episode offers a fresh perspective on creating communities where people truly love where they live. In this episode: Are HOAs businesses, governments, or something else?Why stewardship creates stronger communitiesHow communication can reduce conflictBalancing fiduciary duty with compassionWhy reputation matters more than many boards realizeSubscribe to The Uncommon Area for conversations that help reimagine HOAs and equip leaders to build stronger communities. Follow The Uncommon Area for expert-led discussions on HOA law, governance, and property management best practices. Rather watch the episode? Subscribe to our YouTube channel or go to our page. Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at marketing@actionlife.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

  4. Jul 8

    How Can $1 Protect Your HOA? | Ep. 95

    How do homeowners associations make sure their voices are heard when new legislation is proposed? In this episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook is joined by Mike Perlof, Director of Client Services at Fenton Grant Law Group and President of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) Orange County Chapter, along with Cory Neubauer, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nextier Insurance Services and an active volunteer leader with CAI-CLAC, the California Legislative Action Committee. Together, they discuss how CAI-CLAC advocates for California community associations, educates legislators, and helps shape legislation that affects millions of homeowners. They also explain the Buck A Door program, which encourages HOAs to contribute $1 per door, per year or more to help fund legislative advocacy that benefits community associations throughout California. Whether you're a board member, community manager, or industry professional, this episode offers valuable insight into how advocacy works, why it matters, and how you can help strengthen the future of California HOAs. Resources HOA boards, community managers, and industry partners are encouraged to support CAI-CLAC's Buck A Door program by contributing $1 per door, per year or more to help fund legislative advocacy for California community associations. Donate / Learn More https://caiclac.com/donate/ Watch the CAI-CLAC Explainer Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbpAVkszcEA The Buck A Door program is a simple way for California HOAs to support legislative advocacy that directly impacts community associations across the state. CAI-CLAC monitors proposed legislation, educates lawmakers, organizes grassroots outreach, and advocates on issues affecting HOA governance, insurance, assessments, board operations, property rights, and community living. Even a small annual contribution can make a meaningful difference when communities across California participate. For example, a 100-unit association contributing $1 per door would provide $100 annually toward advocacy efforts that help protect and strengthen the HOA industry. CAI-CLAC is not a political action committee and does not contribute to political campaigns. Donations support legislative advocacy, education, communication, lobbying efforts, and grassroots outreach on behalf of California community associations. Mike Perlof: https://www.fentongrant.com/personnel/mike-perlof/ Cory Neubauer: https://nextierins.com/about-us/ Follow The Uncommon Area for expert-led discussions on HOA law, governance, and property management best practices. Rather watch the episode? Subscribe to our YouTube channel or go to our page. Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at marketing@actionlife.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

  5. Jun 23

    Pending California Legislation HOA Boards Should Know About | Ep. 94

    Update (June 24, 2026): The Assembly committee hearing on SB 1007, scheduled for June 24, was canceled at the author's request. The bill has not been defeated or signed into law and remains active in the legislative process. The concerns discussed in this episode remain relevant, and there is still time for homeowners, board members, and community associations to make their voices heard. We'll continue to share updates as the bill moves forward. California’s HOA industry is facing several significant legislative proposals that could reshape how associations plan for reserves, fund operations, and address future maintenance obligations. Attorney Robert DeNichilo joins Matthew Holbrook to explain the role of the California Legislative Action Committee (CLAC), discuss the rationale behind AB 2050’s reserve funding requirements, and examine concerns surrounding SB 1007’s proposed assessment caps. Topics include: • What CLAC does and how it influences legislation • The reasoning behind AB 2050 and mandatory reserve funding • Deferred maintenance and the lessons learned from aging communities • Why reserve studies matter • How assessment caps could affect HOA finances • The relationship between reserve funding and special assessments • Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac reserve funding considerations • Ways HOA board members and managers can participate in advocacy efforts • Additional legislation involving HVAC systems, heat pumps, and election by acclamation Take action and learn more: https://www.votervoice.net/CAI/Campaigns/138083/Respond Guest: Robert DeNichilo https://www.dlawapc.com/ Follow The Uncommon Area for expert-led discussions on HOA law, governance, and property management best practices. Rather watch the episode? Subscribe to our YouTube channel or go to our page. Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at marketing@actionlife.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. TIMESTAMPS 01:19 Meet Robert DeNichilo & CLAC 04:56 AB 2050: Mandatory Reserve Funding 06:08 Champlain Towers & Deferred Maintenance 08:19 Massive HOA Special Assessments 09:32 The Reserve Funding Formula 11:23 Reserve Study Best Practices 13:37 Will AB 2050 Pass? 15:24 How HOA Leaders Can Influence Legislation 18:57 SB 1007 Explained 20:45 Assessment Caps & CPI 22:13 Why Assessment Caps Create Problems 23:53 Realtors, Lenders & Fannie Mae 26:34 What HOA Boards Should Do Now 28:05 The Conflict Between AB 2050 & SB 1007 30:00 Why HOA Leaders Need to Speak Up 31:05 Predictions for SB 1007 33:07 Other Pending HOA Bills 34:23 Election by Acclamation Changes 34:59 When Will We Know the Outcome? 35:52 Final Thoughts

  6. Jun 16

    Is Your HOA Board Exposed to Liability for Negligence? | Ep. 93

    Volunteer HOA board members don't get paid...but they can absolutely get sued. In this episode, HOA attorney Lisa Tashjian of Beaumont Tashjian joins host Matthew Holbrook to break down one of the most overlooked risks in community association governance: board member negligence. Lisa explains the difference between negligence and gross negligence, why boards that haven't raised assessments in years should be concerned rather than proud, and how deferred maintenance creates real legal exposure. She also covers the business judgment rule, what happens when boards go opinion shopping for favorable expert reports, and why ignoring a complaint is never a neutral act. Plus: the social media habit that quietly creates liability for the whole board, the difference between meeting minutes and board resolutions, and why a "book of resolutions" might be the most underused protection tool in HOA governance. If you serve on a board, manage communities, or advise associations, this one is worth your full attention. Follow The Uncommon Area for expert-led discussions on HOA law, governance, and property management best practices. Rather watch the episode? Subscribe to our YouTube channel or go to our page. Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at marketing@actionlife.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

  7. Jun 2

    AB 130 Revisited [Pt 2]: Are We Overreacting? | Ep. 92

    California HOAs are still trying to fully understand the impact of AB 130, and according to attorney Dirk Petchul, many boards may be focusing on the wrong things. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook sits down with Dirk to break down the real-world implications of AB 130, including HOA fine limitations, “cured” violations, enforcement confusion, and the legal gray areas community associations are now navigating across California. The conversation explores: • AB 130 explained for HOA boards • California HOA enforcement changes • The $100 HOA fine limitation • What qualifies as a cured violation • Why some HOA boards may be overreacting • The risks of aggressive enforcement strategies • Health and safety enforcement concerns • Why associations should review their governing documents now This episode is essential listening for HOA board members, community managers, homeowners, and industry professionals trying to understand how AB 130 is reshaping HOA operations and enforcement in California. Learn more about Dirk Petchul and HOA legal services at Petchul Law Follow The Uncommon Area for expert-led discussions on HOA law, governance, and property management best practices. Rather watch the episode? Subscribe to our YouTube channel or go to our page. Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at marketing@actionlife.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

  8. May 19

    AB 130 Revisited [Pt 1]: The Enforcement Challenges Facing HOAs | Ep. 91

    California HOAs are still adjusting to the realities of AB 130 months after the law reshaped HOA enforcement rules across the state. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook is joined by HOA attorney Maria Kao for Part 1 of a two-part AB 130 series focused on one major question: How can HOA boards enforce community standards when traditional fines are no longer an effective deterrent? The conversation explores: California HOA fine limitations under AB 130Repeat and ongoing violationsHOA reimbursement assessmentsHealth and safety exemptionsHearing procedures and enforcement policiesShort-term rental enforcementAmenity suspension and alternative enforcement toolsCommunication strategies for improving homeowner complianceRather than simply discussing the legislation itself, this episode focuses on the practical challenges California HOA boards and managers are now facing in day-to-day operations. Follow The Uncommon Area for expert-led discussions on HOA law, governance, and property management best practices. Rather watch the episode? Subscribe to our YouTube channel or go to our page. Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at marketing@actionlife.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

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About

The Uncommon Area is a leading HOA podcast for board members, community leaders, and industry professionals looking for clear, practical guidance on homeowners association management. Hosted by Matthew Holbrook, CEO of Action Property Management, the show breaks down complex HOA topics including governance, financial management, insurance, legal issues, and community operations. Each episode features expert guests from across the industry, offering real-world insights, proven strategies, and fresh perspectives to help you run a more effective, well-managed community. Whether you're a board member, property manager, or homeowner, this podcast delivers actionable advice you can actually use.

Information

  • Creator
    Action Property Management
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 The Uncommon Area
  • Show Website
    The Uncommon Area

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