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

    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.

    30 min

  2. 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

    58 min

  3. 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.

    1h 2m

  4. 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.

    41 min

  5. 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.

    34 min

  6. May 5

    When HOA Meetings Go Wrong: Texas Law & Codes of Conduct | Ep. 90

    What happens when a homeowner refuses to leave a board meeting? When a fellow board member is exposing the association to liability? When one resident sends 173 emails in four months and every single one is technically civil? In Episode 90 of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook is joined by Texas HOA and condominium attorney Teddy Holtz to explore one of the most pressing challenges in community association management: what to do when civility breaks down. From meeting notice requirements to codes of conduct, from disruptive homeowners to dysfunctional boards, this episode gives board members and property managers the legal tools they need to run better, more protected communities. Topics covered in this episode: Texas board meeting notice requirements for HOAs and condominium associationsWhen and how to run an executive session properlyWhether boards are legally required to allow homeowner participationHow to handle a disruptive homeowner, including removal, adjournment, and reconveningWhether a homeowner can legally be barred from a reconvened meeting in TexasRecording board meetings in Texas: what is allowed and what is notHomeowner codes of conduct: what to include and how enforceable they areBoard member codes of conduct: ethical standards, self-dealing, and speaking with a unified voiceWhether a board can vote to remove one of its own members under Texas lawWhy financial consequences may be the only thing that changes a bully’s behaviorThe growing impact of AI-generated responses in HOA disputes Resources: Guest: Teddy Holtz, Texas HOA Attorney Host: Matthew Holbrook, Action Property Management Subscribe to The Uncommon Area on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube 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. Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at marketing@actionlife.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. *Legal requirements vary by state. This episode uses Texas law as examples. Board members should consult local counsel for state-specific guidance.

    51 min

  7. Apr 21

    Is Your HOA Properly Insured? | Ep. 89

    In this episode of The Uncommon Area, Action Property Management's CEO, Matthew Holbrook, is joined by insurance expert Dennis Socher to break down HOA and D&O insurance in a way that is practical, clear, and actionable. From directors and officers (D&O) insurance to general liability coverage, this conversation helps boards understand what their policies actually cover and where they may be exposed. Many associations assume they are properly insured, but coverage gaps, exclusions, and outdated property valuations can create serious financial risk. This episode explores how those gaps happen and how boards can take a more proactive approach to managing insurance. We cover: The difference between HOA D&O insurance, errors and omissions, and general liabilityWhat HOA insurance policies typically cover and what they excludeHow HOA insurance coverage limits are determined and why minimums may not be enoughHow to evaluate property replacement cost and avoid underinsuranceWhy HOA insurance premiums are rising and why the market is tighteningHow water damage, maintenance, and claims history impact your policyWhat to expect during the HOA insurance renewal processThe role of an insurance broker and how to choose the right oneWhen umbrella insurance makes sense for additional protection This episode is essential for HOA board members, community managers, and anyone involved in community association management who wants to better understand HOA insurance, reduce risk, and make more informed decisions. Follow The Uncommon Area for expert-led discussions on HOA law, governance, and property management best practices. Rather watch the episode video? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at marketing@actionlife.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

    27 min

  8. Apr 7

    HOA Board Conflict Series (Pt. 2): Executive Session and Board Dynamics | Ep. 88

    Executive session is one of the most misunderstood aspects of HOA governance. In Episode 88 of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook continues his conversation with HOA attorney James McCormick of Delphi Law Group to explain when boards should move discussions into executive session and why it matters. They discuss legal matters, collections, member discipline, contract formation, foreclosure discussions, and payment plans. The conversation also explores leadership lessons from The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and how trust and healthy conflict shape effective boards. Resources Learn more about James McCormick Read The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni Follow The Uncommon Area for expert-led discussions on HOA law, governance, and property management best practices. Rather watch the episode video? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at marketing@actionlife.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

    25 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

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
    96
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 The Uncommon Area
  • Show Website
    The Uncommon Area