Okoniq Journal
Property tips, taxes & HOA guides
Plain-language guides for homeowners, landlords, and HOA boards — written to help you stay organized and keep more of your money at tax time.
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New to managing property? Start here.
Taxes & Accounting
Deductions, basis, Schedule E, and staying audit-ready.
Renting & Tenants
Leases, rent, screening, and tenant relationships.
Maintenance & Repairs
Upkeep, vendors, and keeping a home in shape.
Mortgage & Money
Financing, refinancing, insurance, and cash flow.
Buying & Selling
Valuation, prepping to sell, and the closing process.
HOA & Community
Boards, reserves, meetings, and living in an HOA.
Latest articles
How to Recall an HOA Board Member — Step-by-Step Process
Recalling an HOA board member requires following strict procedural rules spelled out in your CC&Rs and state law — skipping steps can void the entire effort.
HOA Proxy Voting Rules — What Boards and Owners Need to Know
Proxy voting rules differ by state and by HOA governing documents — some cap how many one person can hold, others require specific forms or revocation procedures.
HOA Political Yard Sign Limits — What Boards Can and Can't Restrict
Many states limit HOA political sign restrictions to 30-90 days before an election — boards must balance free speech with community appearance standards.
How to Handle HOA Pickleball Court Noise Complaints in 2025
Pickleball is now the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., but the pop of the ball has sparked dozens of documented HOA disputes nationwide.
HOA Payment Plan Agreement for Owner Dues — What to Include
A written payment plan resolves 73% of delinquent HOA dues without legal action—here's what boards must document to make them enforceable.
HOA Open Records Owner Request — What You Can See & How to Ask
Most states give HOA owners broad access to financial records, meeting minutes, and contracts — but the request must be in writing and specific.
HOA Mediation vs Arbitration Clauses — What Owners Should Know
Mediation clauses are voluntary and non-binding; arbitration clauses typically produce final, appealable-only-in-rare-cases decisions—know which your CC&Rs contain.
HOA Mailbox Uniformity Standards — What to Know Before Replacing
Many HOAs require uniform mailboxes across the community — here's who owns them, what standards apply, and how to stay compliant when you need a replacement.
HOA Loan vs Special Assessment — Which Financing Route Works?
An HOA loan spreads a $200K roof replacement over 5 years at 6%; a special assessment collects it in 90 days at no interest — here's how boards model both.
HOA Hurricane Shutter Approval — Get It Done Before Storm Season
Hurricane shutter approvals can take weeks — boards in coastal states receive a flood of requests once the forecast turns bad, and incomplete submissions stall for months.
HOA Holiday Decoration Rules — What to Check Before You Decorate
Most HOAs limit display windows to 30-45 days around each holiday — check your CC&Rs before you decorate to avoid a violation notice.
HO-6 Condo Insurance Explained — What Your Master Policy Doesn't Cover
HO-6 insurance fills the gaps left by your condo association's master policy — typically covering interior walls, cabinets, personal property, and liability inside your unit.
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