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.
Browse by topic
Getting Started
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
HOA Emergency Preparedness Plan — What to Include in 2025
A written emergency plan cuts HOA response time by 48-72 hours during regional disasters when vendors are overbooked and communication networks fail.
HOA Emergency Meeting Notice Rules — What Boards Must Follow
Most states allow 24-48 hours' notice for emergency board meetings, but only when the situation meets a narrow statutory definition of urgency.
HOA Embezzlement Detection Controls That Actually Work
Most HOA embezzlement follows 3-5 predictable patterns — dual signatures, segregated duties, and monthly statement reviews catch 80% of fraud attempts before significant loss.
How HOAs Adopt Electronic Voting — Rules, Vendors & Records
Electronic voting can raise HOA meeting turnout from 15% to 60% or more — but most associations need a formal bylaw amendment and state-compliant vendor before switching.
How HOAs Can Support Heat Pump and Electrification Upgrades
Boards can update architectural guidelines and streamline approvals to help homeowners install heat pumps and meet electrification goals without conflict.
HOA Election Inspection Rules — What Owners Should Watch For
Most states require HOAs to use independent inspectors for ballot counting, and 22 states let owners observe the count—here's what to watch for.
How HOAs Handle Drought Water Restrictions on Landscaping
In 2024, 17 states enacted laws limiting HOA enforcement against drought-compliant landscaping — here's how to navigate conflicting rules.
HOA Doorbell Camera Privacy Rules — What Owners Must Know
Doorbell cameras record up to 180 degrees—capturing neighbors' doorways, sidewalks, and common areas—which can trigger HOA complaints and state privacy laws.
HOA Cybersecurity: How to Evaluate Vendor Portal Security Risk
HOA management portals store owner SSNs, bank accounts, and addresses — 67% of associations now face cyberattack attempts annually.
Does the Corporate Transparency Act Apply to Your HOA?
The Corporate Transparency Act took effect January 1, 2024, and most incorporated HOAs are now considered reporting companies required to file beneficial ownership information with FinCEN.
HOA Collections: When to Use an Agency (4 Steps to Get There)
Most delinquent HOA dues resolve with clear communication, but sustained nonpayment eventually requires escalation—here's when a collections agency makes sense.
HOA Clothesline Right-to-Dry Laws — What States Allow Them?
22 states have right-to-dry laws that prevent HOAs from banning outdoor clotheslines, though most require rear-yard placement and architectural approval.
Get free property tips by email
New guides on taxes, rent, and maintenance — sent as we write them, not on a schedule. No schedule, no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
Prefer to dive in? Get started free →