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 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.
HOA Basketball Hoop Rules — What's Allowed on Your Driveway?
Basketball hoops trigger 12% of HOA architectural violations nationwide — most disputes stem from placement rules and overnight storage requirements owners never read.
HOA Audit vs Review vs Compilation — Which Does Your Board Need?
Audits cost $5,000-$15,000, reviews run $2,000-$5,000, and compilations start at $1,000 — your state law or CC&Rs likely dictate which one your HOA must file annually.
HOA Artificial Turf Approval — Get It Right the First Time
In California, Nevada, and Arizona, artificial turf can save 55 gallons of water per square foot per year — but HOA approval still requires proper documentation and aesthetic planning.
HOA Annual Budget Worksheet — Four Sections Every Board Needs
Most HOA boards organize their annual budget into four sections — operating expenses, contracted services, reserve contributions, and contingency — to keep assessments predictable.
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