Mulcahy Blog

When Vacation Rentals Become Neighborhood Problems: Municipal Enforcement and HOA Solutions

Short-term rentals continue to be a hot topic in Arizona community associations. While many owners operate their rental properties responsibly, some rentals become the source of excessive noise, parking issues, overcrowding, underage drinking, nuisance parties, and even criminal activity. Recent enforcement activity in Scottsdale highlights how municipalities are increasingly stepping up efforts to address these problems and protect residential neighborhoods. [...]

Immediate Impact: New Arizona Case Changes HOA/Condo Board Meeting Requirements

On April 28, 2026, the Arizona Court of Appeals issued a published opinion in AZNH Revocable Trust v. Sunland Springs Village Homeowners Association. The full decision can be found here. Does this case/opinion apply to Arizona HOAs and condominium boards effective immediately? Yes. This decision is effective immediately and applies to all Arizona HOAs and condominium associations. Practical Implications of [...]

How Community Associations Can Implement a Permanent Lighting Policy

Permanent lighting, also known as “permanent holiday lighting” or “trim lighting”, continues to gain popularity in communities throughout Arizona and across the country. As discussed in our prior blog, these systems consist of low-profile LED strips installed along rooflines or beneath eaves and controlled by mobile applications, allowing homeowners to change colors and brightness year-round. While homeowners appreciate the flexibility [...]

2026 Pending Legislation Summary

Summary of 2026 Pending Arizona Legislation Pertaining to HOAs and Condos Updated: June 19, 2026 **Note: Arizona legislative bills contained herein that have been updated on the above-reference date, have not been adopted by the Arizona Legislature and are subject to change. ** The Arizona Legislature opened the Fifty-seventh Legislature - Second Regular Session on Monday, January 12, 2026, and [...]

The Qualities of an A+ Community Manager

Selecting the right community manager can make all the difference in the success of an association. A great manager not only handles day-to-day operations but also fosters communication, organization, and trust within the community. At Mulcahy Law Firm, P.C. we’ve outlined what makes an A+ community manager—and how boards can identify and support these professionals. Communication is Key An exceptional [...]

What Documents Should Community Associations Retain—and for How Long

Clear, consistent recordkeeping is one of the most important responsibilities of an HOA or condominium association board. Arizona law sets specific retention requirements for different types of records, and following those timelines helps ensure compliance and smooth operations even as leadership changes. Records to Keep Permanently Some documents form the association’s foundation and should never be discarded. These include: Articles [...]

Understanding “Self-Help” in HOAs/Condos

Governing documents give boards several tools to enforce compliance—ranging from courtesy letters to fines and litigation. One enforcement option that’s often overlooked but can be very effective is known as “self-help.” What is Self-Help? “Self-help” allows an association to enter a property and correct a violation at the owner’s expense, but only if this authority is expressly provided in the [...]

It’s Budget Season: Time for Arizona HOAs and Condos to Plan Ahead

As 2025 wraps up, it’s time for many Arizona HOAs and condominium associations to begin preparing their budgets for the upcoming year. A well-planned budget is one of the board’s most important responsibilities. It ensures financial stability, supports necessary maintenance and reserves, and helps avoid unpleasant surprises. The budgeting process should begin with a careful review of last year’s actual [...]

Permanent Lighting in HOAs and Condos: A Bright New Trend or a Compliance Challenge?

Permanent lighting—also known as “permanent holiday lighting” or “trim lighting”—is quickly becoming one of the hottest home improvement trends of 2025. These systems use low-profile LED light strips installed along rooflines or eaves that can be controlled via mobile app to change colors or brightness year-round. Homeowners love the flexibility and curb appeal of permanent lighting. The technology allows residents [...]

Protecting Association Funds: The Importance of Using an FDIC-Insured Bank

Homeowner and condominium associations are responsible for managing significant community funds, and protecting those funds should always be a top priority. Even though bank failures are relatively rare, they can occur, and associations should take proactive steps to minimize financial risk and ensure their deposits are fully protected. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) provides deposit insurance coverage for checking, [...]

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