California homeowners facing problematic homeowners associations now have access to a comprehensive legal guide written by an attorney with nearly three decades of experience in HOA disputes. Michael B. Kushner's new book, "HOA HELL | California Homeowners' Definitive Guide to Beating Bad HOAs," provides step-by-step strategies for dealing with what the author describes as systemic failures in many of California's 55,000 HOAs. The book addresses widespread issues that affect homeowners across the state, offering concrete solutions based on established legal principles and practical experience.
Kushner, recognized as California's leading homeowner-side HOA attorney, explains that problematic associations routinely engage in practices including selective enforcement of rules, failure to maintain common areas, fiscal mismanagement, abusive disciplinary processes, and blocking homeowner access to association records. The book breaks down these patterns based on Kushner's observations from representing thousands of homeowners over his 30-year career. These systematic problems have created significant challenges for homeowners who often feel powerless against well-established association practices.
"Homeowners are far from powerless. They just have never been given a clear explanation of what the law actually allows them to do or how to do it," Kushner said. His book provides practical tools for documenting wrongs such as selective enforcement, retaliation, and financial mismanagement. It also guides homeowners through processes for demanding records and disclosures that can expose financial problems and other violations. The guide teaches homeowners how to organize neighbors, run recall campaigns against problematic board members, and create pressure on boards to comply with legal requirements.
Kushner emphasizes that none of the strategies presented are hypothetical, noting that he developed the core systems and strategies currently used by California's three largest homeowner-side HOA law firms. The book is currently available for preorder on Amazon for Kindle versions and Barnes & Noble for hardcover and paperback editions. The full release is scheduled for December 15, 2025, when the book will become available for delivery through both retailers. Kushner's approach focuses on empowering homeowners with knowledge of their legal rights and practical methods for forcing compliance from boards that have historically operated without effective oversight.
The publication represents a significant resource for California homeowners who have struggled with association governance issues, providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively challenge improper practices and ensure their associations operate in compliance with legal requirements and in the best interests of all homeowners.
