Homeowners Association Election Rules Upheld.

A homeowners association adopted a rule that prevents a person from seeking a position on its board if the prospective candidate is related by blood or marriage to any current board member or to any candidate for office on the board. A homeowner within the association contended the rule violates his right to nominate himself for the board, a right that he claimed is guaranteed by Civil Code section 1363.03, subsection (a)(3), which states: “a nomination or election procedure shall not be deemed reasonable if it disallows any member of the Association from nominating himself or herself to the board of directors.” A lawsuit ensured, and the trial court issued judgment in favor of the association after declaring the relationship rule may be enforced. The appellate court affirmed, stating: “We agree with the trial court’s conclusions of law that the relationship rule is valid, enforceable and not inconsistent with the governing documents.”  (Friars Village Homeowners Association v. Hansing (Cal. App. Fourth Dist., Div. 1; October 9, 2013) 220 Cal.App.4th 405, [162 Cal.Rptr.3d 818].