“I understand that you are not an insurance expert, but maybe you can offer me some guidance. My agent informed me that my homeowners’ policy won’t be renewed, and I need to shop for a new one. Apparently, they used a plane to survey the area from the air and concluded that there are too many fire hazards, so they don’t want to provide coverage anymore. A few neighbors with the same company also got dropped. It’s frustrating because the issue seems to stem from other homes and the HOA not properly maintaining their trees and enforcing clutter rules. My broker suggests switching to another company, but I’m concerned that the same problem might arise regardless of the insurance company. What’s your take on my situation?”

If you are negatively affected by the actions or inaction of your neighbors and/or the HOA, you need to put them on notice, in writing, and see what resolution they offer. Maybe you’ll be ignored, or maybe they will shape up. You won’t know unless you try.

I don’t know if you have a single family lot or a multifamily unit. Nevertheless, the same principle applies regardless. Check your governing documents. Is there a requirement that owners maintain their trees or are they silent? Are there species specific prohibitions? If yes to either, gather your evidence and submit it to the HOA and request that they do their job to enforce the governing documents. Submit pictures to illustrate your point.

Do you see common area landscaping and trees that are not cared for? Take pictures, provide them to the HOA, and demand they take action.

California Civil Code section 4775 is very short and to the point and is the statute that would guide you here.

Go to the next Board meeting. Demand answers. Demand change. If you don’t get the action you need, demand an IDR or head to small claims against the HOA.

* July 19, 2023, update: You’re not alone. https://abc7news.com/homeowners-insurance-non-renewal-drone-photos-nonrenewal/13519714/