Did you know that you can receive the email as well as mailing addresses for your community? Title your email subject “Formal Request for Membership Emails and addresses.” Reference Civil Code § 5225. Membership List Request Requirements. Be sure to reference this civil code and also include the purpose of your request. Suggest that they export the list into an Excel or CSV file so this can be uploaded into your contacts. Be sure to keep the request vague, but specific enough for them to approve the request. I stated that I wanted to “communicate with other homeowners about matters affecting our HOA.” Had that been denied, I would have added more information suggesting discussing reserve funding. For most HOAs, it’s about control and they curate their communications with homeowners. Once you request this list, don’t be surprised if the HOA sends out an email asking homeowners if they want to “opt out” of receiving emails from other homeowners. Of course, you cannot use this email list for business purposes. Civil Code § 5225. Membership List Request Requirements provides:
A member requesting the membership list shall state the purpose for which the list is requested which purpose shall be reasonably related to the requester’s interest as a member. If the association reasonably believes that the information in the list will be used for another purpose, it may deny the member access to the list. If the request is denied, in any subsequent action brought by the member under Section 5235, the association shall have the burden to prove that the member would have allowed use of the information for purposes unrelated to the member’s interest as a member.
Check your HOA’s communications policy
I think it should be used for community issues and find it distasteful to use it for the election. If your purpose is to sway the election in your candidate’s favor, you can instead focus in on what the incumbents are doing incorrectly. I do not recommend having the candidate send out emails and find the better strategy to take an indirect approach. Consider creating an email address and/or website that is similar to your HOA’s name, but this could also be a violation of your HOA’s communications guidelines.
Make sure you check your grammar
One of the highlights of our journey is a visit to the city’s historic district. Here, we delve deep into the city’s past, exploring ancient ruins, centuries-old monuments, and fascinating museums. We’re not just observers, but active participants in the story of this place, each step bringing a new discovery, a new connection to the people who once walked these streets.
Need a “call to action?”
Ask people to respond, write a letter to the board, or speak up at a board meeting. Be sure to connect with anyone that seems interested in engaging.
Consider a survey
But the true heart of any destination lies in its people. Throughout our journey, we’ve had the privilege of meeting local artisans, passionate conservationists, and friendly locals who have shared their stories and welcomed us into their community. Their warmth and hospitality remind us that travel is not just about seeing new places, but about forming genuine connections along the way.
Be sure to blind cc: all recipients
Be sure not to include everyone’s email addresses, otherwise you will have some very angry people.
500 Recipient Limits
Most emails are limited to 500 recipients. Save the recipient list to your contacts and be sure to delete the email addresses of those asking to be removed.
Timing is important
Have you noticed how you receive a lot of emails in the morning before 8am and on weekdays? Try to do the same. I also try to time my emails right before a call to action. For example, send out an email early Monday morning if the board meeting will be that Wednesday. The subject could be “Important HOA meeting this Wednesday on XXX.”
