Keith W. Cunningham v. The Residences at 2211 Camelback Condominium

Case Summary

Case ID 24F-H008-REL
Agency ADRE
Tribunal OAH
Decision Date 2024-01-11
Administrative Law Judge Tammy L. Eigenheer
Outcome yes
Filing Fees Refunded $1,000.00
Civil Penalties $0.00

Parties & Counsel

Petitioner Keith W. Cunningham Counsel
Respondent The Residences at 2211 Camelback Condominium Association, INC Counsel Allison Preston

Alleged Violations

A.R.S. § 33-1258
CC&Rs Section 8.1.1

Outcome Summary

Petitioner's petition is granted. Respondent violated A.R.S. § 33-1258 by failing to provide requested records within 10 business days. Respondent violated CC&Rs Section 8.1.1 by failing to maintain insurance coverage equal to 100% of the replacement cost and failing to meet specific liability limits. Respondent is ordered to reimburse Petitioner's $1,000.00 filing fee and comply with the statute and CC&Rs going forward.

Key Issues & Findings

Records Request

Petitioner alleged Respondent failed to provide financial records and vendor contracts (Epic Valet, FirstService Residential, landscaping) within the statutory timeframe. The ALJ found Respondent failed to provide the documents within 10 business days of the July 10, 2023 request and subsequent July 24, 2023 request.

Orders: Respondent shall comply with A.R.S. § 33-1258 going forward.

Filing fee: $1,000.00, Fee refunded: Yes

Disposition: petitioner_win

Cited:

  • A.R.S. § 33-1258

Insurance Coverage

Petitioner alleged Respondent failed to maintain required insurance coverage. The ALJ found Respondent's property insurance coverage ($59M) was below the appraised replacement cost ($73M) and the general liability limits did not strictly comply with CC&Rs requirements despite an umbrella policy.

Orders: Respondent shall comply with Section 8.1.1 of the CC&Rs going forward.

Filing fee: $0.00, Fee refunded: No

Disposition: petitioner_win

Cited:

  • CC&Rs Section 8.1.1

Analytics Highlights

Topics: Records Request, Insurance Coverage, Condominium, Contracts, Vendor Contracts, Replacement Cost
Additional Citations:

  • A.R.S. § 33-1258
  • CC&Rs Section 8.1.1

Video Overview

Audio Overview

Decision Documents

24F-H008-REL Decision – 1099767.pdf

Uploaded 2026-02-12T19:18:01 (46.1 KB)

24F-H008-REL Decision – 1101587.pdf

Uploaded 2026-02-12T19:18:03 (49.0 KB)

24F-H008-REL Decision – 1119643.pdf

Uploaded 2026-02-12T19:18:04 (47.5 KB)

24F-H008-REL Decision – 1121917.pdf

Uploaded 2026-02-12T19:18:06 (39.3 KB)

24F-H008-REL Decision – 1132963.pdf

Uploaded 2026-02-12T19:18:07 (188.5 KB)

24F-H008-REL Decision – 1149691.pdf

Uploaded 2026-02-12T19:18:08 (39.1 KB)





Briefing Doc – 24F-H008-REL


{
“case”: {
“docket_no”: “24F-H008-REL”,
“case_title”: “In the Matter of Keith W. Cunningham v The Residences at 2211 Camelback Condominium Association, INC”,
“decision_date”: “2024-01-11”,
“tribunal”: “OAH”,
“agency”: “ADRE”
},
“individuals”: [
{
“name”: “Keith W. Cunningham”,
“role”: “petitioner”,
“side”: “petitioner”,
“affiliation”: null,
“notes”: null
},
{
“name”: “Allison Preston”,
“role”: “HOA attorney”,
“side”: “respondent”,
“affiliation”: “Carpenter Hazlewood Delgado & Bolen LLP”,
“notes”: “Represented The Residences at 2211 Camelback Condominium Association, INC”
},
{
“name”: “Kyle von Johnson”,
“role”: “HOA attorney”,
“side”: “respondent”,
“affiliation”: null,
“notes”: “Represented The Residences at 2211 Camelback Condominium Association, INC”
},
{
“name”: “Mark Teman”,
“role”: “board member”,
“side”: “respondent”,
“affiliation”: null,
“notes”: “Association President, witness”
},
{
“name”: “Allison Renow”,
“role”: “property manager”,
“side”: “respondent”,
“affiliation”: “First Service Residential”,
“notes”: “General Manager (GM) on site”
},
{
“name”: “Frank Durso”,
“role”: “regional manager”,
“side”: “respondent”,
“affiliation”: “First Service Residential”,
“notes”: null
},
{
“name”: “Jamie George”,
“role”: “VP of Insurance”,
“side”: “respondent”,
“affiliation”: “First Service Financial”,
“notes”: “Assists with association insurance policies”
},
{
“name”: “Holly McNelte”,
“role”: “management staff”,
“side”: “respondent”,
“affiliation”: “First Service Residential”,
“notes”: “FSR team member who managed documents/files”
},
{
“name”: “Jonathan Henley”,
“role”: “insurance broker”,
“side”: “neutral”,
“affiliation”: “Gallagher”,
“notes”: null
},
{
“name”: “Brian Del Vecchio”,
“role”: “ALJ”,
“side”: “neutral”,
“affiliation”: “OAH”,
“notes”: “Administrative Law Judge who conducted the hearing (12/8/23)”
},
{
“name”: “Tammy L. Eigenheer”,
“role”: “ALJ”,
“side”: “neutral”,
“affiliation”: “OAH”,
“notes”: “Administrative Law Judge who wrote the decision”
},
{
“name”: “Susan Nicolson”,
“role”: “Commissioner”,
“side”: “neutral”,
“affiliation”: “Arizona Department of Real Estate”,
“notes”: null
},
{
“name”: “AHansen”,
“role”: “ADRE staff”,
“side”: “unknown”,
“affiliation”: “Arizona Department of Real Estate”,
“notes”: “Transmission recipient”
},
{
“name”: “vnunez”,
“role”: “ADRE staff”,
“side”: “unknown”,
“affiliation”: “Arizona Department of Real Estate”,
“notes”: “Transmission recipient”
},
{
“name”: “djones”,
“role”: “ADRE staff”,
“side”: “unknown”,
“affiliation”: “Arizona Department of Real Estate”,
“notes”: “Transmission recipient”
},
{
“name”: “labril”,
“role”: “ADRE staff”,
“side”: “unknown”,
“affiliation”: “Arizona Department of Real Estate”,
“notes”: “Transmission recipient”
},
{
“name”: “mneat”,
“role”: “ADRE staff”,
“side”: “unknown”,
“affiliation”: “Arizona Department of Real Estate”,
“notes”: “Transmission recipient”
},
{
“name”: “akowaleski”,
“role”: “ADRE staff”,
“side”: “unknown”,
“affiliation”: “Arizona Department of Real Estate”,
“notes”: “Transmission recipient”
},
{
“name”: “gosborn”,
“role”: “ADRE staff”,
“side”: “unknown”,
“affiliation”: “Arizona Department of Real Estate”,
“notes”: “Transmission recipient”
}
]
}

{ “case”: { “agency”: “ADRE”, “tribunal”: “OAH”, “docket_no”: “24F-H008-REL”, “case_title”: “In the Matter of Keith W. Cunningham v The Residences at 2211 Camelback Condominium Association, INC”, “decision_date”: “2024-01-11”, “alj_name”: “Tammy L. Eigenheer” }, “parties”: [ { “party_id”: “P1”, “role”: “petitioner”, “name”: “Keith W. Cunningham”, “party_type”: “homeowner”, “email”: “[email protected]”, “phone”: null, “attorney_name”: null, “attorney_firm”: null, “attorney_email”: null, “attorney_phone”: null }, { “party_id”: “R1”, “role”: “respondent”, “name”: “The Residences at 2211 Camelback Condominium Association, INC”, “party_type”: “HOA”, “email”: null, “phone”: null, “attorney_name”: “Allison Preston”, “attorney_firm”: “Carpenter Hazlewood Delgado & Bolen LLP”, “attorney_email”: “[email protected]”, “attorney_phone”: null } ], “issues”: [ { “issue_id”: “ISS-001”, “type”: “statute”, “citation”: “A.R.S. § 33-1258”, “caption”: “Records Request”, “violation(s)”: “Failure to provide requested financial records and contracts within 10 business days”, “summary”: “Petitioner alleged Respondent failed to provide financial records and vendor contracts (Epic Valet, FirstService Residential, landscaping) within the statutory timeframe. The ALJ found Respondent failed to provide the documents within 10 business days of the July 10, 2023 request and subsequent July 24, 2023 request.”, “outcome”: “petitioner_win”, “filing_fee_paid”: 1000.0, “filing_fee_refunded”: true, “civil_penalty_amount”: 0.0, “orders_summary”: “Respondent shall comply with A.R.S. § 33-1258 going forward.”, “why_the_loss”: null, “cited”: [“A.R.S. § 33-1258”] }, { “issue_id”: “ISS-002”, “type”: “governing_documents”, “citation”: “CC&Rs Section 8.1.1”, “caption”: “Insurance Coverage”, “violation(s)”: “Failure to maintain property insurance equal to 100% of replacement cost and general liability insurance limits as required”, “summary”: “Petitioner alleged Respondent failed to maintain required insurance coverage. The ALJ found Respondent’s property insurance coverage (59M)wasbelowtheappraisedreplacementcost(73M) and the general liability limits did not strictly comply with CC&Rs requirements despite an umbrella policy.”, “outcome”: “petitioner_win”, “filing_fee_paid”: 0.0, “filing_fee_refunded”: false, “civil_penalty_amount”: 0.0, “orders_summary”: “Respondent shall comply with Section 8.1.1 of the CC&Rs going forward.”, “why_the_loss”: null, “cited”: [“CC&Rs Section 8.1.1”] } ], “money_summary”: { “issues_count”: 2, “total_filing_fees_paid”: 1000.0, “total_filing_fees_refunded”: 1000.0, “total_civil_penalties”: 0.0 }, “outcomes”: { “petitioner_is_hoa”: false, “petitioner_win”: “yes”, “summarize_judgement”: “Petitioner’s petition is granted. Respondent violated A.R.S. § 33-1258 by failing to provide requested records within 10 business days. Respondent violated CC&Rs Section 8.1.1 by failing to maintain insurance coverage equal to 100% of the replacement cost and failing to meet specific liability limits. Respondent is ordered to reimburse Petitioner’s $1,000.00 filing fee and comply with the statute and CC&Rs going forward.”, “why_the_loss”: null }, “analytics”: { “cited”: [“A.R.S. § 33-1258”, “CC&Rs Section 8.1.1”], “tags”: [“Records Request”, “Insurance Coverage”, “Condominium”, “Contracts”, “Vendor Contracts”, “Replacement Cost”] } }






Study Guide – 24F-H008-REL


{ “case”: { “docket_no”: “24F-H008-REL”, “case_title”: “Keith W. Cunningham v The Residences at 2211 Camelback Condominium Association, INC”, “decision_date”: “2024-01-11”, “alj_name”: “Tammy L. Eigenheer”, “tribunal”: “OAH”, “agency”: “ADRE” }, “questions”: [ { “question”: “How many days does my HOA have to provide records after I request them?”, “short_answer”: “The HOA has 10 business days to fulfill a request for examination of records.”, “detailed_answer”: “According to Arizona law cited in the decision, an association must make financial and other records reasonably available for examination within ten business days of a member’s request.”, “alj_quote”: “The association shall have ten business days to fulfill a request for examination.”, “legal_basis”: “A.R.S. § 33-1258(A)”, “topic_tags”: [ “records request”, “deadlines”, “A.R.S. § 33-1258” ] }, { “question”: “Can my HOA claim they don’t have to provide specific contracts if they are not uploaded to the web portal?”, “short_answer”: “No. If the records exist and aren’t privileged, the HOA must make them available for examination, regardless of whether they are on a portal.”, “detailed_answer”: “In this case, the HOA failed to provide signed vendor contracts that existed, claiming they provided what was on the portal. The ALJ found that failing to provide these specific requested documents constituted a violation.”, “alj_quote”: “Respondent did not assert or establish that any of the requested documents were subject to any of the exceptions provided for in statute. Accordingly, Petitioner was entitled to examine those documents.”, “legal_basis”: “A.R.S. § 33-1258”, “topic_tags”: [ “records request”, “contracts”, “online portal” ] }, { “question”: “If my CC&Rs require specific insurance liability limits, does an umbrella policy count towards meeting them?”, “short_answer”: “Not necessarily. The ALJ ruled that a base policy lower than the CC&R requirement was non-compliant, even with a large umbrella policy.”, “detailed_answer”: “The CC&Rs required $3,000,000 per occurrence. The HOA had $1,000,000 coverage plus a $50,000,000 umbrella. The ALJ ruled the general liability insurance was not in compliance because the specific base limit was not met.”, “alj_quote”: “While Respondent had an umbrella policy in addition to the general liability insurance, Respondent’s general liability insurance was not in compliance with the applicable CC&Rs.”, “legal_basis”: “CC&Rs Section 8.1.1”, “topic_tags”: [ “insurance”, “compliance”, “CC&Rs” ] }, { “question”: “Must the HOA insure the building for its full replacement cost?”, “short_answer”: “Yes, if the CC&Rs state the insurance must equal 100% of the current replacement cost.”, “detailed_answer”: “The HOA obtained an appraisal showing a replacement cost of $73 million but maintained coverage of only $59 million. The ALJ found this violated the CC&Rs requirement for 100% replacement cost coverage.”, “alj_quote”: “Accordingly, Respondent’s property insurance was not in compliance with the applicable CC&Rs at the time the petition was filed.”, “legal_basis”: “CC&Rs Section 8.1.1”, “topic_tags”: [ “insurance”, “property value”, “CC&Rs” ] }, { “question”: “Will I get my filing fee back if I win the hearing?”, “short_answer”: “The ALJ has the authority to order the HOA to reimburse the filing fee if the petition is granted.”, “detailed_answer”: “After granting the petition and finding the HOA in violation, the judge specifically ordered the respondent to pay back the petitioner’s filing fee.”, “alj_quote”: “IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Respondent reimburse Petitioner his $1,000.00 filing fee.”, “legal_basis”: “Order”, “topic_tags”: [ “remedies”, “filing fees”, “costs” ] }, { “question”: “What happens if I accidentally cite the wrong statute number in my complaint?”, “short_answer”: “It may not be dismissed if the context of your complaint makes it clear what you are disputing.”, “detailed_answer”: “The HOA tried to dismiss the case because the homeowner cited the Planned Community statute instead of the Condominium statute. The judge denied this because the checkboxes and narrative provided sufficient notice of the claim.”, “alj_quote”: “While it may be true Petitioner hand wrote A.R.S. §33-1805… the context surrounding Petitioner’s hand written statute provides adequate notice.”, “legal_basis”: “Due Process / Notice”, “topic_tags”: [ “procedure”, “complaint forms”, “legal error” ] }, { “question”: “What is the standard of proof I need to meet to win against my HOA?”, “short_answer”: “You must prove your case by a “preponderance of the evidence.””, “detailed_answer”: “The homeowner bears the burden of proof. This standard means showing that the fact sought to be proved is more probable than not.”, “alj_quote”: “In this proceeding, Petitioner bears the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that Respondent violated A.R.S. § 33-1258 and the Association’s governing documents.”, “legal_basis”: “A.A.C. R2-19-119”, “topic_tags”: [ “burden of proof”, “legal standard”, “evidence” ] }, { “question”: “Will the HOA be fined a civil penalty if I prove they violated the law?”, “short_answer”: “Not automatically. The ALJ decides if a penalty is appropriate based on the facts.”, “detailed_answer”: “Even though the HOA was found to have violated record laws and insurance requirements, the judge decided not to assess a civil penalty in this specific instance.”, “alj_quote”: “Based on the facts presented, the Administrative Law Judge finds no civil penalty is appropriate in this matter.”, “legal_basis”: “Judicial Discretion”, “topic_tags”: [ “penalties”, “fines”, “enforcement” ] } ] }






Blog Post – 24F-H008-REL


{ “case”: { “docket_no”: “24F-H008-REL”, “case_title”: “Keith W. Cunningham v The Residences at 2211 Camelback Condominium Association, INC”, “decision_date”: “2024-01-11”, “alj_name”: “Tammy L. Eigenheer”, “tribunal”: “OAH”, “agency”: “ADRE” }, “questions”: [ { “question”: “How many days does my HOA have to provide records after I request them?”, “short_answer”: “The HOA has 10 business days to fulfill a request for examination of records.”, “detailed_answer”: “According to Arizona law cited in the decision, an association must make financial and other records reasonably available for examination within ten business days of a member’s request.”, “alj_quote”: “The association shall have ten business days to fulfill a request for examination.”, “legal_basis”: “A.R.S. § 33-1258(A)”, “topic_tags”: [ “records request”, “deadlines”, “A.R.S. § 33-1258” ] }, { “question”: “Can my HOA claim they don’t have to provide specific contracts if they are not uploaded to the web portal?”, “short_answer”: “No. If the records exist and aren’t privileged, the HOA must make them available for examination, regardless of whether they are on a portal.”, “detailed_answer”: “In this case, the HOA failed to provide signed vendor contracts that existed, claiming they provided what was on the portal. The ALJ found that failing to provide these specific requested documents constituted a violation.”, “alj_quote”: “Respondent did not assert or establish that any of the requested documents were subject to any of the exceptions provided for in statute. Accordingly, Petitioner was entitled to examine those documents.”, “legal_basis”: “A.R.S. § 33-1258”, “topic_tags”: [ “records request”, “contracts”, “online portal” ] }, { “question”: “If my CC&Rs require specific insurance liability limits, does an umbrella policy count towards meeting them?”, “short_answer”: “Not necessarily. The ALJ ruled that a base policy lower than the CC&R requirement was non-compliant, even with a large umbrella policy.”, “detailed_answer”: “The CC&Rs required $3,000,000 per occurrence. The HOA had $1,000,000 coverage plus a $50,000,000 umbrella. The ALJ ruled the general liability insurance was not in compliance because the specific base limit was not met.”, “alj_quote”: “While Respondent had an umbrella policy in addition to the general liability insurance, Respondent’s general liability insurance was not in compliance with the applicable CC&Rs.”, “legal_basis”: “CC&Rs Section 8.1.1”, “topic_tags”: [ “insurance”, “compliance”, “CC&Rs” ] }, { “question”: “Must the HOA insure the building for its full replacement cost?”, “short_answer”: “Yes, if the CC&Rs state the insurance must equal 100% of the current replacement cost.”, “detailed_answer”: “The HOA obtained an appraisal showing a replacement cost of $73 million but maintained coverage of only $59 million. The ALJ found this violated the CC&Rs requirement for 100% replacement cost coverage.”, “alj_quote”: “Accordingly, Respondent’s property insurance was not in compliance with the applicable CC&Rs at the time the petition was filed.”, “legal_basis”: “CC&Rs Section 8.1.1”, “topic_tags”: [ “insurance”, “property value”, “CC&Rs” ] }, { “question”: “Will I get my filing fee back if I win the hearing?”, “short_answer”: “The ALJ has the authority to order the HOA to reimburse the filing fee if the petition is granted.”, “detailed_answer”: “After granting the petition and finding the HOA in violation, the judge specifically ordered the respondent to pay back the petitioner’s filing fee.”, “alj_quote”: “IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Respondent reimburse Petitioner his $1,000.00 filing fee.”, “legal_basis”: “Order”, “topic_tags”: [ “remedies”, “filing fees”, “costs” ] }, { “question”: “What happens if I accidentally cite the wrong statute number in my complaint?”, “short_answer”: “It may not be dismissed if the context of your complaint makes it clear what you are disputing.”, “detailed_answer”: “The HOA tried to dismiss the case because the homeowner cited the Planned Community statute instead of the Condominium statute. The judge denied this because the checkboxes and narrative provided sufficient notice of the claim.”, “alj_quote”: “While it may be true Petitioner hand wrote A.R.S. §33-1805… the context surrounding Petitioner’s hand written statute provides adequate notice.”, “legal_basis”: “Due Process / Notice”, “topic_tags”: [ “procedure”, “complaint forms”, “legal error” ] }, { “question”: “What is the standard of proof I need to meet to win against my HOA?”, “short_answer”: “You must prove your case by a “preponderance of the evidence.””, “detailed_answer”: “The homeowner bears the burden of proof. This standard means showing that the fact sought to be proved is more probable than not.”, “alj_quote”: “In this proceeding, Petitioner bears the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that Respondent violated A.R.S. § 33-1258 and the Association’s governing documents.”, “legal_basis”: “A.A.C. R2-19-119”, “topic_tags”: [ “burden of proof”, “legal standard”, “evidence” ] }, { “question”: “Will the HOA be fined a civil penalty if I prove they violated the law?”, “short_answer”: “Not automatically. The ALJ decides if a penalty is appropriate based on the facts.”, “detailed_answer”: “Even though the HOA was found to have violated record laws and insurance requirements, the judge decided not to assess a civil penalty in this specific instance.”, “alj_quote”: “Based on the facts presented, the Administrative Law Judge finds no civil penalty is appropriate in this matter.”, “legal_basis”: “Judicial Discretion”, “topic_tags”: [ “penalties”, “fines”, “enforcement” ] } ] }


Case Participants

Petitioner Side

  • Keith W. Cunningham (petitioner)

Respondent Side

  • Allison Preston (HOA attorney)
    Carpenter Hazlewood Delgado & Bolen LLP
    Represented The Residences at 2211 Camelback Condominium Association, INC
  • Kyle von Johnson (HOA attorney)
    Represented The Residences at 2211 Camelback Condominium Association, INC
  • Mark Teman (board member)
    Association President, witness
  • Allison Renow (property manager)
    First Service Residential
    General Manager (GM) on site
  • Frank Durso (regional manager)
    First Service Residential
  • Jamie George (VP of Insurance)
    First Service Financial
    Assists with association insurance policies
  • Holly McNelte (management staff)
    First Service Residential
    FSR team member who managed documents/files

Neutral Parties

  • Jonathan Henley (insurance broker)
    Gallagher
  • Brian Del Vecchio (ALJ)
    OAH
    Administrative Law Judge who conducted the hearing (12/8/23)
  • Tammy L. Eigenheer (ALJ)
    OAH
    Administrative Law Judge who wrote the decision
  • Susan Nicolson (Commissioner)
    Arizona Department of Real Estate

Other Participants

  • AHansen (ADRE staff)
    Arizona Department of Real Estate
    Transmission recipient
  • vnunez (ADRE staff)
    Arizona Department of Real Estate
    Transmission recipient
  • djones (ADRE staff)
    Arizona Department of Real Estate
    Transmission recipient
  • labril (ADRE staff)
    Arizona Department of Real Estate
    Transmission recipient
  • mneat (ADRE staff)
    Arizona Department of Real Estate
    Transmission recipient
  • akowaleski (ADRE staff)
    Arizona Department of Real Estate
    Transmission recipient
  • gosborn (ADRE staff)
    Arizona Department of Real Estate
    Transmission recipient

Jerry and Patricia Gravelle vs. Village Parc Homeowners Assoc. of

Case Summary

Case ID 17F-H1716008-REL
Agency ADRE
Tribunal OAH
Decision Date 2017-01-03
Administrative Law Judge Diane Mihalsky
Outcome loss
Filing Fees Refunded $0.00
Civil Penalties $0.00

Parties & Counsel

Petitioner Jerry and Patricia Gravelle Counsel
Respondent Village Parc Homeowners Assoc. of Havasu Counsel Kenneth E. Moyer, Esq.

Alleged Violations

CC&Rs Article 11, Section 11.7.3; CC&Rs Article 11, Section 11.7.6

Outcome Summary

The Commissioner adopted the ALJ's recommendation to dismiss the petition, finding that the HOA was not required by the governing documents (CC&Rs) or state law (Arizona Condominium Act) to insure against damages to the interior finished surfaces of the petitioners' individual condominium unit.

Why this result: The CC&Rs put Petitioners on notice that Respondent was not required to provide insurance coverage for damages to their individual unit, and Petitioners did not establish that Respondent was responsible for the damages.

Key Issues & Findings

HOA responsibility to insure unit interior damages caused by sewer backup

Petitioners claimed Respondent HOA violated CC&Rs (specifically Sections 11.7.3 and 11.7.6) by not providing insurance coverage for $6,697.70 in damages to the interior of their individual unit caused by a sewer backup. The HOA contended the CC&Rs and Arizona Condominium Act place this responsibility on the unit owner.

Orders: The petition was dismissed, and no action was required of the Respondent.

Filing fee: $0.00, Fee refunded: No

Disposition: petitioner_loss

Cited:

  • A.R.S. § 33-1212(1)
  • A.R.S. § 33-1247(A)
  • A.R.S. § 32-2199.01

Analytics Highlights

Topics: Condominiums, Insurance Coverage, CC&Rs Interpretation, Unit Boundaries, Maintenance Responsibility
Additional Citations:

  • A.R.S. § 33-1212(1)
  • A.R.S. § 33-1247(A)
  • A.R.S. § 32-2199.01
  • CC&Rs Article 11, Section 11.7.3
  • CC&Rs Article 11, Section 11.7.6

Audio Overview

Decision Documents

17F-H1716008-REL Decision – 528194.pdf

Uploaded 2025-10-08T06:56:55 (58.8 KB)

17F-H1716008-REL Decision – 528432.pdf

Uploaded 2025-10-08T06:56:56 (63.1 KB)

17F-H1716008-REL Decision – 535933.pdf

Uploaded 2025-10-08T06:56:56 (131.6 KB)

17F-H1716008-REL Decision – 539997.pdf

Uploaded 2025-10-08T06:56:57 (1010.1 KB)





Briefing Doc – 17F-H1716008-REL


Briefing: Gravelle v. Village Parc Homeowners Association

Executive Summary

This briefing synthesizes the key findings and legal determinations from an administrative case between homeowners Jerry and Patricia Gravelle and the Village Parc Homeowners Association of Havasu (HOA). The dispute centered on liability for damages within the Gravelles’ condominium unit caused by a sewer backup.

The petition, filed with the Arizona Department of Real Estate, was ultimately dismissed. The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) concluded, and the Department Commissioner affirmed, that the HOA’s governing documents—the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs)—unambiguously place the responsibility for insuring the interior of an individual unit on the unit owner, not the HOA.

The ruling established that the HOA’s master insurance policy, provided by Travelers, was only obligated to cover what the CC&Rs required. Arguments based on the HOA’s past payments for minor damages in other units, an erroneous initial statement by an insurance adjuster on a prior claim, and the HOA Board’s own mistaken interpretation of its duties were all found to be insufficient to override the plain written language of the governing documents. The final decision reinforces the principle that unit owners are responsible for understanding their CC&Rs and securing adequate personal insurance for their property.

I. Case Overview and Final Disposition

Case Identification: No. 17F-H1716008-REL

Parties:

Petitioners: Jerry and Patricia Gravelle, owners of Unit 14 in the Village Parc development.

Respondent: Village Parc Homeowners Assoc. of Havasu (“the Association”).

Adjudicating Body: The case was heard in the Arizona Office of Administrative Hearings before Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Diane Mihalsky. The final order was issued by the Commissioner of the Arizona Department of Real Estate.

Key Dates:

Hearing Date: November 10, 2016

ALJ Decision: December 22, 2016

Final Order: January 3, 2017

Final Disposition: The Commissioner of the Department of Real Estate, Judy Lowe, accepted the ALJ’s recommendation and ordered that the petition be dismissed. This constituted a final administrative action, effective immediately. Parties were advised of their right to file for rehearing or appeal for judicial review.

II. The Core Dispute: Insurance for Sewer Backup Damage

On or about October 23, 2015, the Petitioners’ condominium (Unit 14), along with two other units, suffered damage from a sewer backup. The central conflict arose from determining which party was financially responsible for the repairs inside the Petitioners’ unit.

Petitioners’ Claim: The Gravelles filed a petition on August 31, 2016, alleging the Association violated Articles 11.7.3 and 11.7.6 of the CC&Rs by failing to provide insurance coverage for the full extent of the damages. Their personal insurance policy did not cover sewer backups. They requested the Association pay $6,697.70 to reimburse them for the loss that the Association’s insurer, Travelers, declined to cover.

Insurance Claim Outcome:

◦ The Association submitted a claim for the sewer backup damages to its insurer, Travelers.

◦ Travelers determined that its policy covered damages to the common elements associated with the unit and issued a check to the Petitioners for $338.64.

◦ Travelers concluded there was no coverage under the policy for damage to the interior of the Petitioners’ unit. This denial was based on the CC&Rs, which establish that the unit owner is responsible for the finished surfaces and personal property within their unit.

III. Analysis of Governing Documents and Legal Framework

The ALJ’s decision was grounded in a strict interpretation of the Association’s CC&Rs, its insurance contract, and the Arizona Condominium Act.

Document / Statute

Key Provisions and Implications

Village Parc CC&Rs

Unit Definition (Sec. 2.2.1): A unit is defined as the space “bounded by and contained within the interior finished surfaces of the perimeter walls, floors and ceilings.”

Insurance Responsibility (Sec. 11.7.3): The Association’s master policy is explicitly “not be required to insure the personal property within any individual Unit, which insurance shall be the responsibility and risk of the Unit Owners.”

Liability Limitation (Sec. 11.7.5): The Association is not liable to any owner “if any risk or hazard is not covered by insurance or the amount is inadequate.” It places the burden on each owner to ascertain the Association’s coverage and procure their own additional insurance.

Travelers Insurance Policy

Conditional Coverage Endorsement: The policy covers certain property (fixtures, alterations, appliances) contained within a unit, but only “if your Condominium Association Agreement requires you to insure it.” Since the CC&Rs do not require the Association to insure unit interiors, this coverage was not triggered.

Primary Insurance: The policy states it is “intended to be primary, and not to contribute with such other insurance” a unit-owner may have.

Arizona Condominium Act

Unit Definition (A.R.S. § 33-1212(1)): Reinforces the CC&Rs by defining finished surfaces—”lath, furring, wallboard… tiles, wallpaper, paint, finished flooring”—as part of the unit. All other portions of walls, floors, or ceilings are common elements.

Maintenance Responsibility (A.R.S. § 33-1247(A)): The law specifies that “the association is responsible for maintenance, repair and replacement of the common elements and each unit owner is responsible for maintenance, repair and replacement of the unit.”

IV. Petitioners’ Arguments and the ALJ’s Rejection

The Petitioners presented evidence of past practices by both the Association and Travelers, arguing these created an expectation of coverage. The ALJ systematically rejected these arguments.

Argument 1: The Association’s Past Payments for Unit Repairs

Petitioners’ Evidence: The Association had authorized payments for repairs inside other units on prior occasions:

June 2011: $153.74, $75.00, and $296.11 for damage to Units 3 and 5 from a broken shower drain.

January 2012: $449.45 to repair kitchen cabinets in Unit 6 damaged by a broken roof vent.

ALJ’s Conclusion: The fact that the Association’s Board made “actual payments of small amounts for damages to individually owned units” does not legally amend the plain language of the CC&Rs. Notably, the Association did not submit these prior incidents to its insurer.

Argument 2: Travelers’ Prior Actions

Petitioners’ Evidence: In a 2014 claim, a Travelers adjuster initially determined that the policy did provide coverage for damage done to a unit, not just limited common elements.

ALJ’s Conclusion: Travelers later stated the adjuster had erred and confirmed no claim for unit damage was ultimately paid. The ALJ found that the “adjuster’s initial error in the 2014 claim does not estop Travelers from denying the claim for damages to Petitioners’ unit” in 2015.

Argument 3: The Association Board’s Own Interpretation

Petitioners’ Evidence: At a November 2015 board meeting, where Mr. Gravelle served as secretary/treasurer, the Board itself determined that the CC&Rs did require the Association to provide insurance coverage for all damages to Unit 14.

ALJ’s Conclusion: The Board’s “erroneous opinion” does not have the legal power to amend the CC&Rs or the binding terms of the Travelers insurance policy.

V. Core Legal Principles and Final Decision

The dismissal of the petition was based on several foundational legal principles.

Primacy of Written Documents: The decision gave superior weight to the “plain language” of the CC&Rs and the insurance contract over inconsistent past practices or mistaken interpretations.

Burden of Proof: As the filing party, the Petitioners had the burden to prove by a “preponderance of the evidence” that the Association violated the CC&Rs. The ALJ determined they failed to meet this standard.

Clear Delineation of Responsibility: Both the CC&Rs and Arizona state law create a clear separation of financial and maintenance responsibilities: the Association is responsible for common elements, while individual owners are responsible for their units.

Presumption of Knowledge: The decision cited the legal principle that “Everyone is presumed to know the law.” The CC&Rs put the Petitioners on constructive notice that they were responsible for insuring their individual unit against risks like a sewer backup. Their failure to procure such coverage was their own responsibility.


Jerry and Patricia Gravelle vs. Village Parc Homeowners Assoc. of

Case Summary

Case ID 17F-H1716008-REL
Agency ADRE
Tribunal OAH
Decision Date 2017-01-03
Administrative Law Judge Diane Mihalsky
Outcome loss
Filing Fees Refunded $0.00
Civil Penalties $0.00

Parties & Counsel

Petitioner Jerry and Patricia Gravelle Counsel
Respondent Village Parc Homeowners Assoc. of Havasu Counsel Kenneth E. Moyer, Esq.

Alleged Violations

CC&Rs Article 11, Section 11.7.3; CC&Rs Article 11, Section 11.7.6

Outcome Summary

The Commissioner adopted the ALJ's recommendation to dismiss the petition, finding that the HOA was not required by the governing documents (CC&Rs) or state law (Arizona Condominium Act) to insure against damages to the interior finished surfaces of the petitioners' individual condominium unit.

Why this result: The CC&Rs put Petitioners on notice that Respondent was not required to provide insurance coverage for damages to their individual unit, and Petitioners did not establish that Respondent was responsible for the damages.

Key Issues & Findings

HOA responsibility to insure unit interior damages caused by sewer backup

Petitioners claimed Respondent HOA violated CC&Rs (specifically Sections 11.7.3 and 11.7.6) by not providing insurance coverage for $6,697.70 in damages to the interior of their individual unit caused by a sewer backup. The HOA contended the CC&Rs and Arizona Condominium Act place this responsibility on the unit owner.

Orders: The petition was dismissed, and no action was required of the Respondent.

Filing fee: $0.00, Fee refunded: No

Disposition: petitioner_loss

Cited:

  • A.R.S. § 33-1212(1)
  • A.R.S. § 33-1247(A)
  • A.R.S. § 32-2199.01

Analytics Highlights

Topics: Condominiums, Insurance Coverage, CC&Rs Interpretation, Unit Boundaries, Maintenance Responsibility
Additional Citations:

  • A.R.S. § 33-1212(1)
  • A.R.S. § 33-1247(A)
  • A.R.S. § 32-2199.01
  • CC&Rs Article 11, Section 11.7.3
  • CC&Rs Article 11, Section 11.7.6

Audio Overview

Decision Documents

17F-H1716008-REL Decision – 528194.pdf

Uploaded 2025-10-08T07:01:04 (58.8 KB)

17F-H1716008-REL Decision – 528432.pdf

Uploaded 2025-10-08T07:01:04 (63.1 KB)

17F-H1716008-REL Decision – 535933.pdf

Uploaded 2025-10-08T07:01:05 (131.6 KB)

17F-H1716008-REL Decision – 539997.pdf

Uploaded 2025-10-08T07:01:07 (1010.1 KB)





Briefing Doc – 17F-H1716008-REL


Briefing: Gravelle v. Village Parc Homeowners Association

Executive Summary

This briefing synthesizes the key findings and legal determinations from an administrative case between homeowners Jerry and Patricia Gravelle and the Village Parc Homeowners Association of Havasu (HOA). The dispute centered on liability for damages within the Gravelles’ condominium unit caused by a sewer backup.

The petition, filed with the Arizona Department of Real Estate, was ultimately dismissed. The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) concluded, and the Department Commissioner affirmed, that the HOA’s governing documents—the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs)—unambiguously place the responsibility for insuring the interior of an individual unit on the unit owner, not the HOA.

The ruling established that the HOA’s master insurance policy, provided by Travelers, was only obligated to cover what the CC&Rs required. Arguments based on the HOA’s past payments for minor damages in other units, an erroneous initial statement by an insurance adjuster on a prior claim, and the HOA Board’s own mistaken interpretation of its duties were all found to be insufficient to override the plain written language of the governing documents. The final decision reinforces the principle that unit owners are responsible for understanding their CC&Rs and securing adequate personal insurance for their property.

I. Case Overview and Final Disposition

Case Identification: No. 17F-H1716008-REL

Parties:

Petitioners: Jerry and Patricia Gravelle, owners of Unit 14 in the Village Parc development.

Respondent: Village Parc Homeowners Assoc. of Havasu (“the Association”).

Adjudicating Body: The case was heard in the Arizona Office of Administrative Hearings before Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Diane Mihalsky. The final order was issued by the Commissioner of the Arizona Department of Real Estate.

Key Dates:

Hearing Date: November 10, 2016

ALJ Decision: December 22, 2016

Final Order: January 3, 2017

Final Disposition: The Commissioner of the Department of Real Estate, Judy Lowe, accepted the ALJ’s recommendation and ordered that the petition be dismissed. This constituted a final administrative action, effective immediately. Parties were advised of their right to file for rehearing or appeal for judicial review.

II. The Core Dispute: Insurance for Sewer Backup Damage

On or about October 23, 2015, the Petitioners’ condominium (Unit 14), along with two other units, suffered damage from a sewer backup. The central conflict arose from determining which party was financially responsible for the repairs inside the Petitioners’ unit.

Petitioners’ Claim: The Gravelles filed a petition on August 31, 2016, alleging the Association violated Articles 11.7.3 and 11.7.6 of the CC&Rs by failing to provide insurance coverage for the full extent of the damages. Their personal insurance policy did not cover sewer backups. They requested the Association pay $6,697.70 to reimburse them for the loss that the Association’s insurer, Travelers, declined to cover.

Insurance Claim Outcome:

◦ The Association submitted a claim for the sewer backup damages to its insurer, Travelers.

◦ Travelers determined that its policy covered damages to the common elements associated with the unit and issued a check to the Petitioners for $338.64.

◦ Travelers concluded there was no coverage under the policy for damage to the interior of the Petitioners’ unit. This denial was based on the CC&Rs, which establish that the unit owner is responsible for the finished surfaces and personal property within their unit.

III. Analysis of Governing Documents and Legal Framework

The ALJ’s decision was grounded in a strict interpretation of the Association’s CC&Rs, its insurance contract, and the Arizona Condominium Act.

Document / Statute

Key Provisions and Implications

Village Parc CC&Rs

Unit Definition (Sec. 2.2.1): A unit is defined as the space “bounded by and contained within the interior finished surfaces of the perimeter walls, floors and ceilings.”

Insurance Responsibility (Sec. 11.7.3): The Association’s master policy is explicitly “not be required to insure the personal property within any individual Unit, which insurance shall be the responsibility and risk of the Unit Owners.”

Liability Limitation (Sec. 11.7.5): The Association is not liable to any owner “if any risk or hazard is not covered by insurance or the amount is inadequate.” It places the burden on each owner to ascertain the Association’s coverage and procure their own additional insurance.

Travelers Insurance Policy

Conditional Coverage Endorsement: The policy covers certain property (fixtures, alterations, appliances) contained within a unit, but only “if your Condominium Association Agreement requires you to insure it.” Since the CC&Rs do not require the Association to insure unit interiors, this coverage was not triggered.

Primary Insurance: The policy states it is “intended to be primary, and not to contribute with such other insurance” a unit-owner may have.

Arizona Condominium Act

Unit Definition (A.R.S. § 33-1212(1)): Reinforces the CC&Rs by defining finished surfaces—”lath, furring, wallboard… tiles, wallpaper, paint, finished flooring”—as part of the unit. All other portions of walls, floors, or ceilings are common elements.

Maintenance Responsibility (A.R.S. § 33-1247(A)): The law specifies that “the association is responsible for maintenance, repair and replacement of the common elements and each unit owner is responsible for maintenance, repair and replacement of the unit.”

IV. Petitioners’ Arguments and the ALJ’s Rejection

The Petitioners presented evidence of past practices by both the Association and Travelers, arguing these created an expectation of coverage. The ALJ systematically rejected these arguments.

Argument 1: The Association’s Past Payments for Unit Repairs

Petitioners’ Evidence: The Association had authorized payments for repairs inside other units on prior occasions:

June 2011: $153.74, $75.00, and $296.11 for damage to Units 3 and 5 from a broken shower drain.

January 2012: $449.45 to repair kitchen cabinets in Unit 6 damaged by a broken roof vent.

ALJ’s Conclusion: The fact that the Association’s Board made “actual payments of small amounts for damages to individually owned units” does not legally amend the plain language of the CC&Rs. Notably, the Association did not submit these prior incidents to its insurer.

Argument 2: Travelers’ Prior Actions

Petitioners’ Evidence: In a 2014 claim, a Travelers adjuster initially determined that the policy did provide coverage for damage done to a unit, not just limited common elements.

ALJ’s Conclusion: Travelers later stated the adjuster had erred and confirmed no claim for unit damage was ultimately paid. The ALJ found that the “adjuster’s initial error in the 2014 claim does not estop Travelers from denying the claim for damages to Petitioners’ unit” in 2015.

Argument 3: The Association Board’s Own Interpretation

Petitioners’ Evidence: At a November 2015 board meeting, where Mr. Gravelle served as secretary/treasurer, the Board itself determined that the CC&Rs did require the Association to provide insurance coverage for all damages to Unit 14.

ALJ’s Conclusion: The Board’s “erroneous opinion” does not have the legal power to amend the CC&Rs or the binding terms of the Travelers insurance policy.

V. Core Legal Principles and Final Decision

The dismissal of the petition was based on several foundational legal principles.

Primacy of Written Documents: The decision gave superior weight to the “plain language” of the CC&Rs and the insurance contract over inconsistent past practices or mistaken interpretations.

Burden of Proof: As the filing party, the Petitioners had the burden to prove by a “preponderance of the evidence” that the Association violated the CC&Rs. The ALJ determined they failed to meet this standard.

Clear Delineation of Responsibility: Both the CC&Rs and Arizona state law create a clear separation of financial and maintenance responsibilities: the Association is responsible for common elements, while individual owners are responsible for their units.

Presumption of Knowledge: The decision cited the legal principle that “Everyone is presumed to know the law.” The CC&Rs put the Petitioners on constructive notice that they were responsible for insuring their individual unit against risks like a sewer backup. Their failure to procure such coverage was their own responsibility.