Question: We have a townhouse that is part of a homeowner association. We’re on a very limited fixed income and can barely afford paying our monthly dues. We’ve just heard that the law is changing to make owners pay for their own maintenance for exclusive use areas. What is that legislation and how will it affect us? Is there something homeowners can do?

Answer: Town home, condominium, detached or attached homes — it matters not. Making its way through California’s Legislature is Assembly Bill 968, which could open the flood gates for expanding the responsibilities and monetary obligations of owners for their own units as well as any “exclusive use common area.”

The bill seeks to rewrite Civil Code section 4775, which directs who pays to maintain, repair and replace in various areas at residential developments governed by homeowner associations. Read more: