DON’T MISS MICHAEL KUSHNER’S NEW “HOA HELL” PODCAST
If you’re a California homeowner living in an HOA, you probably already know the headaches that come with it. For some, it’s usually manageable—until the slow drip of dysfunction becomes a flood, and those headaches erupt into something far worse. Too often, those headaches morph into full-blown nightmares—financial, legal, and emotional—that swallow your peace of mind and leave you feeling powerless in your own home.
And that’s when you realize that you’re no longer just frustrated—you’ve entered HOA HELL.
From overreaching board members and hidden fees to arbitrary rules, selective enforcement, financial improprieties, breach of fiduciary duties, repair failures, and shady management company behavior—the nightmare can feel endless.
That’s why I created HOA HELL, a groundbreaking podcast where I draw on nearly 30 years of experience as one of California’s foremost experts in HOA law to offer real, practical solutions to the HOA Hell that you’re living through. This podcast pulls back the curtain on how bad HOAs really operate—and more importantly, will teach you how to win.
My name is Michael Kushner, and I’m one of the state’s foremost authorities on HOA law. I’ve spent almost 30 years litigating, advising homeowners, and forcibly reforming bad HOAs across the State of California. I currently lead MBK Chapman, a boutique HOA and real estate and business litigation firm based in Orange County, California.
Although I founded MBK Chapman about five years ago, I was previously built one of the largest and most well known law firms focused on HOA disputes. From November 28, 2006 to August 13, 2020, I was the sole shareholder and managing partner of that firm—now operating under a different name, but still focused on also pursuing bad HOAs. I hired the managing shareholder of that law firm directly out of law school, and then I trained him in this area of the law. And I also hired and trained the founding partners of two other now competing HOA law firms based (both of which are also based in Orange County).
Why does that matter?
Because I’m not only recognized for representing homeowners in their battles against abusive HOAs—I’m also known for teaching other attorneys and real estate professionals how to navigate this complex area of law. That same insider knowledge and proven strategy are now available to the public through the HOA HELL podcast.
That’s just one of the things that sets HOA HELL apart from other podcasts about bad HOAs.
WHAT MAKES THE HOA HELL PODCAST DIFFERENT?
Each episode of HOA HELL dives deep into timely legal issues, but also includes unique recurring segments designed to educate, entertain, and empower:
- HOA HELL Queries. This rapid-fire Q&A segment features real questions submitted by California homeowners. No topic is off-limits—from dues disputes and rule violations, to election abuses and repair delays.
- HOA HELL’s 1-Minute Attorney Tips & Tricks. Fast, sharp, and packed with power—these micro-segments deliver actionable legal guidance in 90 seconds or less. Whether it’s how to challenge a budget hike, demand financial records, recall a board, or prepare for a fine hearing, each tip gives you tools you can use right away.
- HOA HELL’s Hall of Shame. Based on real cases my firm has handled or tracked, this segment spotlights jaw-dropping HOA horror stories—from abuse of power to outright fraud and embezzlement. Names may change—but the facts and the lessons are real.
- HOA HELL’s Fix This HOA (Miniseries). Some problems are just too big for one episode. In this recurring series, I break down complex topics like neighbor disputes or dysfunctional board dynamics and address them across multiple installments.
- HOA HELL’s Special Guests From the Front Line. HOA HELL isn’t just me talking. The show will feature expert guests—attorneys, engineers, real estate professionals, insurance advisors, property inspectors, and even former board members and clients—offering their firsthand insights from the trenches.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN FROM HOA HELL?
Let’s be clear: this podcast isn’t about venting. It’s about exposing systemic dysfunction, celebrating homeowner victories, and offering strategic legal solutions.
With HOA HELL, I bring courtroom-tested tactics and insider knowledge directly to you—in a format that’s accessible, engaging, and empowering. Whether you’re a homeowner, board member, real estate professional, or investigative journalist, there’s something here for you.
Think of HOA HELL as your legal lifeline.
Whether you’re dealing with a rogue board, a corrupt management company, or a neighbor from hell, this podcast will help you understand your rights, assess your options, and fight smarter.
Each episode continues my mission to demystify California HOA law and level the playing field against better-funded and better-equipped adversaries. From Civil Code intricacies, to negotiation strategies, HOA HELL delivers real-world legal insight in a no-nonsense format.
Stay tuned. Subscribe. And get ready to reclaim your rights, restore your peace of mind, and step out of HOA HELL—one episode at a time.
You can catch new episodes of HOA HELL every Monday and Thursday on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@HOAHELLpodcastofficial) or wherever you get your podcasts.
Michael Kushner is the managing member of Orange County’s MBK CHAPMAN PC, one of California’s premier law firms representing homeowners in disputes with their abusive or dysfunction HOAs. If your HOA is making your life a living HELL, then call to schedule a consultation today, or fill out the “Contact Us” box on the homepage (www.mbkchapman.com).
Published May 1, 2025