Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a "management company," what do they do, and how do I reach them?

A: A management company is contracted by the Board of Directors to provide such services as: Collection of assessments, supervision of subcontractors, obtaining bids for subcontracted services, providing financial statements and collection reports, as well as a general clearing house for problem solving, communications with homeowners and the Board of Directors and to serve in an advisory capacity. The management company reports directly to the Board and all decisions are made by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. The management company may be reached online through the Management Office page on this website or by phone from the numbers listed on the Contact Us page on this site.

Q: What is a homeowner's or condominium association?

A: It is a non-profit corporation registered with the State and managed by a duly elected Board of Directors. Its purpose is to maintain all common areas and to govern the community in accordance with the provision of the legal documents. The corporation is financially supported by all members of the homeowners association. Membership is both automatic and mandatory.

Q: What are the CC&Rs?

A: The Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) are the governing legal documents that set up the guidelines for the operation of the homeowners' association as a non-profit corporation. The CC&Rs were recorded by the County recorder's office of the County in which the property is located and are included in the title to your property. Failure to abide by the CC&Rs may result in a fine to a homeowner by the Association.

Q: What is the Master Deed?

A: The Master Deed is the document that delineates the common areas from the units themselves, and establishes certain procedures and approvals required to make major repairs or improvements in the common areas. It also imposes restrictions on the use of the common property. The Master Deed was recorded by the County recorder's office of the County in which the property is located, and transfers title of the common areas from the Grantor to the association.

Q: What are the Bylaws?

A: The Bylaws are the guidelines for the operation of the non-profit corporation. The Bylaws define the duties of the various offices of the Board of Directors, the terms of the Directors, the membership's voting rights, required meetings and notices of meetings, and the principal office of the Association, as well as other specific items that are necessary to run the Association as a business.

Q: What is the Board of Directors?

A: The Homeowner's Association again is a corporation and therefore a governing body that is required to oversee its business. The Board of Directors is elected by the homeowners, or as otherwise specified in the bylaws. The limitations and restrictions of the powers of the Board of Directors is outlined in the Association governing documents.

Q: Are there any other rules?

A: Most associations have developed Rules and Regulations as provided for in the governing documents and adopted by the Board of Directors. Rules are established to provide direction to the homeowners for common courtesies with regard to parking, vehicles, pets and pool use hours, etc. In addition, your Association will adopt Architectural Guidelines with procedures for submitting requests to make exterior changes to your home. Such changes may include patio covers, decks, landscaping, exterior color changes or extensive interior changes and additions. These rules and guidelines are set up to maintain the aesthetic value and integrity of the community on behalf of all owners, and hopefully protect the market value of your investment as well. Violations of these rules may result in action by the Board of Directors and a fine. In addition, if you proceed with an exterior improvement or change, without written approval of the Board of Directors, or Architectural Committee, as applicable, you will be required to remove or correct the alteration and/or be fined for the violation.

Q: If I am having a problem with a neighbor for a violation of the Restrictions or Rules & Regulations, what can I do?

A: If residents cannot resolve a situation between themselves, then turn to your Association. Should you have a situation that does not appear to be resolved through neighborly means, and you are willing to actively participate in the enforcement provided by the association enforcement procedure, you may complete a Violation form online. The Violation form may be found within the Management Office page on this site. If the situation is deemed in violation of the Policies and Guidelines, the Board of Directors will institute the enforcement policy. Your continued assistance may be required.

Q: Are Board Meetings open to all residents? If so, where and when are they held?

A: Yes. Notice of the time and place of any regular board meeting will be provided to each unit owner. There are some meetings of the Board (workshop and executive sessions) which are not open to the membership because of the topics covered.

Q: What is my assessment?

A: The assessment, also referred to as a maintenance fee or condo fee, is the periodic amount due from each homeowner to cover the operating expenses of the common area and provide for reserve funds for replacement of common facilities in future years. Your assessments are due on the first of the month. Statements will be sent for assessments as a reminder of the amount due.

Q: How is the amount of my assessment determined?

A: The annual budget is set by the Board to cover the cost of utilities, landscaping, administration, etc. Reserve funds are monies set aside for future expenses due to the life expectancy of certain items: lighting, street resurfacing, pool equipment, etc. These amounts are then apportioned among the members in accordance with your specific governing documents.

Q: Will my assessment go up?

A: The Board may approve a change in the budget, adjusting your assessment in order to cover increased costs of operating and maintaining the common area and sufficient reserve funds.

Q: What happens if I don't pay my assessment?

A: The maintenance and management services incurred by the Association are dependent upon timely receipt of the assessments due from each homeowner. Late payments will result in a late charge as assessments are due on the first of the month. In addition, the governing documents allow the association to charge late charges and interest and proceed with a lien on your property, or foreclosure proceeding for nonpayment of assessments. Legal fees may also be imposed.