Condo Media - August 2017 - 18

Homeowner's Corner

Homeowner Rights
and Responsibilities

A Two-Way Street Making Communities Better
As assessment-paying members,
condominium owners are entitled
to certain rights and-in return,
and while often less recognized but
equally important-have certain responsibilities.
More than a destination at the end
of the day, a community is a place
people want to call home and where
they feel at home. This entails striking a reasonable balance between
the preferences of individual homeowners and the best interests of the
community as a whole. It is with this
challenge in mind that CAI developed
Rights and Responsibilities for Better
Communities. Rights and Responsibilities can serve as an important
guidepost for homeowners and nonowner residents.
Homeowners have the right to:

1

Participate in governing the community association by attending
meetings, serving on committees, and
standing for election.

2
3
4

Access appropriate association
books and records.
Prudent expenditure of fees and
other assessments.

Live in a community where the
property is maintained according
to established standards.

5

Fair treatment regarding financial
and other association obligations,
including the opportunity to discuss
payment plans and options with the association before foreclosure is initiated.

6

Receive all documents that address
rules and regulations governing the

18

CONDOMEDIA

A RESPONSIBLE OWNER IS ALSO INVOLVED

Communities can have lots going on, from social events to important
ongoing projects. The website might need updating, there's always
room for another article in the association newsletter, and several
committees-budget, landscaping, road maintenance, and election
oversight-could be looking for volunteers.
You can be instrumental in helping your community to plan
community-wide events, offer suggestions to renovate the community
center or redesign the common area landscaping, assist in reviewing
and updating the association's architectural guidelines or create the
association's five-year plan, or get involved in any number of other
important endeavors.
There's a lot to be gained from volunteering your time: new friends,
new skills, recognition by your neighbors, and-perhaps best of all-an
improved community.

community association-if not prior to
purchase and settlement by a real estate
agent or attorney, then upon joining the
community.

7

Appeal to appropriate community
leaders those decisions affecting
non-routine financial responsibilities
or property rights.

8

A responsive and competent community.

In turn, homeowners have the
responsibility to:

1
2
3

Read and comply with the governing documents of the community.
Maintain their properties according to established standards.
Treat association leaders honestly
and with respect.

4
5
6

Vote in community elections and
on other issues.
Pay association assessments and
charges on time.

Contact association leaders or
managers, if necessary, to discuss
financial obligations and alternate payment arrangements.

7

Request reconsideration of material decisions that personally affect
them.

8

Provide current contact information to association leaders or
managers to help ensure they receive
information from the community.

9

Ensure that those who reside on
their property-tenants, guests, or
family members-adhere to all rules
and regulations.
Condo Media - August 2017

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Condo Media - August 2017
