HOA FOUNDATIONS

PRINCIPLES FOR HOMEOWNERS

Included with Permission from Community Associations Institute (CAI) A community is a place people want to call home and where they feel at home. This goal is best achieved when homeowners, non-owner residents and association leaders recognize and accept their rights and responsibilities. This entails striking a reasonable balance between the preferences of individual homeowners and the best interests of the community. It is with this challenge in mind that Community Associations Institute (CAI) developed Rights and Responsibilities for Better Communities. Rights and Responsibilities can serve as an important guidepost for all those involved in the community—board and committee members, community managers, homeowners and nonowner residents.

HOME OWNERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

• A responsive and competent community association.
• Honest, fair and respectful treatment by community leaders and managers.
• Participate in governing the community association by attending meetings, serving on committees and standing for election.
• 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.
• Fair treatment regarding financial and other association obligations, including the opportunity to discuss payment plans and options with the association before foreclosure is initiated.
• Receive all documents that address rules and regulations governing the community association—if not prior to purchase and settlement by a real estate agent or attorney, then upon joining the community.
• Appeal to appropriate community leaders those decisions affecting non-routine financial responsibilities or property rights.

HOMEOWNERS HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO:

• Read and comply with the governing documents of the community.
• Maintain their property according to established standards.
• Treat association leaders honestly and with respect.
• 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 alternative payment arrangements.
• Request reconsideration of material decisions that personally affect them.
• Provide current contact information to association leaders or managers to help ensure they receive information from the community.
• Ensure that those who reside on their property (tenants, relatives) adhere to all rules and regulations.

HOA Foundations is a new, permanent column in Meridale’s monthly newsletter intended to help Neighbors and Leaders more clearly understand the nature, benefits, and best practices of an effective, helpful homeowners association, and especially our own Meridale Community Association.