Q: What
is a "management company" and what do they do?
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 advisor capacity.
The management company reports directly to the Board and all
decisions are made by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Q: What
is a homeowner's association?
A: It is a non-profit corporation
registered with the State of California 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: CC&R's, Bylaws, and
Articles of Incorporation.
Q: What
are the CC&R'S?
A: The Covenants, Conditions
and Restrictions (CC&R's) are the governing legal documents
that set up the guidelines for the operation of the planned community
as a non-profit corporation. The CC&R's 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&R's may result in a fine to a homeowner
by 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 is required
to oversee its business. The Board of Directors is elected
by the homeowners, or as otherwise specified in the bylaws.
The limitation 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 CC&R's
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.