Frequently Asked HOA Questions

What is the Role of a Management Company in Our Community?

A management company is a vital partner contracted by the Board of Directors to deliver a range of essential services, including:

Collection of Assessments: Handling the collection of association assessments to ensure financial stability.

Supervision of Subcontractors: Overseeing subcontractors to ensure that community services are efficiently provided.

Obtaining Bids for Subcontracted Services: Procuring competitive bids for subcontracted services to ensure cost-effectiveness.

Providing Financial Statements: Offering clear and accurate financial statements for transparency and decision-making.

Collection Reports: Managing collection reports to monitor and address delinquent accounts.

Problem Solving: Serving as a central hub for addressing issues and problem-solving within the community.

Homeowner Communications: Facilitating communication between homeowners and the Board of Directors.

Advisor Role: Offering advisory services to assist the Board in making informed decisions.

The management company directly reports to the Board of Directors, with all decisions made by a majority vote of the Board. For easy access, you can reach the management company online via the Management Office page on this website or by phone using the contact numbers listed on the Contact Us page.

What is a Homeowner’s Association?

A Homeowner’s Association, often referred to as an HOA, is a non-profit corporation that is officially registered with the State. It is overseen by a duly elected Board of Directors. The primary mission of an HOA is to maintain and manage all common areas within a community while adhering to the guidelines outlined in its legal documents, which typically include the CC&R’s (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions), Bylaws, and Articles of Incorporation.

These governing legal documents for the association can be conveniently accessed online within the Resource Center page of this website. Financial support for the association is provided by all members of the homeowners association, and membership is both automatic and mandatory for residents within the community.

What are the CC&R’s?

The CC&R’s, which stands for Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions, are the essential legal documents that establish the rules and guidelines for the operation of our planned community as a non-profit corporation. These CC&R’s have been officially recorded with the County recorder’s office of the County where the property is situated, and they are an integral part of your property’s title.

Compliance with the CC&R’s is vital, as failure to adhere to them may result in fines imposed by the Association on homeowners. You can conveniently access the governing legal documents for the association online within the Resource Center page of this site.

What are the Bylaws?

The Bylaws serve as the operational framework for our non-profit corporation. They outline the responsibilities of the different offices held by the Board of Directors, the durations of Directors’ terms, the voting rights of members, guidelines for meetings and meeting notices, the location of the Association’s principal office, and other essential details necessary for effectively managing the Association as a business.

What is the Board of Directors?

In the context of the Homeowner’s Association, which functions as a corporation, a governing body is essential for overseeing its operations. The Board of Directors is a group elected by homeowners, as stipulated in the Bylaws or other governing documents. The extent of the Board’s powers and any limitations or restrictions are outlined in the Association’s governing documents.

Are there Additional Rules and Guidelines?

Many associations have established supplementary Rules and Regulations, as authorized in the CC&R’s and sanctioned by the Board of Directors. These rules serve to provide homeowners with guidance on common courtesies regarding matters such as parking, vehicle regulations, pet policies, pool hours, and more. Furthermore, your Association will implement Architectural Guidelines that outline the procedures for requesting exterior modifications to your home. These modifications may encompass patio covers, decks, landscaping changes, alterations to exterior colors, extensive interior renovations, and additions.

These rules and guidelines are put in place to preserve the aesthetic appeal and overall integrity of the community, serving the interests of all homeowners and ideally safeguarding the market value of your property investment. Violations of these regulations may prompt action by the Board of Directors, potentially resulting in fines. Additionally, if you proceed with an exterior alteration or modification without obtaining written approval from the Board of Directors or the Architectural Committee (as applicable), you may be required to undo the changes or rectify the violation by paying fines.

What if a Neighbor Violates Policies and Guidelines?

If you notice a neighbor breaching the community’s Policies and Guidelines, consider taking the following steps:

  1. Friendly Communication: If comfortable and safe, politely inform your neighbor about the violation and mention the potential fines that may be incurred.
  2. Report to Management: If the violation directly affects your living space or if communication with the neighbor doesn’t resolve the issue, promptly report the incident to the management company. Provide supporting evidence, such as photos or documentation.
  3. Health or Safety Concerns: In cases where the violation poses a health or safety risk, don’t hesitate to contact local authorities. Simultaneously, report the violation to your management company with evidence. They will guide you on the necessary actions to take.

Your management company is there to assist and should provide you with guidance on the next steps to address the situation.

Are HOA Board Meetings Open to All Residents?

Absolutely. Information regarding the time and location of regular board meetings is shared via multiple platforms such as email, community boards, your HOA portal – check with your HOA manager! 

What if I want to serve on a committee?

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the committee chair or your HOA Manager.

What is the Assessment Fee?

The assessment fee is the recurring payment required from each homeowner to fund the ongoing operation of common areas and to build up reserve funds for future replacements of shared facilities. Assessment payments are typically due on the first day of each month. To help you remember, statements will be sent as reminders of the amount due.

How is the Assessment Amount Calculated?

The assessment amount is typically determined through a structured process. Initially, the developer is required by the Department of Real Estate to provide an initial budget for each proposed community. This budget adheres to specific guidelines covering utilities, landscaping, administrative costs, and more.

Reserve funds are also established to account for future expenses related to items with a finite lifespan, such as lighting, street resurfacing, and pool equipment. These reserve funds are calculated by dividing the total expenses by the number of units constructed in a given phase of the development.

As time goes on, the Board of Directors takes over the responsibility of crafting subsequent budgets. These budgets are adjusted periodically to align with anticipated expenses, ensuring that the community’s financial needs are met.

Will My Assessment Increase?

The possibility of an assessment increase varies. Generally, the Civil Code allows for annual increases, not exceeding 20 percent per year without the membership’s vote. The Board of Directors may approve an expanded budget, resulting in an assessment increase up to this percentage. This adjustment is made to cover rising expenses related to the operation and maintenance of common areas and to maintain adequate reserve funds.

What Occurs If I Fail to Pay My Assessment?

The services and upkeep provided by the Association rely on the prompt receipt of assessments from each homeowner. Delinquent payments will incur a late charge since assessments are expected on the first day of the month. Moreover, the CC&R’s grants the Association the authority to impose late fees and interest. In cases of prolonged nonpayment, the Association may proceed with a lien on your property or initiate foreclosure proceedings.