Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

A management company is contracted by the Board of Directors to provide such services as: Collection of assessments, supervision of contractors, obtaining bids for contracted services, producing financial statements and collection reports, as well as a general clearinghouse for problem solving, communications with homeowners and the Board of Directors. 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 on the Contact Us page on this site.

Question 2

What is a homeowner's association?

Accepted Answer

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: CC&Rs, Bylaws, and Articles of Incorporation. The governing legal documents for the association may be viewed online  by owners through BAPS Web. The corporation is financially supported by all members of the homeowners association. Membership is both automatic and mandatory.

Question 3

What are the CC&Rs?

Accepted Answer

The Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) are the governing legal documents that set up the guidelines for the operation of the association. 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 hearing and possible fine to a homeowner by the Association. The governing legal documents for the association may be viewed by owners through BAPS Web.

Question 4

What are the Bylaws?

Accepted Answer

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. The Bylaws for the association may be viewed by owners through BAPS Web.

Question 5

What is the Board of Directors?

Accepted Answer

The Board of Directors are the elected body charged with running the corporation. The Board of Directors is elected by the homeowners, or as otherwise specified in the Bylaws. The powers and limitations of the Board of Directors is outlined in the Association governing documents.

Question 6

Are there any other rules?

Accepted Answer

Most associations have adopted Rules and Regulations 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. Exterior improvement or change requires approval of the Board of Directors, or Architectural Committee, as applicable.

Question 7

If I am having a problem with a neighbor for a violation of the Policies and Guidelines, what can I do?"

Accepted Answer

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 Policies and Guidelines, you may complete an Incident Report Form online. The 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.

Question 8

Are Board Meetings open to all owners? If so, where and when are they held?"

Accepted Answer

Yes. Notice of the time and place of any regular board meeting will be noted in the community newsletter and/or posted on-site.

Question 9

If I want to serve on a committee, how do I find out what committees are active, and how can I get involved?"

Accepted Answer

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact your property manager or board member for more information.

Question 10

What is my assessment?

Accepted Answer

The assessment is the periodic amount due from each homeowner to cover the operating expenses of the common area and provide for reserve funds for repair/replacement of common facilities. Your assessments are due on the first of the month. Statements will be sent for assessments as a reminder of the amount due.

Question 11

How is the amount of my assessment determined?

Accepted Answer

Budgets are developed by the Board of Directors and adjusted periodically to meet anticipated expenses. The largest monthly expense is typically the reserve contribution to fund major projects, which is determined by the HOA's reserve study. Reserve studies are performed by independent companies.

Question 12

Will my assessment go up?

Accepted Answer

The Board has the authority to increase assessments up to 20% per year.

Question 13

What happens if I don't pay my assessment?

Accepted Answer

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 CC&R's and State law allow the Association to charge late charges and interest and proceed with a lien on your property, or foreclosure proceeding for nonpayment of assessments.

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