Frequently Asked Questions
We've compiled a list of some Frequently Asked Questions below. If you can't find the question/answer you are looking for on this page, select Search - we'll search the entire site for you. If you'd like to ask your own question, click Ask A Question and we'll get back to you with an answer.
Q: What is a "Management Company," what do they do, and how do I reach them?
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. The Management Company may be reached online through the Management Office page on this website or by phone from the numbers listed on the Contact Us page on this site.
Q: What is a Homeowner's Association?
A: It is a not-for-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 provisions of the legal documents: CC&R's, Bylaws, and Articles of Incorporation. The governing legal documents for the association may be viewed online within the Resource Center page of your Association's portal. The corporation is financially supported by all members of the homeowners association. Membership is both automatic and mandatory.
Q: What are the CC&Rs or Declarations?
A: The Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) for HOAs and Declaration of Condominium for Condos are the governing legal documents that set up the guidelines for the operation of the planned community as a non-profit corporation. The CC&Rs or Declaration 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 or Declaration may result in a fine to a owner by the Association. The governing legal documents for the association may be viewed online within the Resource Center page of your Association's portal.
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. The Bylaws for the association may be viewed online within the Resource Center page of your Association's portal.
Q: What is the Board of Directors?
A: The Homeowner's or Condominium Association is a corporation and therefore a governing body is required to oversee its business. The Board of Directors is elected by the owners, 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 found within the Resource Center page of your Association's portal.
Q: Are there any other rules?
A: Most associations have developed Rules and Regulations as provided for in the CC&R's or Declaration and adopted by the Board of Directors. Rules are established to provide direction to the owners 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 or unit. 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.
Q: If I am having a problem with a neighbor for a violation of the Policies and Guidelines, what can I do?
A: If residents cannot resolve an Association-related situation between themselves, then turn to your Association. Should you have a situation that does not appear to be able to be resolved through neighborly means, and you are willing to actively participate in the enforcement provided by the Policies and Guidelines, you may submit a report to us about the violation to info@communitymsi.com. If the situation is deemed in violation of the Policies and Guidelines, Management and/or the Board of Directors will initiate the enforcement policy. Your continued assistance may be required.
Q: Are Board Meetings open to all residents? If so, where and when are they held?
A: Yes. Notice of the time and place of any regular board meeting will be posted at least 48 hours prior to each meeting. Information may also be noted in the community newsletter, or accessed online on the Calendar page if your Association has a newsletter and/or website.
Q: What is my assessment?
A: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 replacement of common facilities in future years. Your assessments are due on the first of the month. Payments must be received before the grace period ends or a late fee and/or interest will also become due.
Q: How is the amount of my assessment determined?
A:The Board of Directors adopts a Budget each year. The budget is set upon specific guidelines for utilities, landscaping, maintenance, administration, etc. Reserve funds are monies set aside for future expenses due to the life expectancy of certain items: street resurfacing, exterior painting, roofing, pool equipment, etc. depending on the items included to be maintained by your Association. These amounts are then divided by the number of units, lots or homes in the development. Budgets are adjusted periodically to meet anticipated expenses.
Q: Will my assessment go up?
A:There is no concrete answer to this. Typically the governing documents provide for annual increases. The Board of Directors may approve an increased budget, increasing your assessment in order to cover increased costs of operating and maintaining the common area and sufficient reserve funds.
Q: What happens if I don't pay my assessment?
A: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 additional charges as assessments are due on the first of the month. The CC&Rs or Declaration allows the Association to charge late fees and interest and proceed with a lien on your property, or foreclosure proceeding for nonpayment of assessments.
