Condo Media - August 2012 - 36

HOMEOWNER’S CORNER

Community Rights & Responsibilities
Principles for Homeowners and Community Leaders
ore than a destination at the end of the day, a community is a place you want to call home, and where you feel at home. There is a difference between living in a community and being part of that community. Being part of a community means sharing with your neighbors a common desire to promote harmony and contentment. This goal is best achieved when homeowners, non-owner residents and association leaders recognize and accept their rights and responsibilities. In all cases, this entails striking a reasonable, logical balance between the preferences of individual homeowners and the best interests of the communi-

community associations face complicated issues, none more common than the challenge of balancing the rights of the individual homeowner with those of the community at large. Managing this critical and delicate balance is often the essence of effective community leadership. By encouraging community associations to adopt Rights and Responsibilities for Better Communities, CAI strives to promote harmony, community, responsible citizenship and effective leadership. In the process, we make life better for the more than 60 million Americans who live in community associations.

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 (e.g. tenants, relatives, friends) adhere to all rules and regulations. Next month this column will address Community Leaders Rights and Responsibilities. For a complete listing of the CAI Rights and Responsibilities visit www.caionline.org. CM

Homeowners 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

ty as a whole. It is with this challenge in mind that Community Associations Institute (CAI) developed Rights and Responsibilities for Better Communities. Community associations exist because they offer choices, lifestyles, amenities and efficiencies that people value. Yet, with all of their inherent advantages,

CONDO MEDIA • AUGUST 2012

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Condo Media - August 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Condo Media - August 2012