Secrets, Secrets Are No Fun

Association members are welcome to read official association documents. There’s nothing secret about the business of the association. In fact, you should already have copies of key documents like the bylaws or rules. Other common documents that are open for members to review include:

• Board meeting minutes
• Insurance policies
• Financial statements and annual audits
• Declaration and bylaws
• Rules and regulations
• Current contracts
• Leases and agreements
• Ballots and proxies

Here is typically how homeowners are able gain access to these documents (procedures may vary depending on your exact community):

• Send the board a request in writing specifying exactly what records you wish to review, the date of those records and the purpose of your request.

• The board will respond to your request within 30 days. During that time the board or manager will locate the correct documents and get them ready for you.

• The records you requested will be available for your review during regular business hours at the manager’s office for 30 days after your request is processed.

• The association will make copies of records for a reasonable fee.

Please do not request documents that infringe on the privacy of an individual like medical or personnel records. These are not public records, and the association will not make them available. Salary information is available in the aggregate, but not for individuals. Some requests might also be denied if they involve ongoing legal or contractual obligations that might expose the association board or manager to liability.

Homeowner Rights & Responsibilities

As a homeowner in our association, you have certain rights—and certain responsibilities. And its just as important to know both!

You have the right to . . .

• A responsive and competent community association
• Honest, fair, and respectful treatment by community leaders and managers.
• Attend meetings, serve on committees, and run for election.
• Access appropriate association records.
• Prudent financial management 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 before the association takes any legal action, and the right to appeal decisions
• Receive all rules and regulations governing the community association—if not prior to purchase and settlement, then upon joining the community.

You also have the responsibility to . . .

• Maintain your property according to established standards.
• Treat association leaders with honesty and respect.
• Read and comply with rules and regulations of the community and ensure that your tenants and guest do too.
• 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 you.
• Provide your current contact information to the association so you receive all information from the community.