A community association goes by any number of names, including homeowners association, common-interest community, condominium association or planned community. While there are substantive differences, the most important role of any association is to preserve the nature and value of the community.
Condominium associations are typically high-rise residential buildings, town homes and apartment conversions. Planned communities are generally residential neighborhoods with single family homes. In condominium associations, unit owners have title to own their individual units as well as an undivided fractional interest in the common area the association owns the common area in planned communities. For example, if I live in a condominium of 20 units, I own my unit and 1/20th of the common area. I would know I am in a planned community if the association owns the common area and I am a mandatory member of the association. At first glance these subtle differences may seem like meaningless legal mumbo jumbo but they are important because the laws differ when it comes to condominiums and planned communities.
In most cases, the association is run by a board of directors. Directors are oftentimes volunteer homeowners elected by their fellow homeowners. Larger associations may hire full-time, on-site managers while other associations may contract with management firms for selected services, such as financial management and maintenance. Smaller associations may rely on each other for management and oversight.
Get Involved in Your Community – Apathy Always Leads To Problems
Make the decision to get involved in your community so you have a voice in the association’s decisions. Get involved by attending meetings, serving on a committee or association board. By doing so, you can ensure your most precious investment, your home and community, will be protected.
