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 Managerand 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. Individual members may contact the Management Company directly only as regards their individual account.
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Q: What is a Condominium association?
A: 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: Master Deed, Bylaws, and Articles of Incorporation. The governing legal documents for the association may be viewed online within the Resource Center page of this site. The corporation is financially supported by all members of the homeowners association. Membership is both automatic and mandatory.
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Q: What is the Master Deed?
A: The Master Deed is a documented recorded in the County Land records that forms the common ownership entity according to the Maryland Condominium Act and provides a legal description of each unit and the initial bylaws for governance of the entity. The governing legal documents for the association may be viewed online within the Resource Center page of this site. The Articals of Incorporation for the resulting legal entity are filed with the State of Maryland.
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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 this site.
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Q: What is the Board of Directors?
A: The Condominium Association again is a corporation and therefore a governing body that is required to oversee its business. The Board of Directors is elected by the homeowners, 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 this site.
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Q: Are there any other rules?
A: Most associations have developed Rules and Regulations as provided for in the Bylaws and 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 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. For more information about this topic visit the Resource Center page of this site.
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Q: If I am having a problem with a neighbor for a violation of the Rules & Regulations, what can I do?
A: If residents cannot resolve a situation between themselves, then turn to your Management. 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 Rules & Regulations, you may report the matter to management. If the situation is deemed in violation of the Rules & Regulations, the Board of Directors will institute the enforcement policy specified in the bylaws. Your continued assistance may be required.
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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 noted in the community newsletter, or accesed online on the Calendar page.
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Q: If I want to serve on a committee, how do I find out what committees are active and how I can get involved?
A: The Contact Us page of this website will inform you of the status of current committees organized and committee contact information. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the committee chair or fill out the online volunteer form found on the Management Office page of this site.
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Q: What is my assessment?
A:The assessment is the periodic amount due from each co-owner 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.
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Q: How is the amount of my assessment determined?
A: Each year an annual Operating Budget and Reserve Schedule is prepared by the Board with assistance from mangement and is adopted by a vote of the membership. Reserve funds are monies set aside for future expenses due to the life expectancy of certain items: lighting, street resurfacing, pool equipment, etc. These amounts are assessed to each unit in proportion to their percent of ownership as defined in the Master Deed.
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Q: Will my assessment go up?
A: The membership may approve an increased budget, increasing your assessment up to this percentage in order to cover increased costs of operating and maintaining the common area and sufficient reserve funds.
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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 a late charge as assessments are due on the first of the month. In addition, the bylaws allows 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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