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Chesapeake Community Management

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FAQ

We've compiled a list of some frequently asked questions below. 

Q: What is a Community Association?

A: A community association is a group of owners, which has three defining characteristics: mandatory membership; mutually binding governing documents; and, lien-based assessments.  Community associations can be condominiums, cooperatives or planned communities (also known as homeowner associations).  Community associations are governed 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. Membership is both automatic and mandatory.

Q: What are the CC&R'S or Governing Documents?

A: The Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R's) or Governing Documents (Declaration, Bylaws, Plats, Board Resolution and Articles if Incorporation (if incorporated) are the governing legal documents that set up the guidelines for the operation of the community association. Generally, planned communities have CC&R's and condominium have the applicable Governing Documents. Depending on the State, not all community associations have to be incorporated. 

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.

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: Contact your community manager.

Q: What is my assessment?

A: The assessment is the annual 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.  Depending on your association, annual assessments are divided and paid monthly or quarterly.

Q: Will my assessment go up?

A: 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: Late payments will result in a late charge as assessments are due on the first of the month. In addition, the CC&R's or 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.