24 Questions
What is the primary role of a mediator in a community association?
To facilitate negotiation between the association and residents to reach a mutually acceptable solution.
What is the outcome of an arbitration decision in a community association?
A legally binding decision, similar to a court judgment.
Why is it important for a community association to educate residents about community rules?
To reduce the number of rules violations and minimize conflict between residents and the association.
What should a community association do to minimize rules violations?
Establish a policy for resolving conflicts and adhere to it.
What is an advantage of using alternative dispute resolution processes in a community association?
It allows for a less formal and less expensive process for resolving disputes.
What should a community association do when a rules violation is identified?
Intervene as early as possible to prevent the violation from escalating.
What is the purpose of a dispute resolution policy in a community association?
To establish a process for resolving conflicts and build consensus among residents.
Why is consistency important when enforcing community rules?
It helps reduce conflict between residents and the association.
What is the primary reason boards of directors enforce CC&Rs?
To maintain the appearance and value of the community
What should a board of directors do before sending a formal letter to a resident regarding a rules violation?
Have a casual conversation with the resident
What is the purpose of sending a friendly letter to a resident after a casual conversation?
To remind the resident of the conversation and offer help
What should a second letter to a resident include?
A citation to the specific section of the CC&Rs violated
Why do some residents not recognize the authority of community associations?
They feel the association is not a legitimate government entity
What is the recommended approach to resolving conflicts between residents and the association?
A gradual progression of steps
What is the purpose of explaining the importance of observing rules in a letter to a resident?
To educate the resident on the importance of following rules
What may happen if a resident fails to correct a rules violation by the specified date?
The association will suspend privileges or impose financial penalties
What is the primary function of the board of directors according to Policy Governance?
To set policy
What is the purpose of a book of governance?
To define the board's role as a legislative body
What is the role of the manager in Policy Governance?
To carry out policies
What is the primary responsibility of the board in Policy Governance?
To the ownership or membership
What should be included in a vision statement?
The meaning, direction, and values of the community association
What is the relationship between the board and the ownership or membership in Policy Governance?
The board is a 'downward' extension of ownership
What is the classic vision of a community association?
To protect, maintain and enhance the value of the property
What is the association's mission according to Policy Governance?
To fulfill the vision
Study Notes
Conflict Resolution in Community Associations
- Community associations face the challenge of resolving conflicts between residents and the association, which can arise from residents not recognizing the authority of the association's governing documents.
- Boards of directors have an obligation to enforce the CC&Rs (covenants, conditions, and restrictions) to maintain the community's appearance and value, and ensure a high standard of livability for all residents.
Steps to Resolve Conflict
- Start with a casual conversation to gauge the resident's attitude and offer help.
- Send a friendly letter reminding the resident of the conversation and the rule that has been violated.
- Send a second letter, being business-like and firm, citing the specific section of the CC&Rs that has been violated, and granting a reasonable amount of time to correct the problem.
- Use mediation, where a neutral mediator facilitates negotiation between the association and resident to reach a mutually acceptable solution.
- Use arbitration, where a neutral arbitrator hears both sides and renders a decision based on evidence and testimony, which is legally binding.
Minimizing Rules Violations
- Educate residents about the rules, their importance, and how compliance maintains property values.
- Enforce rules consistently and even-handedly.
- Intervene as early as possible to prevent violations from becoming serious.
- Modify governing documents to confirm the association's commitment to alternative dispute resolution.
- Establish a policy outlining how the association will resolve conflicts, including timelines, hearing procedures, and hearing panel composition.
Policy Governance
- Policy Governance is a system where the board has a moral obligation to the ownership or membership.
- The board's role is to set policy, while the manager's role is to carry it out.
- Ends prescribe benefits for specific people at a certain cost.
- Executive Limitations describe the prudence and ethics boundaries for staff acts.
- Board-Staff Linkage describes the delegation and accountability linkage through the CEO.
- Governance Process clarifies the board's own job and rules, including its connection to ownership.
Book of Governance
- A book of governance establishes the board as a legislative body and the manager as the executive.
- The book should contain a vision statement, the association's mission, and all policies.
- The vision statement captures the community association's meaning, direction, and values.
- The association's mission is to fulfill the vision, which is to protect, maintain, and enhance the value of the property.
Resolving conflicts between residents and community associations, enforcing governing documents and maintaining community standards. Learn how to handle disputes and ensure a harmonious living environment.
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