Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why a Homeowners Association?

Your Homeowners Association (HOA) maintains the common areas, preserves a consistent look throughout the community, and can enhance the sense of community. An HOA may prevent your neighbors from making changes to their homes and using their property in ways that might negatively impact other homes.

2. What is an HOA?

An HOA is a Washington State non-profit corporation. It owns and is responsible for maintenance and repair of common areas in a subdivision. All homeowners in that subdivision are members of the HOA. Membership is automatic when you purchase a home.

Membership gives you the right and obligation to participate in the government of the HOA. After transition to homeowner control, you can get involved as a board member, committee member, or by voting.

All owners must follow the conditions in the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) for the community. The CC&Rs are included on a CD in this Homeowner’s Manual. All owners also must comply with the rules, which are available on your HOA web site or from your CSM.

An HOA is not a city and does not provide Police, Animal Control, or other Municipal Services.

3. What do Assessments Cover?

Assessments (also referred to as “dues”) are each home’s share of the annual operating costs of the HOA. For example, assessments cover:

• Maintenance and repair of common areas
• Landscaping of common areas
• HOA management fees
• Insurance on the common areas
• Water and electricity for the common areas
• Contributions to long-term maintenance reserves
• Legal and accounting fees

In addition to assessments, all new home buyers pay an initial capital contribution. This set up fee is separate from advanced assessments. Instead, it goes into the HOA operating account that pays start up costs.

4. What Uses are Restricted?

To preserve consistency and make living in your community more pleasant, the CC&Rs include a list of uses that are prohibited or restricted in that community. Every HOA has its own unique list, so check the CC&Rs. Examples of common use restrictions include limits on breeding animals, nuisances, and parking oversized vehicles.

Most Quadrant-controlled HOAs also have use restrictions that—among other things—prohibit the following:

• Rentals during development period
• Businesses—homes are intended for residential use only
• Signs
• RV, trailer, and commercial vehicle parking

5. How do I contact my HOA?

Business cards for the HOA’s community association manager, listing phone, e-mail and web site, are available from you CSM. Then, 30—60 days after your closing, you will receive a Welcome Packet from the HOA containing:

• Community Rules and Covenant Enforcement
• HOA Web site login information and password
• Bylaws
• Assessment payment information
• Property Improvement Application
• Contact information for the community association manager

You may contact the community association manager at any time, even before closing.