FAQ

Homeowner Questions

Answers to questions commonly posed by homeowners.

Question Listing

What happens if I need advice on Association affairs?

Answers can usually be found in the CC&Rs and Homeowner Rules. Otherwise, your management company should be able to advise you.
Back to Top

How do I deal with a noisy neighbor?

Generally, it is best to simply let your neighbor know that you are being disturbed. A low-key chat often solves the problem.

If a chat (or two) has no effect, you can file a complaint with the Board. Keep in mind, however, that Boards may be slow to involve themselves in such matters. Boards require sound evidence before they can act—otherwise, it is one homeowner’s word against the other’s.
Your Association’s governing documents allow for you to petition for sanctions against such a neighbor, but this often leads to more stress than first trying a low-key chat with your neighbor.

At PMC, we’re used to dealing with such matters and are glad to share the strategies that we have seen work in the past. After all, our goal is to improve your condominium living experience.
Back to Top

Is the Board of Directors required to tell me how they spend Association money?

yes

  • The annual budget has to be submitted to the HOA members for their approval
  • The Treasurer should state the HOA’s financial position at each Board meeting
  • Some associations publish monthly financial statements. If your association is managed by PMC and your Board has arranged for your HOA to have its forum on the PMC website, just go to your HOA homepage. You’ll need your HOA password to sign in. Among the available documents you will find the disclosure information, which you can download and print if you like.
  • If your Board decides that a major project is necessary and wants to spend more money than is available in the reserve account, they have to raise funds from the homeowners. This can only take place after homeowners have been fully informed and have voted to approve the measure.

In brief, homeowners have a lot of control over their HOA’s finances.
Back to Top

If the Board want to change a rule, can I make them change their minds?

Yes, if enough other homeowners agree with you. The procedure should be described by the CC&Rs, which themselves should adhere to California Corporations Civil Code.
Back to Top

What are the rules concerning my property?

There are three relevant documents:

CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions)
Homeowner Rules
Bylaws

These documents reflect two main pieces of regulating legislation: the Davis-Stirling Act and the California Corporations Code. When you, the homeowner, purchased your property, you agreed to abide by these regulations.

Broadly speaking, the Bylaws govern the rules by which the Board of Directors are elected and cover the day-to-day regulation of the HOA. The CC&Rs direct the regulations of the Board and homeowners. The Homeowner Rules supplement the CC&Rs and are more amenable to immediate change and supplementation.
Back to Top

Do I need to notify anyone if I want to have work done in my apartment?

Yes. Even if it is not major work, you still need to inform the Board. You might wonder why—what does it have to do with them?

The point is that the Board is responsible for ensuring that any work done has no negative effect on the structure of the property or on the living experience of any subsequent homeowners. Hence, the Board has to evaluate your proposal to determine whether the work in question:

  • Has implications with which the Board needs to be concerned
  • Will be safe and is clearly described
  • Requires further clarificiation from the homeowner

Back to Top

If I want to re-finance or sell my apartment, how do I get the documents I need for disclosure?

If your association is managed by PMC and your Board has arranged for your HOA to have its forum on the PMC website, just go to your HOA homepage. You’ll need your HOA password to sign in. Among the available documents you will find the disclosure information, which you can download and print if you like.

Otherwise, call PMC (if we are your management company) at 415.563.3957 or email us a request for the information.
Back to Top

How do I find the name of the insurance agent for my property?

If your association is managed by PMC and your Board has arranged for your HOA to have its own forum on the PMC website, just go to your HOA homepage. You’ll need your HOA password to sign in. Among the available documents you will find the insurance broker’s contact information as well as the insurance declaration, documents that you can download and print if you like.

Otherwise, call PMC (if we are your management company) at 415.563.3957 or email us a request for the information.
Back to Top

How many Board meetings do there have to be in a year?

This number is stipulated in an Association’s governing documents and can be changed by amending the Homeowner Rules.
Back to Top

What are the responsibilities of being a Director?

When you become a Director, you assume a role of fiduciary responsibility: you are obliged to take seriously the task of maintaining the property in good condition and ensuring that Association money is spent responsibly.
Back to Top

Do directors get paid?

Directors receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses, such as money spent booking a venue for the Association’s annual meeting. Apart from that, the answer is no—paying Directors it is not permitted for Mutual Benefit Non-profit Corporations.
Back to Top

What should I expect from a management company?

Generally, you should expect your property management company to provide the following:

  • Assist the board in the management of the property, including bookkeeping services, collect HOA payments, pay operating expenses as authorized by the Board (e.g., utilities, services—although anything extra requires Board approval).
  • Help prepare an annual budget and prepare financial statements for Board review.
  • Inspect the property regularly and note any needed repairs or modifications; obtain Board approval for repair work.
  • Attend Board meetings, prepare meeting minutes, comply with homeowner notification requirements.
  • Obtain quotes from contractors.
  • Help to ensure that an HOA adheres to all legal requirements.

For further details, please see PMC’s Services page.
Back to Top

What laws apply to condominiums, and how am I supposed to know them?

The Davis-Stirling Act and California Corporation Code are the two main laws governing condominiums. PMC can help you and your HOA understand these requirements. We can also advise you as to when it would be appropriate to consult an attorney who specializes in condominium law. Because the legal requirements surrounding condominiums change constantly, PMC sends its senior personnel to annual seminars on condo law. This ensures that our property managers remain up-to-date with the latest requirements.
Back to Top