The General Assembly finally heard the hue and cry from us about lenders abuse of associations in the foreclosure process. Unfortunately this new statute does not fully end the abuse. The key word in the title above is “occur”. The first benefit of the new law is that Lenders must now give associations notice at least 60 days in advance of initiating foreclosure. How does this help us?
News You Can Use
Homeowners Bill of Rights creates NO new obligations for Associations
By Jeanne Lauer on
Posted in News You Can Use
Senate Bill 1008 awaits the Governor’s signature to proclaim a “bill of rights” for homeowners in condominiums and property owners associations. The irony is that under “bill of rights” title on this new statute, there is nothing which changes or adds to the current statutory scheme for voting, accessing records, recording meetings or extending due…
How long does it take for a condominium to get FHA project approval?
We have found that managers and board members who have not had any experience with the process of obtaining FHA project approval have unrealistic expectations about the processing time.In this edition we let you know the “ins and outs” of the application for such approval. We handle both initial applications and recertifications and there is a significant difference.
If you can’t get a critical amendment passed there is relief in court
By Mike Inman on
Due to some shepherding of this bill by CAI’s Virginia Legislative Action Committee, as of July 1 you can get help from the Circuit Court if you have made a good faith attempt (3 times) to get a critical amendment passed without success. The statute details exactly what must be done to achieve the amendment. We hate to say it but you really need to read this statute as it lays out exactly how and when it works. Here it is:
What does the term “member in good standing” mean in association documents?
By Mike Inman on
Posted in Association Meetings and Proxies, News You Can Use
We are often asked if an owner can be prevented from voting when the association declaration or bylaws state that an owner who is not in good standing may not vote or that their vote will not be counted. Most board members and managers think this means that an owner who is delinquent in his payment of assessments cannot vote. Without further definition in the documents this is a correct interpretation. Some people think that it also means that if an owner has been found in violation of the covenants or rules and has not cured the violation or paid a charge made after a due process hearing that the owner cannot vote. Unless the documents specifically provide for such we believe that “not in good standing” is limited to delinquency in the payment of assessments.
News from the Virginia General Assembly and CAI’s Virginia Legislative Action Committee
By Mike Inman on
Posted in News You Can Use
Below are a host of new laws that will become effective on July 1, 2014. There are some significant new items and we urge you to read closely. Mike Inman serves on the Virginia Legislative Action Committee and can answer any questions you might have about the bills.
Late Fees- HB 566
HB 566 amends the Virginia Condominium Act (§55-79.83) and the Property Owners’ Association Act (§55-513.3) (the “POAA”) by clarifying that associations can charge a late fee as provided in the governing documents, and if not provided for in the governing documents, the association can charge a late fee not to exceed 5%.
Compliance with Declaration- HB 530
HB 530 amends the Virginia Condominium Act (§55-79.53A) by adding the following language: This section shall not preclude an action against the unit owners’ association and authorizes the recovery, by the prevailing party in any such action, of reasonable attorney fees, costs expended in the matter, and interest on the judgment as provided in § 8.01-382 in such actions.
Merger; Judicial Reformation of Declaration- HB 690
HB 690 amends the Virginia Condominium Act (§55-79.71:2) by providing condominiums with the ability to merge two or more condominiums. It also amends both the Condominium Act (§55-79.73:2) and the POAA (§55-515.2:1) by permitting associations to petition the circuit court to make changes to a declaration.
Inman appointed by City Council to Virginia Beach Planning Commission
By Mike Inman on
Posted in News You Can Use
Michael A. Inman has been reappointed by City Council to the Virginia Beach Planning Commission for another four year term beginning in January 2018. The Planning Commission meets monthly to review and vote upon applications from property owners for rezoning and conditional use permits. Mr. Inman has practiced in Hampton Roads since 1973 and has…
Virginia has a Santa “clause” ….and he brings dollars
By Mike Inman on
Posted in News You Can Use
Did you know that Virginia has a law which requires all licensed contractors to contribute towards a fund that helps victims of fraud and dishonest conduct? While many states have similar consumer laws, Virginia also includes Property Owners Associations as potential victims. (We don’t know why condominium associations are not included but it is on our “to do” list.) The Contractor Recovery Fund (aka Santa) reimburses qualified applicants up to $20,000.00 in cases where the contractor has engaged in “wrongful taking or conversion of money, property or other things of value which involves fraud, material misrepresentation or conduct constituting gross negligence, continued incompetence, or intentional violation of the Uniform Statewide Building Code…” Virginia Code § 54.1-1118. So if a contractor collected a deposit and never came back to do the work and you can’t find him, there might be a chance to get that money back. The process is a bit technical but worth the effort if you have a substantial amount involved.
Nonstock Corporation Act
By Mike Inman on
Posted in Legal Info, News You Can Use
We are all familiar with the Condominium Act and the Property Owners Association Act but how often do we think about the Nonstock Corporation Act? Most of our Associations were formed as nonstock corporations so when we are looking at whether there is compliance with the law, we need to be aware of this Chapter of the Virginia Code.
Mandate from the Legislature-Complaint Procedure
QUESTION:
I understand that at this time all associations are required to have a complaint procedure in place in order for their members to be able to let the CIC Board know of issues they have with their association. I also know that the Annual Report form requires an Association to state whether or not it has a complaint procedure. What is the consequence if an association fails to comply after getting the DPOR’s letter about non-compliance when they have checked “no” on the Annual Report?