What are Common facilities?
In the context of homeowners associations and housing cooperatives, 'Common facilities' refer to shared spaces and amenities that are jointly owned and used by all the residents of the property. These may include things like gardens, swimming pools, playgrounds, parking lots, gyms, and meeting rooms. The costs for maintaining and managing these common facilities are typically covered by the association's members through monthly or annual dues. They play an essential role in contributing to the overall quality of life and community spirit within the association's premises.
How are Common facilities relevant to the board of a homeowners association?
The management of common facilities is a key responsibility of the board of a homeowners association. They must ensure these spaces are well-maintained, safe, and accessible to all members. This might involve arranging for regular cleaning, repair, and maintenance, managing bookings for shared spaces, and ensuring compliance with any rules or regulations governing their use. The board may also be involved in making decisions about upgrades or improvements to these facilities, based on the association's budget and members' needs and preferences.
What are the responsibilities of members in relation to Common facilities?
Members of a homeowners association have a shared responsibility to respect and take care of the common facilities. This typically means adhering to the association's rules about their use, which might involve things like observing quiet hours, cleaning up after use, or not using certain facilities at particular times. Members are also commonly expected to contribute to the costs of maintaining these facilities through their association dues. In some cases, they may even be asked to participate in tasks like cleaning up communal areas or gardening.
What happens when disputes arise over the use of Common facilities?
Disputes over the use of common facilities can occasionally arise within homeowners associations. When they do, it's usually up to the board to mediate and resolve them. This might involve revisiting the association's rules, holding meetings to discuss the issue, or even seeking legal advice in more serious cases. It's important for the board to handle such disputes in a fair and transparent way, taking into account the views and needs of all members.
How are decisions made about changes to Common facilities?
Decisions about changes to common facilities - such as upgrades, renovations, or the introduction of new amenities - are usually made by the board of the homeowners association, in consultation with the members. This might involve holding meetings to discuss proposed changes, soliciting members' feedback, or even holding a vote. It's important for such decisions to reflect the needs and preferences of the community, and for the process to be transparent and inclusive. The cost of any changes also needs to be considered and budgeted for, as they will usually be funded through members' dues.
Other frequent questions about Common facilities
What are some examples of common facilities in a housing association?
Common facilities in a housing association can include a variety of shared spaces and amenities that all residents have access to. This typically includes things like laundry rooms, fitness centers, swimming pools, courtyards, and rooftop terraces. It can also extend to shared services such as recycling and waste disposal, security services, and maintenance of common areas. The exact offerings can vary greatly depending on the specific association and the needs and wants of its residents.
How are the costs for common facilities usually covered in a homeowners association?
In a homeowners association, costs for maintaining and operating common facilities are typically covered by the dues collected from residents. These dues are usually mandatory and set by the association's board of directors. They may be collected monthly, quarterly, or annually. The money collected is then used to pay for things like cleaning, repairs, utilities, insurance, and any staff needed to operate the facilities. The exact costs can vary depending on the size and scope of the facilities, as well as the specific rules of the association.
Who is responsible for managing common facilities in a condominium association?
The management of common facilities in a condominium association typically falls to the board of directors. This board is made up of elected residents who serve to make decisions on behalf of all owners. They might hire a property management company to handle day-to-day operations, such as cleaning and maintenance. In some cases, larger tasks like renovations or improvements to the facilities would need to be voted on by all owners. It's important to note that the specific rules and procedures can vary widely, depending on the association's bylaws and regulations.
Other topics in our HOA dictionary
Check out other topics in our HOA dictionary below. We've gathered the ones we find most relevant in relation to common facilities.
Extraordinary General Assembly
An Extraordinary General Assembly is a special meeting that is not part of the regular schedule of meetings for an owners' association. This meeting can...
Parking rules
Parking rules are regulations established by an owner's association to manage the parking spaces within the community. These rules may cover topics such as where...
House rules
House Rules are the set of regulations created by the board of a homeowners' association or other types of property owners' associations. These rules are...
HOA bylaws
HOA bylaws are the guiding rules set by a Homeowners Association (HOA) to govern the administration and management of the community. They outline how the...
Working for an association
Working for an association refers to being employed or involved in the operations of a collective entity such as a homeowners, condominium, or housing cooperative...
Chairman of the Meeting
Chairman of the Meeting refers to the individual who oversees and manages the proceedings of a meeting. In the context of homeowner associations, this person...