A: If it's an inside item, you'll handle it yourself, just like any homeowner. If it's an exterior item, or if you're not sure how to classify it, contact our Managing Agent.
What are a Unit Owner's responsibilities to the community? Find out here! For more complete information about these or any other items in our governing documents, please refer to the actual Declaration. Oh, by the way, for those of you who aren't sure, "OLCUOA" stands for Oakwood Lakes Condominium Unit Owners' Association.
Q: What is a "Common Element" or
"Limited Common Element"?
A: A "Common Element" (CE) is everything a Unit Owner doesn't have
title to...the building exteriors, the grass, the shrubs, the pool and so on. A
"Limited Common Element" is a subset of the Common Elements and
basically means the stuff immediately adjacent to your own unit and more or less
dedicated to use by only the residents of that unit. Examples include your deck,
patio, driveway and front door stoop. On the other hand, your HVAC unit, even
though it sits on a Common Element (the grass) is defined as being a part of
your actual unit. The Board of Directors has the right to promulgate rules
restricting the usage of Common Elements.
Q: Who can use a Common Element or Limited Common
Element?
A: Each Unit Owner has the right to full use of a Common Element as a
"tenant-in-common" with all other Unit Owners. However, each Unit
Owner has exclusive use of a Limited Common Element designated for and adjacent
to his own unit.
Q: Who do I call if I have a problem with my unit?
A: If it's an inside item, you'll handle it yourself, just like any
homeowner. If it's an exterior item, or if you're not sure how to classify it,
contact our Managing Agent.
Q: What kind of homeowner's insurance do I need?
A: That's really a question for your insurance agent and our Managing
Agent, but in a nutshell you should know that the association's insurance
coverage is much broader than in most similar communities. For example, the
OLCUOA policy includes coverage of most of your interior components like
cabinetry, fixtures, flooring and so on. You do have obligation, though, to
advise the Managing Agent whenever you upgrade any of
these covered components so that the community's coverage will remain in force
for your new items.
Q: Who's responsible for clearing snow from driveways
and sidewalks? What about patios and decks?
A: The Association is responsible for all snow removal except from
patios and decks...that's the responsibility of each Unit Owner.
Q: Can I fly a flag from my unit?
A: The Ohio Revised Code specifically grants condominium owners the right to
fly the American flag on their units or from Limited Common Elements.
Q: What's a "Special Assessment"?
A: Hopefully, a thing of the past! More specifically, a Special Assessment
is a charge to all Unit Owners to cover some unforeseen and unbudgeted major
expense. Our Declaration specifically prohibits the use of a Special
Assessment to cover expected or predictable operating expenses and, if a Special
Assessment is declared by the Board, the Board has specific reporting
requirements to follow both initially and until such time as the items requiring
the assessment have been completed.
Q: What happens if I get behind in my association fees
or fail to pay an assessment?
A: The Board is empowered to file a lien against your property and your
property cannot be sold until such a lien is satisfied.
Q: Are there any restrictions on the use or occupancy
of a unit?
A: Yes, there are some. The unit must be used in a residential manner, no
hazardous materials or hazardous waste may be stored in a unit, no modifications
can be made to a unit exterior (except for an American flag), pets and signs are
regulated, and trash must be placed in refuse containers. See Section 12 of the
Declaration for details on these and other such restrictions.
Q: Can I rent-out my unit?
A: Yes, you can, but for a minimum period of one year. Tenants have many of
the same rights and obligations as Unit Owners, but they cannot vote on OLCUOA
matters. Before renting out a unit, you should thoroughly review the Declaration
& By-Laws to see exactly what a tenant's rights and obligations are, what
your rights and obligations as a landlord are, and make sure the tenant is so
informed.
Q: Do I need to periodically update my Unit Owner
information?
A: No, not periodically, but whenever there's a change the Board
or Managing
Agent needs to be informed within thirty days. The information that the Board or
Managing
Agent needs includes: name, home and business address and home and business telephone number
of the Unit Owner and all who reside in that unit (ditto if the Unit Owner has a
managing agent). Also, this information needs to be initially provided within
thirty days of closing. While not required by the Declaration, the Board needs
your email address, too, and asks that you notify the Board when your email
address changes.
Q: How do I get involved with Committees or the Board?
A: Just contact any Committee Chair or Board
member...they'll be glad to hear from you!
Q: Does the Oakwood Lakes association have an Annual
Meeting?
A: Yes, an annual meeting is required by law and by the Declaration. The
OLCUOA Annual Meeting is usually in February or March, but must occur in the
first quarter of the calendar year.
Q: What kind of financial condition is Oakwood Lakes
in?
A: We're pleased to report that Oakwood Lakes is financially healthy. We're
meeting our operating expenses without the need of any special assessments, and
our Reserve Fund is adequate and on track to meet its obligations for the
foreseeable future.
Q: How and when are fees assessed?
A: Our fiscal year is Jan. 1 through Dec. 31. Fees are determined when the
budget is prepared in the 4th quarter, and the Board instructs the Managing
Agent to notify Unit Owners in advance about the upcoming fees. Fees are paid
monthly, either by mail or direct deposit. Anyone wishing to prepay ten years of
association fees at a predetermined rate may contact the Finance
Committee Chair for more information!
Q: Why do the unit owners of The Landing at Oakwood
Lakes use Oakwood Lakes' facilities?
A: That was part of the purchase agreement when Fischer Homes bought the
ex-Erpenbeck properties to finish out the overall development. In return, The
Landing contributes to our operating expenses and Reserve Fund according to
percentages set in that purchase
agreement.
Q: What about parking? Are there rules about parking
vehicles?
A: Yes, indeed! As you've no doubt noticed, our streets are a bit tight and
there can be a lot of traffic on them, and emergency vehicles need easy access.
So parking on any of the community's streets for more than one hour is
prohibited. It's the responsibility of each Unit Owner to ensure that their
guests are aware of and adhere to this policy. Also, Unit Owners are not allowed
to park their extra vehicles in the overflow spaces around the community. Those
parking pads are provided for the use of visitors. Necessary exceptions can be
requested by petitioning the Board of Directors. If you're renting the
clubhouse, it's important to read and abide by the parking rules on the rental
contract. Keep in mind that although the clubhouse can accommodate about 80
people, there isn't nearly enough parking for 80 cars. The clubhouse was
designed for neighborhood use and it's assumed that most users will be residents
who will walk to the clubhouse.
Q: Can I enclose my patio or add some shrubbery?
A: Any modification to the exterior of your unit must be cleared by the
Buildings & Grounds Committee and, ultimately, the Board of
Directors, even
if it exactly duplicates something that has already been approved for another
Unit Owner.
Q: What rights and obligations do my guests have?
A: Guests, whether short-term or long-term, are subject to the same rules
and regulations as any Unit Owner, and it is the responsibility of a Unit Owner
to ensure that guests know and follow community rules.
Q: Does the Association have the right to enter my
unit?
A: Yes, it does, for maintenance or construction purposes. Advance notice
for such entry is required, except in an emergency originating in or threatening
any unit. "Association", in this instance, means Board members,
association officers, Managing Agent or other agents of the association.