FAQ
WHAT DO MY ASSOCIATION FEES COVER?
Association fees, sometimes called dues or assessments, typically cover the following:
- Maintenance and Repairs: Association fees typically cover the costs associated with
maintaining and repairing common areas and amenities within the community, such as
landscaping, sidewalks, roads, and recreational facilities. - Utilities: Depending on the community, association fees may also cover utilities such as
water, sewage, garbage disposal, and sometimes even basic cable or internet services.
Please refer to the governing documents for your association. - Insurance: Association fees often contribute to insurance coverage for the common
areas and structures within the community, providing protection against damage from
natural disasters or accidents. - Reserve Funds: A portion of association fees may be allocated to reserve funds, which
are used for major repairs, renovations, or unexpected expenses in the future, ensuring
the long-term financial health of the community. - Management Fees: Fees may go towards hiring a property management company or staff to oversee day-to-day operations, enforce community rules and regulations, and handle administrative tasks.
- Amenities and Services: Association fees may cover access to amenities such as pools, fitness centers, clubhouse facilities, security services, and community events or programs.
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping: Fees often contribute to the upkeep of common green spaces, including lawn care, tree trimming, and seasonal landscaping.
- Community Governance: Association fees support the governance structure of the community, including expenses related to board meetings, legal fees, accounting services, and compliance with local regulations.
- Community Enhancements: In some cases, association fees may fund projects to enhance the community, such as installing new playground equipment, upgrading common areas, or implementing eco-friendly initiatives.
- Communication and Outreach: Fees may also cover expenses related to communication with residents, such as newsletters, website maintenance, and community events aimed at fostering a sense of belonging and engagement.
It’s essential for homeowners or residents to review their association’s governing documents, such as the bylaws and budget, to understand precisely what is covered by their association fees and any additional fees or assessments that may apply.
HOW DO I PAY THE ASSOCIATION FEES?
Paying association fees typically involves several options for convenience and flexibility. Here’s a general guide on how you can pay association fees:
Online Payment Portal: Our online payment portals where you can conveniently pay your association fees using a credit or debit card, electronic bank transfer (ACH), or other digital payment methods. This option often allows you to set up recurring payments for automatic deductions, ensuring timely payments without manual intervention.
Please visit:
https://portal.kpmam.com/Home/Login to create or login into your account. Before making a payment, it’s essential to review the payment instructions provided by your association and ensure that you have the necessary information, such as your account number or invoice number, to complete the transaction accurately. Additionally, keep track of payment deadlines to avoid late fees or penalties. If you have any questions or concerns about payment methods or your association fees, don’t hesitate to reach out to your association’s management company or board of directors for assistance.
WHAT IS THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND FLETCHER COMMUNITY PARTNERS ROLES AND AUTHORITY?
The Board of Directors and management companies play distinct yet complementary roles in the governance and operation of a community association.
Board of Directors Authority:
The Board of Directors is typically composed of elected volunteers from within the community who are responsible for overseeing the affairs of the association.
They have the authority to establish and enforce community rules and regulations, manage the association’s finances, approve budgets and expenditures, and make decisions regarding common areas and amenities. The board sets policies, establishes long-term goals, and ensures compliance with governing documents such as the association’s bylaws, covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CCRs). Board members are fiduciaries who must act in the best interests of the association and its members, making decisions that promote the welfare and stability of the community.
Fletcher Community Partners Authority:
Management companies are hired by the association’s board to handle day-to-day operations and administrative tasks on behalf of the community.
They typically provide services such as collecting association fees, managing vendor contracts, coordinating maintenance and repairs, enforcing community rules, and communicating with residents.
While management companies execute the policies and directives established by the board, they do not have decision-making authority on matters reserved for the board. Management companies serve as advisors to the board, offering expertise and guidance on best practices, legal compliance, and community management strategies.
Ultimately, management companies operate under the authority of the board and are accountable to the board for their actions and performance. In summary, the Board of Directors holds the ultimate authority and responsibility for governing the community association, setting policies, and making significant decisions, while management companies support the board by handling day-to-day operations and implementing the board’s directives. Effective collaboration between the board and management company is essential for the successful management and functioning of the community association.
WHAT ARE THE GOVERNING DOCUMENTS AND WHERE CAN I FIND THEM?
Governing documents are a set of legal instruments that outline the rules, regulations, and procedures for the operation and management of a community association. These documents establish the framework for how the association is governed and how it interacts with its members. Common governing documents include:
Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs): This document, often referred to simply as the “Declaration” outlines the rights, obligations, and restrictions that govern property owners within the community. It typically includes rules regarding property use, architectural guidelines, maintenance responsibilities, and provisions for the establishment and operation of the association.
Bylaws: The bylaws are the internal rules and procedures that govern the operation and administration of the association. They typically address matters such as board structure and powers, meeting procedures, voting requirements, and the roles and responsibilities of board members and officers.
Articles of Incorporation: This document establishes the legal existence of the association as a corporation and outlines its purpose, structure, and powers. It may also include provisions related to membership, governance, and dissolution procedures.
Rules and Regulations: In addition to the CC&Rs and bylaws, associations may adopt rules and regulations to address specific issues not covered by the governing documents. These rules typically cover topics such as use of common areas, pet policies, parking regulations, and other community-specific concerns. You should have received a copy at the closing of your home. To find your community association’s governing documents, you can typically access them through one or more of the following methods:
Management Office: Many associations maintain copies of their governing documents at their management office or with their management company. You can contact the management office to request access to these documents.
Association Portal: Some associations provide access to their governing documents through their official website. Look for a “Documents” or “Resources” section on the website where you may find links to download copies of the CC&Rs, bylaws, and other relevant documents.
Online Databases: There are online databases and repositories that collect governing documents for community associations across the country. You may be able to search for your association by name or location and access copies of its governing documents online.
County Recorder’s Office: In some cases, the governing documents may be recorded with the county recorder’s office or other relevant government agency. You can inquire with the recorder’s office in your county to see if copies of the association’s documents are available for public review.
It’s important for homeowners and residents to familiarize themselves with the association’s governing documents, as they provide the framework for community living and establish the rights and responsibilities of all members. If you have trouble locating or understanding your association’s governing documents, don’t hesitate to reach out to the association’s management office or board of directors for assistance.
DO I NEED TO FOLLOW AND COMPLY WITH THE CCR'S?
Yes, as a homeowner or resident within a community governed by a Condominium association or homeowner’s association (HOA) or similar entity, you are generally required to follow and comply with the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) that apply to your property.
CC&Rs are legal documents that establish rules and guidelines for property use, maintenance,
and behavior within the community. Here’s why it’s important to comply with CC&Rs:
Legally Binding: CC&Rs are legally binding agreements that are recorded against the property and typically run with the land. When you purchase a property within a community governed by CC&Rs, you agree to abide by the rules outlined in these documents.
Protect Property Values: CC&Rs are designed to maintain the aesthetic appeal, quality, and value of properties within the community. By following CC&Rs, you contribute to preserving property values for yourself and your neighbors.
Promote Harmony: CC&Rs often include rules and guidelines aimed at promoting harmony and a sense of community among residents. By adhering to these rules, you contribute to a positive living environment for everyone in the neighborhood.
Avoid Penalties: Failure to comply with CC&Rs can result in enforcement actions by the homeowner’s association, such as fines, penalties, or legal action. By following CC&Rs, you can avoid unnecessary conflicts and expenses.
Maintain Community Standards: CC&Rs help establish and maintain consistent standards for property appearance, landscaping, architectural design, and other aspects of community living.
By adhering to these standards, you contribute to the overall attractiveness and appeal of the
community.
It’s essential to review and understand the CC&Rs before purchasing a property within a
community association. If you have questions or concerns about specific provisions or their
interpretation, you can seek clarification from the homeowner’s association, the association’s management company, or legal counsel familiar with community association law. Additionally,
participating in the governance of the association, such as attending meetings and serving on committees, can provide opportunities to contribute to the development and enforcement of CC&Rs in a manner that serves the best interests of the community as a whole.
DO I NEED APPROVAL TO MAKE CHANGES TO MY HOME AND EXTERIOR?
Yes, in many community associations governed by CC&Rs, homeowners typically need approval before making changes to the exterior of their homes or properties. This requirement is often outlined in the CC&Rs and is intended to maintain aesthetic integrity, architectural consistency, and property values within the community. Here are some common types of changes that may require approval:
Architectural Modifications: This can include additions, alterations, or renovations to the
exterior of the home, such as adding a deck, patio, or porch; installing a fence or retaining wall; changing the roofline or siding material; or making significant changes to the landscaping.
Exterior Colors: Some associations have guidelines or restrictions regarding exterior paint colors, trim colors, or materials. Homeowners may need approval before repainting or making significant changes to the exterior color scheme of their homes.
Landscaping Changes: Alterations to landscaping, such as removing or planting trees, shrubs, or other vegetation, installing hardscape features like walkways or driveways, or adding outdoor structures like gazebos or sheds, may require approval.
Signage and Decorations: Installing signage, holiday decorations, flags, or other exterior decorations may be subject to approval, especially if they are visible from common areas or neighboring properties.
Structural Changes: Any modifications that affect the structural integrity of the home or property, such as adding or removing walls, windows, or doors, typically require approval to ensure compliance with building codes and safety standards.
To obtain approval for proposed changes, homeowners typically need to submit an architectural review or modification request to the homeowner’s association or its architectural review committee. The request should include detailed plans, drawings, specifications, and any other relevant information about the proposed changes. The association or committee will then review the request to ensure that the proposed modifications comply with the CC&Rs, architectural guidelines, and any other applicable rules or regulations.
It’s essential for homeowners to familiarize themselves with the architectural review process outlined in the CC&Rs and to seek approval before proceeding with any exterior modifications to their homes or properties. Failure to obtain approval could result in enforcement actions by the homeowner’s association, such as fines, penalties, or the requirement to remove or undo the unauthorized changes.
WHAT IS A RESALE CERTIFICATE OR CONDO QUESTIONAIRE AND HOW DO I ORDER ONE FROM FLETCHER COMMUNITY PARTNERS?
A resale certificate or condo questionnaire is a document provided by a homeowner’s
association (HOA) or condominium association to a prospective buyer of a property within the community. This document typically contains important information about the association’s financial status, rules and regulations, outstanding assessments or fees, insurance coverage, and any other pertinent details that may affect the purchase of the property.
To obtain a resale certificate or condo questionnaire from Fletcher Community Partners, you would typically follow these steps:
Contact Condo Certs: Fletcher Community Partners uses CondoCerts for all Resale Certificate, Re-Finance, and Condo Questionnaire requests. You have 24/7/365 capabilities to request the critical information you need. You can request Demands, Estoppels, Statement of Accounts, and all documents you need to quickly satisfy your clients and close your transactions. Please go to https://fletcher-cp.condocerts.com to order. Multiple payment options are available.
Review Documents: Once your request is processed, the management company will compile the resale certificate or condo questionnaire, which typically includes copies of the association’s governing documents (CC&Rs, bylaws, rules and regulations), financial statements, meeting minutes, insurance information, and other relevant disclosures.
Delivery: The resale certificate or condo questionnaire will be provided to you within a specified timeframe after your request is received and processed. You will receive the document electronically.
Review and Disclosure: As a prospective buyer, it’s crucial to carefully review the resale certificate or condo questionnaire and disclose its contents to your real estate agent and any other parties involved in the property transaction. The information contained in these documents can help you make an informed decision about purchasing a property within the community. Obtaining a resale certificate or condo questionnaire is an essential step in the home buying process within a community association, as it provides valuable insights into the association’s financial and operational status.
If you have any questions or concerns about the process of obtaining these documents, don’t hesitate to reach out to Fletcher Community Partners for assistance.
HOW DO I CONTACT THE MANAGEMENT COMPANY IN THE EVENT OF AN AFTER-HOURS OR WEEKEND EMERGENCY?
If you have an after-hours or weekend emergency these may be reported by calling 214-874-0900 and selecting option 8. For townhomes or condominiums, a typical emergency call would involve a water pipe leak, sewage back up, or fire damage. If there is a fire, call your local fire department or dial 9-1-1. The on-call operator will take your message, and your call will be returned by a Fletcher Manager. A roof leak, for example, while urgent, is not an emergency call and cannot be repaired until after the end of the rain event and during daytime hours. Some situations, which are NOT considered community management emergencies, are:
- Roof leak during a rain event
- Noisy neighbors
- Trespassing
- Illegally parked cars
- Rules violations
- Questions about account balances
- ARC requests
These types of situations are important but are better handled by the Association Manager during normal office hours rather than the after hours on-call personnel.
Please always call 9-1-1 to report a fire, theft, or suspicious behavior.
What areas do you service?
We proudly serve the entire Dallas Metroplex. Below is a comprehensive list of towns and cities in the region where our services are available:
Dallas County
- Dallas
- Addison
- Carrollton
- Cedar Hill
- Cockrell Hill
- Coppell
- Duncanville
- Farmers Branch
- Garland
- Grand Prairie
- Highland Park
- Irving
- Lancaster
- Mesquite
- University Park
Collin County
- Plano
- McKinney
- Frisco
- Allen
- Carrollton
- Richardson
- Farmers Branch
Denton County
- Denton
- Lewisville
- Flower Mound
- The Colony
- Highland Village
- Corinth
- Flower Mound
- Roanoke
Other Cities and Towns in the Metroplex
- Mesquite
- Rowlett
- Rockwall
- Terrell
- Lancaster
- Balch Springs
- Sunnyvale
- Seagoville
- Coppell
- Little Elm
