The City of Camarillo has some of the most prestigious communities where HomeOwner Associations (HOAs) are enforced to provide their residents with the right to quiet enjoyment in a well managed atmosphere. However, HOAs are not without their drawbacks, so being well informed before you buy your home in Camarillo can help you avoid unpleasant surprises.

What Are Homeowner Associations?

HOAs, are alliances of properties within a designated development or neighborhood which are subject to some bylaws and binding memberships. If you are interested in purchasing a property in Camarillo where Homeowner Associations are required, during your Escrow you will receive a copy of all the Codes, Covenants, and Restrictions, commonly referred to as CC&Rs. In these CC&R documents the HOA’s responsibilities are spelled out for the residents of the community. Note, membership in a homeowners association is not voluntary. Once you purchase a property in a community with an HOA you automatically become a member and you are subjected to all the rules and fees of that association.

California Law requires HOAs to be maintained, charge a reasonable fee for their maintenance, provide an annual report of the maintenance to the members, elect officers, hold meetings, and carry out the responsibilities stated in the CC&Rs.

Advantages Of Homeowner Associations

The purpose of a homeowner association is to maintain, enhance, and protect the common areas. These common areas could include pools, tennis courts, playgrounds, and clubhouses which all members can enjoy and benefit from. As a homeowner in such a community you can enjoy all these amenities without personally having to worry about the repairs. These are also amenities that you would not have been able to enjoy if you had purchased a home in Camarillo outside of the community.

Disadvantages Of Homeowner Associations

Majority of homeowner associations in Camarillo have mandatory monthly fees to maintain the common areas. These fees may increase as the cost of maintenance increases throughout the years. It is very important that the monthly association fee is paid every month by each member. Failure to comply with this rule will first result in a fine and eventually a Lien which will be imposed on the property. Also, in the state of California a homeowner association can foreclose a member’s property without any judicial procedures to collect their fine. The monthly fees are very important for the up keep of the community. Associations that do not have adequate reserves for maintenance and a planed maintenance program tend to have difficulty maintaining the community, therefore the property values within the community decline. However, not all of the maintenance costs are covered by the regular, monthly fees collected from members. Large maintenance projects, such as roof replacement, may result in additional costs to members.  Additionally, since the members of the homeowner association are elected volunteers, mostly from the community, they sometimes make expensive mistakes that can cause the homeowners additional expenses.

What Should You Do?

 - Before you buy a property in Camarillo that is regulated by an association ask your realtor for a copy of the CC&Rs and see if you are comfortable residing under the laws enforced by that homeowner association.

 - Have your realtor look into how often and by how much the association can raise the monthly fees.

 - Walk the neighborhood and talk to the homeowners. Listen to their concerns and issues.

Some Of The Communities In Camarillo With Homeowner Associations:

Here are some more articles on HomeOwner Associations:

• Home Owner Associations Rules that can come back to bite you By Joanne Hanson
• Sunriver Rules and The Condo Rules- They May Make A Difference in Where You Buy! By Thesa Chambers
• The HOA Will Have It’s Way By Paula Henry
• Home Owner Associations are love and hate relationships By Missy Caulk
• No pay No Stay And Other HOA rules In The Woodlands By Stephanie Edwards-Musa