By Robert Holloway
1. The Right to Security against Foreclosure - An association shall not foreclose against a homeowner except for significant unpaid assessments, and any such foreclosure shall require judicial review to ensure fairness.
2. The Right to Resolve Disputes without Litigation - Homeowners and associations will have available alternative dispute resolution (ADR), although both parties preserve the right to litigate.
3. The Right to Fairness in Litigation - Where there is litigation between an association and a homeowner, and the homeowner prevails, the association shall pay attorney fees to a reasonable level.
4. The Right to Be Told of All Rules and Charges - Homeowners shall be told—before buying—of the association’s broad powers, and the association may not exercise any power not clearly disclosed to the homeowner if the power unreasonably interferes with homeownership.
5. The Right to Stability in Rules and Charges - Homeowners shall have rights to vote to create, amend, or terminate deed restrictions and other important documents. Where an association’s directors have power to change operating rules, the homeowners shall have notice and an opportunity, by majority vote, to override new rules and charges.
6. The Right to Individual Autonomy - Homeowners shall not surrender any essential rights of individual autonomy because they live in a common-interest community. Homeowners shall have the right to peaceful advocacy during elections and other votes as well as use of common areas.
7. The Right to Oversight of Associations and Directors - Homeowners shall have reasonable access to records and meetings, as well as specified abilities to call special meetings, to obtain oversight of elections and other votes, and to recall directors.
8. The Right to Vote and Run for Office - Homeowners shall have well-defined voting rights, including secret ballots, and no director shall have a conflict of interest.
9. The Right to Reasonable Associations and Directors - Associations, their directors and other agents, shall act reasonably in exercising their power over homeowners.
10. The Right to an Ombudsperson for Homeowners - Homeowners shall have fair interpretation of their rights through the state Office of Ombudsperson for Homeowners. The ombudsperson will enable state oversight where needed, and increases available information for all concerned.
Written by Andrew Kochera, AARP Public Policy Institute July 2006