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16-B.03 Assumptions That Opinion May Include
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Documents are Complete and Accurate
In each instance, at or prior to the execution of each document, all blanks appearing therein were properly completed with the appropriate information, all signatures and seals were duly made and affixed, and all exhibits were properly completed and attached.
The legal descriptions attached as exhibits to, or incorporated in, the Declaration accurately and completely describe the property subjected, or to be subjected, to the Declaration.
Documents are Authorized
Each party to the documents had, at all material times, full and unconditional power, authority, capacity and legal right to execute and deliver the documents, and to consummate the transaction contemplated thereby, without notice to, or the consent of, any person or entity not a party to the documents.
The documents were duly and validly authorized, executed, acknowledged and delivered by the respective parties. The individuals and entities who executed each of the documents on behalf of an entity or on behalf of any other person were, at all material times, duly authorized to do so and, in each instance, were legally competent.
No provision of any document or any transaction contemplated thereby violates any contract,
No Violations
corporate charter, corporate bylaw, corporate resolution, partnership agreement, trust agreement, document, instrument or any other agreement which is or was binding upon any party to the documents or any beneficiary thereof. No provision of any document or any transaction contemplated thereby violates any judicial or administrative order or decision binding upon a party to any document or rendered in a matter in which such party was a party to the proceedings.
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Qualified Parties
Each entity (including the declarant) which is a party to any of the documents or which executed any of the documents on behalf of a party was, and at all material times will be, duly organized, effectively registered, validly existing, in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which such entity was formed, and qualified to do business in the jurisdiction in which the project is located.
No Waivers or Limitations
There is no oral or written modification of or amendment to the documents reviewed, and there has been no waiver of any of the provisions of the documents, by actions, by conduct of the parties or otherwise. None of the parties to any of the documents have entered into or will enter into any other agreement, or take any other action, which is inconsistent with, or serves to limit or amend, any provision of any of the documents.
Documents Not Subject to Rescission or Reformation
None of the documents are subject to rescission or reformation for fraud, duress, lack of consideration, mistake, or any other factor affecting its execution.
Recording of Documents
The Declaration (or other recorded covenants) has been, and at all material times shall be duly filed, indexed, and recorded among the Land Records of the jurisdiction in which the project is located.
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The Articles of Incorporation (or other governing documents) have been, and at all material times shall be duly filed, indexed, and recorded with all applicable state and local governmental agencies.
In each instance, all applicable recording fees, charges and taxes have been paid.
All documents submitted to the attorney as originals are authentic; all documents submitted
Authenticity
to the attorney as certified or photostatic copies conform to the original documents; all signatures on all documents submitted to the attorney for examination are genuine; and all public records reviewed are accurate and complete.
Each statement and representation contained in the documents is accurate and contains all
Accuracy
statements of material fact necessary to prevent them, and the documents generally, from being misleading.
Correct and Complete Copies
The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws (or other governing documents) of the association, as submitted to the attorney, are true, correct, and complete copies thereof, and have not been amended, modified or canceled and are in full force and effect as of the date of the opinion. Other than the Articles of Incorporation, Declaration and Bylaws (or other governing documents) of the association, there are no other agreements or documents governing the organization or operation of the association.
Other Assumptions
The attorney must identify any other assumptions included in the opinion. They will be reviewed by VA and may be allowed on a case-by-case basis.
Include
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Subjective Factual Standards
No opinion is given regarding compliance with any subjective factual standards contained in these requirements.
Example: The attorney is not required to judge whether specific document provisions are “reasonable” or “equitable”.
Zoning Requirements
No opinion is given as to whether the project complies with zoning laws and ordinances, height restrictions, setback requirements, environmental requirements, or other similar requirements applicable to the project, or as to the effect of any such requirement on the operation of the project.
Subdivision Requirements
No opinion is given as to whether the project complies with the applicable subdivision laws or requirements.
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Building Requirements
No opinion is given as to whether the project complies with
· applicable building code
· other similar building laws or requirements
· applicable health, or
· safety laws or requirements.
No opinion is given as to whether the declarant obtained any building permits, or approvals or occupancy certificates, approvals, licenses or permits with respect to all or any portion the project, or any expansion or the development thereof, necessary or required as of the date of creation of the project.
No opinion is given as to whether the project is being operated or administered in accordance
Operation
with the provisions of the governing documents and/or applicable law.
Applicability of Laws
No opinion is given as to the applicability or effect of any laws other than those of the jurisdiction in which the project is located. No opinion is given with respect to the tax or securities laws of the jurisdiction in which the project is located (or of the United States of America).
No opinion is given with respect to title to the lots, common area or other property subjected,
Title
or to be subjected, to the Declaration, including without limitation
· the ownership of, or legal equitable interests in, such lots, common area or property
· the priority of the interests of the respective owners, vis-à-vis any other rights, titles, interests or
estates in or to such lots, common area or property, or
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· any encumbrances, liens, covenants, rights-of-way, restrictions, declarations, or other instruments
which would affect such lots, common area, or property, or the use thereof.
The conclusions stated by the attorney are subject in each instance to the operation and effect of any such matters.
The attorney may assume that the declarant has, and had at all material times, all requisite legal and equitable title to the property subjected and to be subjected to the Declaration of record and in fact.
No inference is to be drawn beyond the strict scope of the opinion as expressed by the
Inference
attorney.
The opinion is based upon the status of the documents, and matters pertaining thereto, as of
Dated Opinion
the date the opinion is given. The attorney assumes no obligation to supplement the opinion if any applicable laws change, or if the attorney becomes aware of any facts that might change the opinion after the date the opinion is given.
Exhibit A: Other VA Requirements
(A) Declaration
1. Contains, within its body or incorporated by reference, a legal description of the real estate which is currently subject to
the Declaration.
Contains within its body, or an exhibit incorporated by reference, or a supplementary declaration, a description of the common
area(s) to be legally subjected with the first phase or phases being submitted for acceptance.
3. Contains provisions requiring each unit owner, or in certain instances, the subassociation representing such owners
(the attorney must provide an explanation describing the membership structure and rationale for subassociation
representation), to be a member of the association.
Contains provisions establishing and describing the voting rights of each member consistent with the articles of incorporation
and as follows:
(a) If there are different types of development (i.e., single family attached or detached, other residential or commercial
uses), the voting class structure and basis for voting rights allocating voting power among the members must be fully
described, including provisions allowing for representation or protection of minority interests.
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(b) The declarant's voting rights are not weighted beyond 3 to 1 in the declarant's favor (based on the total number of
units planned). The declarant control period does not extend beyond 120 days after the date 75 percent of the total
number of units planned are conveyed to unit owners other than the declarant. (There is also an outside time limit on
the declarant control period of no later than 7 years from the date of recordation of the declaration or, if a phased
project, 5 years after recordation of the most recently recorded annexation document.)
5. Contains provisions for the election (or appointment by declarant during the declarant control period), removal and
replacement of members of the board of directors of the association. These provisions may also be placed in the articles
of incorporation.
6. Contains provisions for amendment. Material amendments or extraordinary actions must be approved by members
entitled to cast at least 67 percent of the votes of members present, in person or by proxy, and voting at any meeting of
the association held in accordance with subparagraph d. below, such vote including at least a majority of the votes of all
members present, in person or by proxy, and voting at any meeting of the association other than the declarant, or 67
percent of the total authorized votes of all members of the association, such vote including the vote of a majority of all of
the members other than the declarant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the declarant may reserve the right to make
changes or revisions to comply with the requirements of HUD, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or VA.
a. Note 1: A material amendment includes adding, deleting or modifying any provision regarding the following:
(1) Assessment basis or assessment liens;
(2) Any method of imposing or determining any charges to be levied against individual unit owners;
(3) Reserves for maintenance, repair or replacement of common area improvements;
(4) Maintenance obligations;
(5) Allocation of rights to use common areas;
(6) Any scheme of regulation or enforcement of standards for maintenance, architectural design or exterior
appearance of improvements on units;
(7) Reduction of insurance requirements;
(8) Restoration or repair of common area improvements;
(9) The addition, annexation or withdrawal of land to or from the project;
(10) Voting rights;
(11) Restrictions affecting leasing or sale of a unit; or
(12) Any provision which is for the express benefit of mortgagees.
b. Note 2: An extraordinary action includes:
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(1) Merging or consolidating the association (other than with another non-profit entity formed for purposes similar to
the subject association);
(2) Determining not to require professional management if that management has been required by the
association documents, a majority of eligible mortgagees or a majority vote of the members;
(3) Expanding the association to include land not previously described as additional land which increases the overall
land area of the project or number of units by more than 10 percent;
(4) Abandoning, partitioning, encumbering, mortgaging, conveying selling or otherwise transferring or relocating the
boundaries of common areas (except for (i) granting easements which are not inconsistent with or which do not
interfere with the intended common area use; (ii) dedicating common area as required by a public authority: (iii) limited
boundary-line adjustments made in accordance with the provisions of the declaration or (iv) transferring common area
pursuant to a merger or consolidation with a non-profit entity formed for purposes similar to the subject association);
(5) Using insurance proceeds for purposes other than construction or repair of the insured improvements; or
(6) Making capital expenditures (other than for repair or replacement of existing improvements) during any period of 12
consecutive months costing more than 20 percent of the annual operating budget.)
c. Contains the following provisions for meetings of the membership to approve a material amendment or extraordinary action:
(i) at least 25 days advance notice to all members is required (at least 7 days notice is required in the case of a meeting for
other purposes); (ii) the notice states the purpose of the meeting and contains a summary of any material amendments or
extraordinary actions proposed; (iii) the notice contains a copy of the proxy that can be cast in lieu of attendance at the meeting;
and (iv) if the association has, or is planned to have, 250 members or less - the quorum is at least 20 percent of the total
number of votes; (v) if the association has, or is planned to have, more than 250 members but less than 1,000 members - the
quorum is at least 10 percent; and (vi) if the association has, or is planned to have, more than 1,000 members,- the quorum is at
least five percent.
d. Provides that any material amendment which changes the rights of any specific class of members must also be
approved by members entitled to cast at least 51 percent of the votes of all members of such class present, in person or
by proxy, and voting at any meeting of the association held in accordance with subparagraph c. above, or at least 51
percent of the total authorized votes of all members of such class.
e. Provides that the following material amendments and extraordinary actions must be approved by members entitled to
cast at least 67 percent of the total authorized votes of all members of the association, including at least a majority of the
total authorized votes entitled to be cast by members other than the declarant:
(1) Termination of the declaration or other termination of the planned unit development;
(2) Dissolution of the association except pursuant to a consolidation or merger; and
(3) Conveyance of all common areas.
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f. Provides that during the declarant control period all material amendments and extraordinary actions must have the
approval of VA, if VA has guaranteed any loans secured by units in the project.
g. Provides that all other amendments (other than material amendments or extraordinary actions) must be approved by at
least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by all members present, in person or by proxy, and voting at any meeting of
the association at which a quorum is present (see subparagraph (4)(b)2 below (Bylaws)), or in writing by members entitled to
cast at least a majority of the total authorized votes of all members of the association.
Grants each owner a non-exclusive easement of use and enjoyment in the common areas which is appurtenant to and passes
with title to each unit. Each owner also has a non-exclusive easement for egress and ingress over the common areas, to the
extent necessary to provide access to the unit and for utilities serving that unit. The right of access for necessary ingress and
egress to the unit and utility services cannot be suspended by the board of directors for violations of the covenants or
nonpayment of assessments. The owner's easement rights may be subject to certain limitations (other limitations must be
separately described by the attorney) as follows:
a. Right of the association, acting through the board of directors, to mortgage the common areas subject to such member,
mortgagee and agency approvals as may be provided in the declaration. (A lender's rights, in the event of default upon any
mortgage or deed of trust on the common areas, are limited to, after taking possession of such common areas, charging
reasonable admission and other fees as a condition of continued enjoyment by members, and, if necessary, to a wider range of
users. Upon satisfaction of the mortgage or deed of trust, such common areas are returned to the association with full
restoration of members' rights);
b. Right of the association, acting through the board of directors to convey or transfer all or any part of the common areas,
subject to such member, mortgagee and agency approvals as may be provided in the declaration;
c. Right of the association, acting through the board of directors, without member, mortgagee and agency approvals unless
provided otherwise in the declaration, to grant easements across the common areas for any purpose not inconsistent with
the use of those areas by members;
d. Right of the association, acting through the board of directors, without member, mortgagee and agency approvals unless
provided otherwise in the declaration, to adopt regulations governing the use of common areas and the personal conduct of
owners, occupants and guests thereon;
e. Right of the association, acting through the board of directors, without member, mortgagee and agency approvals
unless otherwise provided in the declaration, to charge reasonable admission or other fees for special or extraordinary
uses of the common areas;
f. Right of the association, acting through the board of directors, without member, mortgagee or agency approvals unless
otherwise provided in the declaration, and consistent with existing local jurisdiction’s zoning and subdivision ordinances, to
transfer part of the common areas for the purpose of adjusting lot lines in accordance with reasonably stated provisions (i.e.,
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does not reduce total open space area below zoning requirements, does not materially affect development plan on file with an
agency, and all units previously adjacent to common areas - remain so located, unless the owners of the units approve the
boundary line adjustment);
g. Right of the board of directors without member, mortgagee or agency approvals unless otherwise provided in the
declaration, to suspend the right of any member, and the rights of such member's household, tenants, guests and invitees
to use recreational facilities or other common areas (to the extent that access and utility service are not impaired) for a
period not to exceed 60 days, unless such rights are suspended for failure to pay assessments, in which case such rights
may be suspended until the assessments are fully paid; or
h. Special declarant rights reserved by the declarant, (i) such as: right to use portions of the common areas for sales and
marketing purposes; (ii) reservation of easements across the common areas for development purposes;
(iii) right to grant, terminate or vacate easements across common areas for limited purposes such as installation and maintenance of utilities, storm water management or provision of services to units.
8. Contains provisions for maintaining the common areas. If the association maintains areas it does not own (such as within
a public right-of way for landscaping or signage or storm water management), the attorney must provide an explanation
which describes the arrangement and discusses the rationale.
9. Contains provisions for the adoption of an annual operating budget and imposition and collection of assessments to
meet the expenses of the association. The board of directors has the power on behalf of the association to levy both
annual and additional assessments.
a. Units of a similar nature, receiving similar services, are assessed on a uniform basis except for the reduced assessment
permitted for unoccupied units owned by the declarant or a builder. If a different basis is used which allocates assessment
liability among unit based on different services provided to the units or the different nature of the units, the rationale for that
basis must be fully explained.
b. If the declarant furnishes a multi-year feasibility budget, the declarant and/or a builder may pay a reduced annual
assessment on unoccupied lots only provided that such reduced assessment is not less than 25% of the full annual
assessment. Alternatively, the declarant or builder may pay a one-time assessment equal to 25 percent of the applicable
annual assessment per lot based upon the first year budget at maximum build-out (or 5 years out for projects involving 250
or more lots/units). The lots for which the one-time assessment has been paid may be exempt from further assessment
until the earlier of: (i) initial occupancy or (ii) two fiscal years after submission to the declaration. If unoccupied units are
receiving the benefit of the reduced or one-time assessment, the documents provide that the declarant, or builder(s) as
appropriate, must provide for or pay for all maintenance to such units and shall fund all operating budget deficits incurred
during the declarant control period, including reserves based upon expected lives of items for which reserved, but not
including shortfalls caused by nonpayment of assessments by other members or extraordinary expenditures (e.g.,
expenses caused by natural catastrophes or environmental hazards). A unit initially occupied or conveyed to a unit owner
other than the declarant or a builder is fully assessed. The obligation to fund budget deficits is a lien against all the land
owned by the declarant (or the declarant and builders) in the planned unit development.
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10. If a maximum annual assessment is stated, the maximum may increase automatically by the greater of ten percent or
based upon a Consumer Price Index, such as the U.S. Department of Urban Price Index - All Urban Consumers (1982-
84=100) or other comparable index reflecting the association’s cost increase experience each year. The maximum may
also be increased by a majority vote of the members obligated to pay such assessment or with the written approval of
members entitled to cast a majority of the total number of authorized votes of members obligated to pay such assessment
(in both cases excluding the declarant during the declarant control period). Increases in certain fixed costs for insurance,
taxes, recycling or waste disposal may be passed through to the members, by permitting an automatic increase in the
maximum assessment which reflects those increases. If no maximum assessment is set forth, a vote of the members must
be required to approve capital expenditures, other than for repair and replacement, during a fiscal year of more than 20
percent of the budget for common expenses for that fiscal year.
11. Contains provisions for a lien-supported assessment. The assessment lien of any assessment levied by the association
is subordinate to the lien of a first mortgage (Title 38, USC, section 3703(d)(3)). Subordination to other security interests
or liens is acceptable if permitted by applicable law. The sale or transfer of any unit pursuant to mortgage foreclosure of a
first mortgage or any proceeding in lieu thereof extinguishes the lien of such assessments as to payments which became
due prior to such sale or transfer. No sale or transfer relieves such unit from liability for any assessments thereafter
becoming due or from the lien thereof. (NOTE: VA will not recognize any limited priority that common expense
assessments may have over the first mortgage lien. Mortgage holders should be aware that no VA claim payment will be
made to holders for any payments they may have made to clear prior liens for delinquent and unpaid association
assessments).
12. Contains provisions for collection of assessments. The interest rate permitted to be charged by the association is
uniform, reasonable and non-usurious. The method of determining the interest rate is set forth. A rate not to exceed that
charged by the Internal Revenue Service on delinquent taxes is considered reasonable. The association has the power
both to foreclose the association's lien and to bring a legal action against the member personally obligated to pay the
assessment. The documents may provide that a successor in title is entitled to obtain an association disclosure
statement or estoppel certificate with respect to common expense assessments, in which case an owner's personal
obligation to pay assessments is assumed by successors in title unless the successor in title acquired title through
foreclosure, or any proceeding in lieu thereof, of a first mortgage. (NOTE: Units which will be subject to a VA-guaranteed
loan will not be subject to delinquent assessments in excess of 6 months in any case in which the association has not
brought enforcement action against the current unit owner.)
13. Contains provisions for enforcement of the association documents. If owners are held liable for costs and expenses
incurred by the association as a result of acts or omissions of such owner or such owner’s tenants, agents, employees,
invitees, guests and household members in failing to comply with the association documents or rules or regulations of the
association, regardless of negligence or culpability, then the Public Offering Statement and or Information Brochure must
describe this matter.
Contains provisions requiring appropriate types of insurance. The board of directors, on behalf of the association, has the
authority to and is required to obtain coverages in the areas of property damage, liability, and personnel. Owners may be
required to maintain certain types of insurance coverages and, if the owner fails to purchase that insurance, the board may
obtain those coverages at the owner’s expense. All hazard and flood insurance policies which include any units, must also have
the standard mortgagee clause and provide for notice to the mortgagee at least ten days before lapse, material modification or
cancellation of the policy.
15. Contains provisions for reconstruction of the common areas after condemnation or casualty loss.
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16. Contains provisions governing parking, if parking is not included within each unit. If vehicular parking is on the common
areas: (i) the association documents must: (a) permanently assign a parking space on the common area to each unit; (b)
assign a specific parking area to a specific group of units or (c) make other provisions assuring parking in compliance with
local ordinances; or (ii) the declarant must provide other evidence of parking in compliance with local ordinances.
17. Contains provisions guaranteeing mortgagees (may be limited to eligible mortgagees, as defined below) and agencies
notice of amendments. During the declarant control period: (i) the declarant must provide a copy of all amendments to VA;
and (ii) the association may not make any material amendments or take any extraordinary actions as described in
subparagraph 6 above without the approval of VA. The declaration may provide that certain rights and protections
(including notice and approval rights) are granted to only those mortgagees who have provided notice to the board of
directors of their interest and requested all rights under the association documents “eligible mortgagees.” Rights granted to
eligible mortgagees should include the following:
a. Right to inspect association documents and records on the same terms as the members;
b. Notice of all material amendments to the association documents;
c. Notice of any extraordinary actions of the association;
d. Notice of any property loss, condemnation or eminent domain proceeding affecting the common areas resulting in
losses greater than 10 percent of the annual budget or any unit insured by the association in which the mortgagee has
an interest;
e. Notice of any termination, lapse or material modification of an insurance policy held by the association;
f. Notice of any default by an owner of a unit subject to a mortgage held by the eligible mortgagee in paying
assessments or charges to the association which remains uncured for sixty consecutive days;
g. Notice of any proposal to terminate the declaration or dissolve the association at least 30 days before any action is taken;
h. Right of a majority of the eligible mortgagees to demand professional management; and
i. Right of a majority of the eligible mortgagees to demand an audit of the association's financial records.
18. Contains provisions for party walls, if a townhouse planned community. The association documents or law of the
jurisdiction must provide for the maintenance, repair and reconstruction of party walls and allocate the costs among the
owners served by a party wall.
Contains provisions for expansion or annexation in a phased development. The declaration must, in addition to submitting at
least 1 phase to the covenants and restrictions: (i) describe the additional land proposed to be submitted in the future in a
sufficient manner to locate the property; (ii) grant the declarant the right to submit the described additional land; (iii) describe the
method of submitting additional land; d describe the basis of voting rights and assessment obligations of units added in relation
to the voting rights and assessment obligations of units already subject to the declaration or provide that such rights for future
phases will be the same as for phases already submitted; and establish a reasonable time limit for submitting additional land. A
reasonable time limit will depend on the size of the development, but generally annexation made within the later of 7 years after
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recordation of the Declaration or 5 years after the most recent recordation of an annexation document is considered reasonable.
The additional land must be contiguous, adjacent or across a public right- of-way. If the additional land is not so located, there
must be a clear statement of that fact and a discussion of the rationale for its potential inclusion. The declaration may reserve
the right to the declarant to submit a limited amount of undescribed adjacent additional land, increasing the total size of the
planned community by up to 10 percent both in land size and number of additional units, or such undescribed additional land
may be added by the association with a majority vote of the members at a duly held meeting at which a quorum is present or the
written consent of members entitled to cast a majority of the total number of votes, in both cases excluding the votes of the
declarant during the declarant control period.
20. Contains provisions for termination.
(B) Bylaws
1. Contains provisions for holding meetings of the board of directors, including the required quorum.
Contains quorum provisions for holding meetings of the members (including voting by proxy). If the association has, or is
planned to have, 250 members or less, the quorum is at least 20 percent. If the association has, or is planned to have, more
than 250 members but not 1,000 members, the quorum is at least 10 percent. If the association has, or is planned to have,
more than 1,000 members, the quorum is at least 5 percent. The quorum is not a quorum of each class except when a vote of
a particular class is required on a specific issue.
Contains provisions for holding a meeting. Membership meetings are required at least annually after there are members other
than the declarant. Special meetings are required upon the written request of a percentage of the owners other than the
declarant. Members can vote by proxy and may be allowed to vote by mail if permitted by state law.
Contains provisions granting the board of directors the various powers necessary to conduct the affairs of the association.
5. Contains provisions placing on the board of directors the duties necessary to fulfill the purposes of the
association.
Contains provisions for electing, removing and replacing directors and officers (if not addressed in the articles of incorporation).
Contains provisions governing notices to members. Members are given advance notice of meetings of members (of no less
than seven days unless for a special meeting to approve an extraordinary action or material amendment in which case at least
25 days notice is required).
8. Contains provisions regarding maintenance and availability of the association documents and the association records.
The association is required to keep records of: (i) its governing documents (i.e., association documents, rules and
regulations and design standards); (ii) its actions (board resolutions, meeting minutes, etc.); and (iii) its financial condition
(receipts and expenditures affecting the finances, operation and administration of the association, budget, financial
statements, etc.) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the association is not required to maintain records in excess of three
years; unless otherwise required under applicable law. The association documents and all books and records kept on
behalf of the association are available for examination and copying by a member or such member's authorized agent
during normal business hours and upon reasonable notice to the association and for a reasonable charge, except for
privileged or confidential information.
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9. Contains provisions for amendment by the members.
(C) Articles of Incorporation
1. Contains a statement of the purposes of the association.
2. Contains provisions requiring that each owner of a unit in the development or a subassociation representing owners of
such units be a member of the association.
3. Contains provisions establishing and describing the voting rights of each member.
Contains provisions for election (or appointment by the declarant during the declarant control period), removal and
replacement of members of the board of directors unless provided for in the Bylaws.
5. Contains provisions for amendment by the members.
6. Contains provisions for dissolution by the members.
(D) Other Considerations
1. Information Brochure (Public Offering Statement). There is an information brochure or public offering statement which
provides general information which is to be provided to home buyers informing them about the project, the association and
the rights and obligations of lot owners. If part of an umbrella or master association, there is a discussion of that
organization, as appropriate, in the areas noted below. The following information is provided at a minimum:
a. Organizational structure of the association;
b. Membership and voting rights of members and the declarant, including a description of the declarant control period;
c. The general development plan for the project including requirements for expansion, phasing, merger and dissolution, an
explanation that the total membership of the association may be increased, and a disclosure whether or not there will be
any requirements to build a similar product in additional phases;
d. The initial amount of assessments, the assessment lien, and the method of enforcement;
e. A projected budget for the community of at least 1 year at full build-out showing projected future assessments and any
declarant deficit funding contributions, and a component for reserves and replacements, if appropriate. If the project is
phased, in excess of 200 units, or includes significant common area improvements, there is a multi-year feasibility budget
with reserve tables;
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f. Method of changing the assessment;
g. Description of types of user fees, if any;
h. General description of common areas, including improvements;
(1) (continued)
i. Services provided by the association;
j. Maintenance requirements;
k. Architectural controls;
l. Declarant’s retained rights;
m. Minimum requirements for insurance to be purchased by unit owners;
n. Insurance maintained by the association;
o. Availability of parking;
p. Owners' liability for acts of others for violation of covenants and damage to common areas;
q. Association's ability to levy individual assessments; and
r. Affiliation of the managing agent to the declarant, if any.
2. Reserved Rights. The declarant, its affiliates, the sponsor of the project, or other party, has not reserved any of the
following rights (unless such reserved rights have been reviewed by the field office or VA central office and determined
reasonable. In such instances, the previous case or decision must be specifically referenced):
a. Lease of the common area to the association or accepting leases from the association, except in connection with
development-related offices such as marketing, sales or construction office for the project;
b. Accepting franchises or licenses from the association for the provision of central television antenna service, cable television
or like services;
c. Retaining the right, by virtue of continued association control or otherwise, to veto acts of the association, except to the
extent declarant's development rights are affected or to enter into management agreements or other contracts which extend
beyond the declarant control period, unless those contracts are (i) limited to 2 years or
(ii) permit the owner-controlled board to terminate the contract; or
d. Reserving an unlimited right to amend the covenants or to replat lots not owned by the declarant or common areas.
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3. Restrictions on Alienation. The following restrictions are not present (VA Regulation 36.4350 (38 CFR 36.4350):
a. Right of first refusal;
b. Right of prior approval of either a prospective purchaser or tenant;
c. Leasing restrictions which amount to unreasonable restrictions on use and occupancy of a unit; or
d. Any minimum lease term in excess of 1 year.
Exhibit B: Condominium Regulations
Location of the Regulations
To access the information about Condominium Regulations, go to http://www.homeloans.va.gov/regs.htm.
Accuracy of Doucmentation, 16-8 Actual Opinion. See Section 16-B.02 Applicability of Laws, 16- 11 Attorney’s Opinion, 16-1 Attorney's General Requirements, 16-1 Authenticity, 16-8 Authorized Documents, 16-7 Basic VA Policy, 16-1 Basic VA Requirements. See Section 16-A Building Requirements, 16-10 Common Interest Community Definition, 16-1 Compliance with Local/State Requirements, 16-4 Compliance with Other VA Requirements, 16-4 Compliance With VA Regulations. See Exhibit B in
this Chapter Conditional Opinion, 16-6 Condominium Approval Procedures, 16-5 Condominium not VA Approved, 16-4 Contents of Opinion, 16-3 Correct and Complete Copies, 16-9 Dated Opinion, 16-11 Document Accuracy, 16-7
Documenting Amendments After Project Approval, 16-8 Documents Subject to Rescission or Reformation, 16- 8 Expediting VA Approvals, 16-6
First Mortgages Holders Rights, 16-8 Identification of the Project Requirements, 16-2 Identifying Other Assumptions, 16-9 Identifying Variations, 16-4 Inference, 16-11
Location of the Regulations Internet Address, 16-28 Master or Umbrella Association, 16-5
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Mixed—Use Development, 16-5
Mortgagee Rights, 16-8 Notice of Value for all Properties in a PUD or Condominium, 16-4
Operated or Administered Project, 16-10 Other Regulatory Related Requirements, 16-4 Other VA Requirements Exhibit, 16-12 Qualifications or Limitations that Opinion May Include, 16-10 Qualified Parties, 16-7 Recording of Documents, 16-8 Request for VA Approval. See Section 16-A.03 Special Conditions, 16-5 State Agency Certification of a Condominium, 16-6 Statement of Qualifications, 16-3
Statement Regarding the Attorney’s Qualifications, 16-3 Subdivision Requirements, 16-10 Subjective Factual Standards, 16-10 Submitting Required Documents, 16-11 Superior VA Lien, 16-2 Table of Required Documents, 16-9 Title, 16-11 Title Requirements for Every VA loan, 16-2 Use of Attorney’s Opinion. See Section 16-B Use of Previously Approved Documents, 16-6 VA Approval Related Requirements, 16-4 VA Approved Condominium List Internet Address, 16-1 VA Decision, 16-7
VA Process for Approving Requests, 16-5 VA Required Documents, 16-9 Value of the Subject Property, 16-3 Violations, 16-7 Waivers or Limitations, 16-8 Zoning Requirements, 16-10
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Article ID: 554400000314756 VA Pamphlet VAP26-7 Chapter 17 VA Sanctions Against Program Participants