CMCA FREE CMCA Beginner's Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which document gives a community association the legal authority to collect assessments from homeowners?
- The state constitution
- The CC&Rs recorded with the county (Correct answer)
- The community newsletter
- The property management agreement
Correct answer: The CC&Rs recorded with the county
The CC&Rs recorded with the county create the legal obligation for owners to pay assessments and grant the association the authority to collect them.
CC&Rs run with the land, meaning every owner who purchases property in the community is bound by them. The assessment obligation and collection remedies including liens and foreclosure are typically established in the CC&Rs. Understanding this foundational legal document is essential for any CMCA candidate.
Question 2: The governing body of a homeowners association is called the:
- Committee of owners
- Board of directors or board of trustees (Correct answer)
- Property management company
- City council
Correct answer: Board of directors or board of trustees
The board of directors is the elected governing body of a community association, responsible for managing the association's affairs in accordance with governing documents and state law.
The board acts on behalf of all owners and has fiduciary responsibilities to the community. It hires and oversees the management company, adopts the budget, enforces governing documents, and makes major policy decisions. Board members are typically elected at the annual membership meeting.
Question 3: What is the main purpose of a homeowners association?
- To generate profit for developers
- To manage and maintain common areas and enforce community standards for the collective benefit of all owners (Correct answer)
- To provide legal services to individual homeowners
- To collect property taxes on behalf of the municipality
Correct answer: To manage and maintain common areas and enforce community standards for the collective benefit of all owners
An HOA exists to manage and maintain shared common areas, enforce community standards, and provide services that benefit all owners, funded through assessments.
HOAs manage amenities such as pools, parks, gates, and landscaping, enforce CC&Rs, and provide financial planning including budgets and reserve studies. They operate as nonprofit entities for the benefit of their members.
Question 4: The CMCA credential is awarded by which organization?
- The National Association of Realtors
- The Community Associations Institute
- The Community Association Managers International Certification Board (Correct answer)
- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Correct answer: The Community Association Managers International Certification Board
CAMICB is the independent credentialing body that administers the CMCA exam and awards the certification.
While CAI provides education and advocacy for community association professionals, CAMICB is the separate, independent body that owns the CMCA certification. Candidates must pass the CAMICB exam and meet continuing education requirements to earn and maintain the CMCA credential.
Question 5: Which of the following is an example of a common area in a planned unit development?
- An individual homeowner's backyard
- The community swimming pool and surrounding deck (Correct answer)
- A homeowner's driveway
- The interior of a unit
Correct answer: The community swimming pool and surrounding deck
Common areas are property owned or maintained by the association for the use and benefit of all residents, such as pools, clubhouses, parks, and roads within the community.
In a planned unit development, each owner holds title to their lot and home while the common areas are owned by the association and maintained for collective use. The distinction between individual property and common area determines who is responsible for maintenance and cost.
Question 6: A homeowner who violates the community's rules and regulations is typically first notified by:
- Local law enforcement
- A courtesy or violation notice from the association (Correct answer)
- A lawsuit filed in court
- Being locked out of common areas immediately
Correct answer: A courtesy or violation notice from the association
The first step in enforcement is typically a courtesy or violation notice informing the homeowner of the specific violation and providing an opportunity to cure it before further action is taken.
Most enforcement policies begin with written notice, then a warning, then fines, and finally legal action for persistent violations. This graduated approach is legally prudent because courts expect due process, and is practically effective because most violations are resolved at the notice stage.
CMCA FREE CMCA Beginner's Questions and Answers 2
Which document gives a community association the legal authority to collect assessments from homeowners?