2004 August

Rights & Responsibilities for Better Communities
Principles for Homeowners and Community Leaders

By Erica Edwards, CMCA

In May 2003, CAI National introduced the Rights and Responsibilities for Better Communities, a series of 42 principles and practices designed to help association-governed communities promote harmony, enhance communication and reduce the potential for conflict.

These principles state that homeowners and community leaders have the right to and the responsibility to maintain a better community.  For example, a homeowner has the right to be treated honestly, fairly and respectfully by community leaders and managers, but in turn the homeowner has the responsibility to treat association leaders and managers honestly and with respect.  A community leader has the right to personal privacy at home and during leisure time in the community, but has the responsibility to conduct business in a transparent manner when feasible and appropriate.

CAI National has called on the boards of condominium groups, homeowner associations and cooperatives to adopt Rights and Responsibilities.  These principles should be addressed by the community as a whole prior to adopting.  “Adopting Rights and Responsibilities can help community leaders better manage this critical and delicate balance,” said CAI President J. David Ramsey. 

How Can You Make It Happen?

1. Distribute these principles throughout your community, announcing where and when adoption will be considered.
2. Explain why this is important to your community and the benefits of these principles.
3. Review and discuss the merits of the principles at an open meeting.
4. Ask your homeowners for input.
5. Vote to adopt a resolution endorsing Rights and Responsibilities.

These principles can be adopted as it or can be changed to fit the community’s needs.  Once adopted, share your good news with CAI National, in turn they will send you a certificate for framing.  You will also be listed on the national website with the other communities that have adopted these principals.
Rights and Responsibilities can be accessed at www.caionline.org.