In the state of Ohio, the role of a fiduciary is critical and comes with a set of stringent legal responsibilities. Fiduciaries are individuals entrusted with the duty to manage assets or decisions for another party, often in contexts such as estate planning, trusts, or financial guardianship.
3 Types of HOA Fiduciary Duty The Duty of Care. The duty of care states that HOA board members must make informed decisions when voting on community matters. The Duty of Loyalty. The duty of loyalty declares. The Duty to Act Within the Scope of Authority. Budgeting, Assessments, and Accounting. Uniform Enforcement of Rules.
The Ohio Planned Community Law, found under O.R.C. § 5312.01, regulates the creation, authority, management, and operations of planned communities in the state. ing to this law, all homeowners associations must record a declaration and a set of bylaws with the county recorder's office.
Section 5311.20 | Unit owners association may sue or be sued. In any action relating to the common elements or to any right, duty, or obligation possessed or imposed upon the unit owners association by statute or otherwise, the unit owners association may sue or be sued as a separate legal entity.
One or more persons must file the Articles of Incorporation with the Ohio Secretary of State. The Ohio Planned Community Law governs homeowners associations in the state. The HOA must record its declaration and bylaws in the office of the recorder of each county where it is located.
HOAs in Ohio are granted powers to enforce community rules, collect dues, and maintain common areas. They can also impose fines for non-compliance and set regulations for property use. For a detailed breakdown, refer to the Ohio Planned Community Law.
Thus, with regard to its organizational structure and general management, an association is subject to the authority of the Ohio Secretary of State. To the extent an HOA's activities implicate any consumer protection statutes, the HOA is subject to the enforcement power of the Ohio Attorney General.
In summary, there is no case where HOA rules override state law. Considering the hierarchy, federal, state, and local laws always take precedence over an association's rules. Board members should have a solid grasp of these laws. In doing so, they can protect the HOA and mitigate the risk of liability.