Ohio HOA's are required to organize as nonprofit corporations. O.R.C. §5312.03(B). Thus, with regard to its organizational structure and general management, an association is subject to the authority of the Ohio Secretary of State.
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.
Ohio corporate bylaws are called “regulations” in Ohio's state statutes.
The Act defines a “planned community” as a community made of individual lots for which a deed, common plan or declaration requires one of the following: (1) owners to becomes members of an owners association; (2) owners or the owners association to hold or lease property for the owners' benefit; or (3) owners to ...
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.
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.
A common element is defined as all portions of the property except the units. Examples of common elements include fitness centers, elevators, lobbies, walkways, lighting in common hallways, garbage collection areas, swimming pools, landscaping, club houses, and more.
Limited common elements are parts of a condo that are assigned to individual units, but considered community property rather than the tenant's. Examples of limited common elements include windows, balconies, driveways, elevators, clubhouses, and swimming pools.
In Ohio, the procedure for dissolving an HOA may be outlined in the association's governing documents. If it is not, the board will need to obtain a majority vote from the members. A certificate must be submitted to the Ohio Secretary of State whenever a resolution of dissolution is enacted.