Last Update: 07/31/2007

Neighborhood Association or Homeowner's Association?

The ONA is the Oakridge Neighborhood Association. A neighborhood association is different from a homeowners association yet many confuse the two entities. The following information describes each separate organization.

What is a neighborhood association? A neighborhood association is a voluntary association of homeowners, renters, apartment dwellers, and representatives from businesses, churches and schools who work together to improve and maintain the quality of life in their neighborhood.

• Membership is open to all residents but participation is optional; the association determines its boundaries.
• Dues are voluntary.
• There is no legal authority to enact or enforce maintenance or design requirements beyond those established by city ordinance.
• To ensure a visibly democratic process, the organization has bylaws that provide for at least one general membership meeting each year and require the annual election of officers.
• Association position statements are reached through consensus.

The ONA is a neighborhood association.

What is a homeowners association? A homeowners association, unlike a neighborhood association, is a formal legal entity created to maintain common areas and enforce private deed restrictions and covenants.

• Membership is mandatory for all property owners within the boundaries of the association.
• Members are required to pay established maintenance and carrying fees.
• Homeowners associations have the legal authority to enact and enforce maintenance and design standards above and beyond those required by City ordinance.
• Homeowners associations are corporations with formal bylaws and a governing board. Typically homeowners associations hire a property management company to handle maintenance and enforcement issues.

Join the ONA!