Condominium Laws in Ohio
A condominium is real property in which residents own individual units. Living in a condominium is a maintenance-free arrangement because common areas such as the pool, recreational area, gym and open spaces are taken care of by a condominium association. While each owner may exclusively possess a unit, the entire property is under the oversight of the condominium association, which typically is led by a board. Such property is managed in accordance with the Ohio Act and the 1978 amendments.
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Condominium Association and Contributions
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The rights and responsibilities of a condominium association and the owners are defined by the Ohio Act and the 1978 amendments. By virtue of the Ohio condominium, the association is regulated by governing documents -- declaration, bylaws and rules and regulations. The declaration and bylaws are filed with the county recorder's office. Membership of the association is mandatory. When you purchase a unit, you automatically become a member of a condominium association.
Property Maintenance
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The law in Ohio requires owners of the condominium to form an association empowered to make, adopt and amend budgets. The association has to ensure the property is well maintained. Money used for maintenance derives from assessments collected by the association from unit owners. A certain amount of money, no less than 10 percent of the total annual budget, has to be set aside for repairs or replacement of major capital items. The 10 percent of the money set aside could be waived, but only with the approval of the association's board members and unit owners annually.
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Common Element
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In Ohio you can't make exterior changes to your unit, even in areas that are exclusively reserved for your use. The association is empowered by the condominium law to keep you from making changes such as enclosing the deck at the back of your unit. The condominium association board is in charge of regulating the use and appearance of the units and their occupancy, in accordance of the bylaws.
Bylaws and Disputes
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As a member of a condominium association, you have to understand fully the bylaws to know your rights. Where you feel your rights have been violated and the association has failed to sufficiently resolve the issue, you can consult with a real estate attorney for advice. It is important to know as much as possible about condominium laws before purchasing your property. That helps you to determine whether this is the kind of property suitable for you.
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