RD378 - Report on the Office of the Common Interest Community Ombudsman


Executive Summary:
The General Assembly created the Office of the Common Interest Community Ombudsman (the "Office”), at the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, during the 2008 Session. (*1) Although regulations governing the complaint process for associations are still in progress, the Office this year accepted all complaints submitted and reviewed them for violations of common interest community laws or regulations. Previously the Office referred to complaints as “inquiries,” pending the final regulations. However, in order to serve the public and respond to the issues raised by association members in a consistent manner, the Office processed inquiries in the same manner that the Department handles all other submissions.

Upon adoption of final Ombudsman regulations, the primary focus of the Office will be to review “final adverse decisions,” as required under § 55-530 of the Code of Virginia. In addition, the Office intends to increase educational opportunities for associations and association members through presentations, a strong Internet presence, and publications related to the governance of common interest communities in the upcoming year.
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(*1) House Bill 516/Senate Bill 301 (2008)