RD358 - Office of the Common Interest Community Ombudsman Annual Report 2009-10


Executive Summary:
In 2008, the General Assembly created the Office of the Common Interest Community Ombudsman (the “Office”), and the Common Interest Community Board, at the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. In accordance with statutory requirements, this document reports on the activities of the Office for the period from November 26, 2009, to November 25, 2010.

In 2009, the Board developed Common Interest Community Ombudsman Regulations governing the complaint process for associations. Pending executive branch approval of the proposed regulations, the Office continues to process inquiries, investigate complaints, educate the public, and attempt to resolve association disputes. Upon adoption of final Ombudsman regulations, the primary focus of the Office will be to review “final adverse decisions,” as required under Section 55-530 of the Code of Virginia.

Constituent expectations continue to challenge the ability of the Office and the Ombudsman to provide the level of service and information demanded by stakeholders (including association boards and members, unit owners, and legislators). Existing statutory language may contribute to misconceptions about the role of the Office and the scope of services available from the Ombudsman, even as the Office increases its educational offerings.