RD419 - Office of the Common Interest Community Ombudsman - Annual Report 2013-2014


Executive Summary:
In 2008, the General Assembly created the Office of the Common Interest Community Ombudsman (“Office”), and the Common Interest Community Board (“CICB”), at the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (“DPOR”). In accordance with statutory requirements, this document reports on the activities of the Office for the period from November 26, 2013 through November 25, 2014.

Ombudsman Regulations (“Regulations”) governing the operations of the Office and community association complaint processes became effective July 1, 2012. Nevertheless, even after more than two years, many community associations continue to struggle to comply with the requirement to adopt and implement internal complaint procedures. And those associations that have done so frequently neglect to follow their own procedures or the Regulations when responding to a complaint submission.

Notices of Final Adverse Decision (NFADs) that do meet the statutory and regulatory requirements are reviewed by the Ombudsman, who issues Determinations that are published on the Office’s website ( http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/CIC-Ombudsman/). NFADs are listed by association name and topic areas, allowing anyone searching for a particular association or subject matter to find the applicable Determination.

Finally, the CICB established an Ombudsman Committee to provide education and outreach to associations, members, common interest community managers, related professionals (e.g., attorneys, accountants, real estate agents), and others.