Virginia Law

Chapter 18. Property Owners' Association Act.

Article 1. General Provisions.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Association" means the property owners' association.

"Board of directors" means the executive body of a property owners' association or a committee that is exercising the power of the executive body by resolution or bylaw.

"Capital components" means those items, whether or not a part of the common area, for which the association has the obligation for repair, replacement, or restoration and for which the board of directors determines funding is necessary.

"Common area" means property within a development which is owned, leased, or required by the declaration to be maintained or operated by a property owners' association for the use of its members and designated as a common area in the declaration.

"Common interest community" means the same as that term is defined in § 54.1-2345.

"Common interest community manager" means the same as that term is defined in § 54.1-2345.

"Declarant" means the person or entity signing the declaration and its successors or assigns who may submit property to a declaration.

"Declaration" means any instrument, however denominated, recorded among the land records of the county or city in which the development or any part of such development is located, that either (i) imposes on the association maintenance or operational responsibilities for the common area or (ii) creates the authority in the association to impose on lots, on the owners or occupants of such lots, or on any other entity any mandatory payment of money in connection with the provision of maintenance or services for the benefit of some or all of the lots, the owners or occupants of the lots, or the common area. "Declaration" includes any amendment or supplement to the instruments described in this definition. "Declaration" does not include a declaration of a condominium, real estate cooperative, time-share project, or campground.

"Development" means real property located within the Commonwealth subject to a declaration which contains both lots, at least some of which are residential or are occupied for recreational purposes, and common areas with respect to which any person, by virtue of ownership of a lot, is a member of an association and is obligated to pay assessments provided for in a declaration.

"Electronic means" means any form of communication, not directly involving the physical transmission of paper, that creates a record that may be retained, retrieved, and reviewed by a recipient of such communication. A meeting conducted by electronic means includes a meeting conducted via teleconference, videoconference, Internet exchange, or other electronic methods. Any term used in this definition that is defined in § 59.1-480 of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act shall have the meaning set forth in such section.

"Lot" means (i) any plot or parcel of land designated for separate ownership or occupancy shown on a recorded subdivision plat for a development or the boundaries of which are described in the declaration or in a recorded instrument referred to or expressly contemplated by the declaration, other than a common area, and (ii) a unit in a condominium association or a unit in a real estate cooperative if the condominium or cooperative is a part of a development.

"Lot owner" means one or more persons who own a lot, including any purchaser of a lot at a foreclosure sale, regardless of whether the deed is recorded in the land records where the lot is located. "Lot owner" does not include any person holding an interest in a lot solely as security for a debt.

"Professionally managed" means a common interest community that has engaged (i) a common interest community manager to provide management services to the community or (ii) a person as an employee for compensation to provide management services to the community, other than a resident of the community who provides bookkeeping, billing, or recordkeeping services for that community.

"Property owners' association" or "association" means an incorporated or unincorporated entity upon which responsibilities are imposed and to which authority is granted in the declaration.

"Resale certificate" means a certificate issued by an association pursuant to §§ 55.1-2309 and 55.1-2310.

"Settlement agent" means the same as that term is defined in § 55.1-1000.

1989, c. 679, § 55-509; 1991, c. 667; 1996, c. 618; 1998, c. 623; 2001, c. 715; 2002, c. 459; 2003, c. 422; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2011, c. 334; 2015, cc. 93, 410; 2019, c. 712; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 9, 494; 2023, cc. 387, 388.

A. This chapter applies to developments subject to a declaration initially recorded after January 1, 1959, associations incorporated or otherwise organized after such date, and all subdivisions created under the Subdivided Land Sales Act (§ 55.1-2300 et seq.). For the purposes of this chapter, as used in the Subdivided Land Sales Act, the terms:

"Covenants," "deed restrictions," or "other recorded instruments" for the management, regulation, and control of a development are deemed to correspond with the term "declaration."

"Developer" is deemed to correspond with the term "declarant."

"Subdivision" is deemed to correspond with the term "development."

B. This chapter supersedes the Subdivided Land Sales Act (§ 55.1-2300 et seq.), and no development shall be subject to the Subdivided Land Sales Act on or after July 1, 1998.

This chapter shall not be construed to affect the validity of any provision of any declaration recorded prior to July 1, 1998, provided, however, that this chapter shall be applicable to any development established prior to the enactment of the Subdivided Land Sales Act (§ 55.1-2300 et seq.)(i) located in a county with an urban county executive form of government, (ii) containing 500 or more lots, (iii) each lot of which is located within the boundaries of a watershed improvement district established pursuant to Article 3 (§ 10.1-614 et seq.) of Chapter 6 of Title 10.1, and (iv) each lot of which is subject to substantially similar deed restrictions, which shall be considered a declaration under this chapter.

In addition, any development established prior to July 1, 1978, may specifically provide for the applicability of the provisions of this chapter.

C. This chapter shall not be construed to affect the validity of any provision of any prior declaration; however, to the extent that the declaration is silent, the provisions of this chapter shall apply. If any one lot in a development is subject to the provisions of this chapter, all lots in the development shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter notwithstanding the fact that such lots would otherwise be excluded from the provisions of this chapter. Notwithstanding any provisions of this chapter, a declaration may specifically provide for the applicability of the provisions of this chapter. The granting of rights in this chapter shall not be construed to imply that such rights did not exist with respect to any development created in the Commonwealth before July 1, 1989.

D. This chapter shall not apply to the (i) provisions of documents of, (ii) operations of any association governing, or (iii) relationship of a member to any association governing condominiums created pursuant to the Condominium Act (§ 55.1-1900 et seq.), cooperatives created pursuant to the Virginia Real Estate Cooperative Act (§ 55.1-2100 et seq.), time-shares created pursuant to the Virginia Real Estate Time-Share Act (§ 55.1-2200 et seq.), or membership campgrounds created pursuant to the Virginia Membership Camping Act (§ 59.1-311 et seq.). This chapter shall not apply to any nonstock, nonprofit, taxable corporation with nonmandatory membership which, as its primary function, makes available golf, ski, and other recreational facilities both to its members and to the general public.

1989, c. 679, § 55-508; 1991, c. 667; 1992, c. 677; 1998, cc. 32, 623; 2003, c. 422; 2005, c. 668; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2018, c. 645; 2019, c. 712.

A. Unless control of the association has been transferred to the members, the developer shall register the association with the Common Interest Community Board within 30 days after recordation of the declaration and thereafter shall ensure that the report required pursuant to § 55.1-1835 and any required update has been filed.

B. Upon the transfer of the common area to the association, the developer shall pay all real estate taxes attributable to the open or common space as defined in § 58.1-3284.1 through the date of the transfer to the association.

1993, c. 956, § 55-509.1; 2018, c. 733; 2019, c. 712; 2023, cc. 387, 388.

A. If entered into any time prior to the expiration of the period of declarant control contemplated by the declaration, no contract or lease entered into with the declarant or any entity controlled by the declarant, management contract, or employment contract that is directly or indirectly made by or on behalf of the association, its board of directors, or the lot owners as a group shall be entered into for a period in excess of five years. Any such contract or agreement may be terminated without penalty by the association or its board of directors upon not less than 90 days' written notice to the other party given no later than 60 days after the expiration of the period of declarant control contemplated by the declaration.

B. If entered into any time prior to the expiration of the period of declarant control contemplated by the declaration, any contract or lease entered into with the declarant or any entity controlled by the declarant, management contract, or employment contract that is directly or indirectly made by or on behalf of the association, its board of directors, or the lot owners as a group may be renewed for periods not in excess of five years; however, at the end of any five-year period, the association or its board of directors may terminate any further renewals or extensions of such contract or lease.

C. If entered into at any time prior to the expiration of the period of declarant control contemplated by the declaration, any contract, lease, or agreement, other than those subject to the provisions of subsection A or B, may be entered into by or on behalf of the association, its board of directors, or the lot owners as a group if such contract, lease, or agreement is bona fide and is commercially reasonable to the association at the time entered into under the circumstances.

D. This section shall be strictly construed to protect the rights of the lot owners.

2012, c. 671, § 55-509.1:1; 2019, c. 712.

Unless previously provided to the board of directors of the association, once the majority of the members of the board of directors other than the declarant are owners of improved lots in the association and the declarant no longer holds a majority of the votes in the association, the declarant shall provide to the board of directors or its designated agent the following: (i) all association books and records held by or controlled by the declarant, including minute books and rules and regulations and all amendments to such rules and regulations that may have been promulgated; (ii) a statement of receipts and expenditures from the date of the recording of the association documents to the end of the regular accounting period immediately succeeding the first election of the board of directors by the lot owners, not to exceed 60 days after the date of the election, such statement being prepared in an accurate and complete manner, utilizing the accrual method of accounting; (iii) the number of lots subject to the declaration; (iv) the number of lots that may be subject to the declaration upon completion of development; (v) a copy of the latest available approved plans and specifications for all improvements in the project or as-built plans if available; (vi) all association insurance policies that are currently in force; (vii) written unexpired warranties of the contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and manufacturers, if any, relative to all common area improvements, including stormwater facilities; (viii) any contracts in which the association is a contracting party; (ix) a list of manufacturers of paints, roofing materials, and other similar materials if specified for use on the association property; (x) the number of members of the board of directors and number of such directors appointed by the declarant together with names and contact information of members of the board of directors; and (xi) an inventory and description of stormwater facilities located on the common area or which otherwise serve the development and for which the association has, or subsequently may have, maintenance, repair, or replacement responsibility, together with the requirements for maintenance thereof.

The requirement for delivery of stormwater facility information required by clause (xi) shall be deemed satisfied by delivery to the association of a final site plan or final construction drawings showing stormwater facilities as approved by a local government jurisdiction and applicable recorded easements or agreements, if any, containing requirements for the maintenance, repair, or replacement of the stormwater facilities.

If the association is managed by a common interest community manager in which the declarant, or its principals, has no pecuniary interest or management role, then such common interest community manager shall have the responsibility to provide the documents and information required by clauses (i), (ii), (vi), and (viii).

1996, c. 618, § 55-509.2; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2012, c. 671; 2019, cc. 712, 724.

Except as expressly authorized in this chapter, in the declaration, or otherwise provided by law, no association shall (i) make an assessment or impose a charge against a lot or a lot owner unless the charge is a fee for services provided or related to use of the common area or (ii) charge a fee related to the issuance of a resale certificate pursuant to § 55.1-2309 or 55.1-2311 except as expressly authorized in § 55.1-2316. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to authorize an association or common interest community manager to charge an inspection fee for an unimproved or improved lot except as provided in § 55.1-2316. The Common Interest Community Board may assess a monetary penalty for a violation of this section against any (a) association pursuant to § 54.1-2351 or (b) common interest community manager pursuant to § 54.1-2349, and may issue a cease and desist order pursuant to § 54.1-2352.

2008, cc. 851, § 55-509.3, 871; 2011, c. 334; 2014, c. 216; 2015, c. 277; 2019, c. 712; 2020, c. 592; 2023, cc. 387, 388.

A. Except as expressly authorized in this chapter, in the declaration, or as otherwise provided by law, no association shall:

1. Condition or prohibit the rental to a tenant of a lot by a lot owner or make an assessment or impose a charge except as provided in § 55.1-1805;

2. Charge a rental fee, application fee, or other processing fee of any kind in excess of $50 during the term of any lease;

3. Charge an annual or monthly rental fee or any other fee not expressly authorized in § 55.1-1805;

4. Require the lot owner to use a lease or an addendum to the lease prepared by the association;

5. Charge any deposit from the lot owner or the tenant of the lot owner;

6. Have the authority to evict a tenant of any lot owner or to require any lot owner to execute a power of attorney authorizing the association to evict such a tenant; or

7. Refuse to recognize a person designated by the lot owner as the lot owner's authorized representative under the provisions of § 55.1-1823. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the requirements of § 55.1-1828 and the declaration shall be satisfied before any such representative may exercise a vote on behalf of a lot owner as a proxy.

B. The association may require the lot owner to provide the association with (i) the names and contact information of and vehicle information for the tenants and authorized occupants under such lease and (ii) the name and contact information of any authorized agent of the lot owner. The association may require the lot owner to provide the association with the tenant's acknowledgment of and consent to any rules and regulations of the association.

C. The provisions of this section shall not apply to lots owned by the association.

2015, c. 277, § 55-509.3:1; 2016, c. 471; 2019, c. 712; 2022, cc. 65, 66.

Every lot owner who is a member in good standing of a property owners' association shall have the following rights:

1. The right of access to all books and records kept by or on behalf of the association according to and subject to the provisions of § 55.1-1815, including records of all financial transactions;

2. The right to cast a vote on any matter requiring a vote by the association's membership in proportion to the lot owner's ownership interest, unless the declaration provides otherwise;

3. The right to have notice of any meeting of the board of directors, to make a record of any such meeting by audio or visual means, and to participate in any such meeting in accordance with the provisions of subsection G of § 55.1-1815 and § 55.1-1816;

4. The right to have (i) notice of any proceeding conducted by the board of directors or other tribunal specified in the declaration against the lot owner to enforce any rule or regulation of the association and (ii) the opportunity to be heard and represented by counsel at such proceeding, as provided in § 55.1-1819, and the right of due process in the conduct of that hearing; and

5. The right to serve on the board of directors if duly elected and a member in good standing of the association, unless the declaration provides otherwise.

The rights enumerated in this section shall be enforceable by any such lot owner pursuant to the provisions of § 55.1-1828.

2015, c. 286, § 55-509.3:2; 2018, c. 663; 2019, c. 712.

Article 2. Disclosure Requirements; Authorized Fees.

Repealed by Acts 2023, cc. 387 and 388, cl. 2, effective July 1, 2023

Article 3. Operation and Management of Association.

A. The association shall keep detailed records of receipts and expenditures affecting the operation and administration of the association. All financial books and records shall be kept in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices.

B. Subject to the provisions of subsection C and so long as the request is for a proper purpose related to his membership in the association, all books and records kept by or on behalf of the association shall be available for examination and copying by a member in good standing or his authorized agent, including:

1. The association's membership list and addresses, which shall not be used for purposes of pecuniary gain or commercial solicitation; and

2. The actual salary of the six highest compensated employees of the association earning over $75,000 and aggregate salary information of all other employees of the association; however, individual salary information shall not be available for examination and copying during the declarant control period.

Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, this right of examination shall exist without reference to the duration of membership and may be exercised (i) only during reasonable business hours or at a mutually convenient time and location and (ii) upon five business days' written notice for an association managed by a common interest community manager and 10 business days' written notice for a self-managed association, which notice reasonably identifies the purpose for the request and the specific books and records of the association requested.

C. Books and records kept by or on behalf of an association may be withheld from inspection and copying to the extent that they concern:

1. Personnel matters relating to specific, identified persons or a person's medical records;

2. Contracts, leases, and other commercial transactions to purchase or provide goods or services, currently in or under negotiation;

3. Pending or probable litigation. For purposes of this subdivision, "probable litigation" means those instances where there has been a specific threat of litigation from a person or the legal counsel of such person;

4. Matters involving state or local administrative or other formal proceedings before a government tribunal for enforcement of the association documents or rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to § 55.1-1819;

5. Communications with legal counsel that relate to subdivisions 1 through 4 or that are protected by the attorney-client privilege or the attorney work product doctrine;

6. Disclosure of information in violation of law;

7. Meeting minutes or other confidential records of an executive session of the board of directors held in accordance with subsection C of § 55.1-1816;

8. Documentation, correspondence, or management or board reports compiled for or on behalf of the association or the board by its agents or committees for consideration by the board in executive session; or

9. Individual lot owner or member files, other than those of the requesting lot owner, including any individual lot owner's or member's files kept by or on behalf of the association.

D. Books and records kept by or on behalf of an association shall be withheld from inspection and copying in their entirety only to the extent that an exclusion from disclosure under subsection C applies to the entire content of such books and records. Otherwise, only those portions of the books and records containing information subject to an exclusion under subsection C may be withheld or redacted, and all portions of the books and records that are not so excluded shall be available for examination and copying, provided that the requesting member shall be responsible to the association for paying or reimbursing the association for any reasonable costs incurred by the association in responding to the request for the books and records and review for redaction of the same.

E. Prior to providing copies of any books and records to a member in good standing under this section, the association may impose and collect a charge, reflecting the reasonable costs of materials and labor, not to exceed the actual costs of such materials and labor. Charges may be imposed only in accordance with a cost schedule adopted by the board of directors in accordance with this subsection. The cost schedule shall (i) specify the charges for materials and labor, (ii) apply equally to all members in good standing, and (iii) be provided to such requesting member at the time the request is made.

F. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections B and C, all books and records of the association, including individual salary information for all employees and payments to independent contractors, shall be available for examination and copying upon request by a member of the board of directors in the discharge of his duties as a director.

G. Meetings of the association shall be held in accordance with the provisions of the bylaws at least once each year after the formation of the association. The bylaws shall specify an officer or his agent who shall, at least 14 days in advance of any annual or regularly scheduled meeting and at least seven days in advance of any other meeting, send to each member notice of the time, place, and purposes of such meeting. In the event of cancellation of any annual meeting of the association at which directors are elected, the seven-day notice of any subsequent meeting scheduled to elect such directors shall include a statement that the meeting is scheduled for the purpose of the election of directors.

Notice shall be sent by United States mail to all members at the address of their respective lots unless the member has provided to such officer or his agent an address other than the address of the member's lot. In lieu of sending such notice by United States mail, notice may instead be (i) hand delivered by the officer or his agent, provided that the officer or his agent certifies in writing that notice was delivered to the member, or (ii) sent to the member by electronic mail, provided that the member has elected to receive such notice by electronic mail and, in the event that such electronic mail is returned as undeliverable, notice is subsequently sent by United States mail. Except as provided in subdivision C 7, draft minutes of the board of directors shall be open for inspection and copying (a) within 60 days from the conclusion of the meeting to which such minutes appertain or (b) when such minutes are distributed to board members as part of an agenda package for the next meeting of the board of directors, whichever occurs first.

H. Unless expressly prohibited by the governing documents, a member may vote at a meeting of the association in person, by proxy, or by absentee ballot. Such voting may take place by electronic means, provided that the board of directors has adopted guidelines for such voting by electronic means. Members voting by absentee ballot or proxy shall be deemed to be present at the meeting for all purposes.

1989, c. 679, § 55-510; 1991, c. 667; 1992, cc. 69, 71; 1993, cc. 365, 827; 1999, cc. 594, 654, 1029; 2000, cc. 905, 1008; 2001, c. 419; 2003, c. 442; 2004, c. 193; 2007, c. 675; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2009, c. 665; 2011, c. 361; 2013, c. 275; 2014, c. 207; 2018, c. 663; 2019, cc. 368, 712; 2020, c. 592; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 9, 494.

A. All meetings of the board of directors, including any subcommittee or other committee of the board of directors, where the business of the association is discussed or transacted shall be open to all members of record. The board of directors shall not use work sessions or other informal gatherings of the board of directors to circumvent the open meeting requirements of this section. Minutes of the meetings of the board of directors shall be recorded and shall be available as provided in subsection B of § 55.1-1815.

B. Notice of the time, date, and place of each meeting of the board of directors or of any subcommittee or other committee of the board of directors shall be published where it is reasonably calculated to be available to a majority of the lot owners.

A lot owner may make a request to be notified on a continual basis of any such meetings. Such request shall be made at least once a year in writing and include the lot owner's name, address, zip code, and any email address as appropriate. Notice of the time, date, and place shall be sent to any lot owner requesting notice (i) by first-class mail or email in the case of meetings of the board of directors or (ii) by email in the case of meetings of any subcommittee or other committee of the board of directors.

Notice, reasonable under the circumstances, of special or emergency meetings shall be given contemporaneously with the notice provided to members of the association's board of directors or any subcommittee or other committee of the board of directors conducting the meeting.

Unless otherwise exempt as relating to an executive session pursuant to subsection C, at least one copy of all agenda packets and materials furnished to members of an association's board of directors or subcommittee or other committee of the board of directors for a meeting shall be made available for inspection by the membership of the association at the same time such documents are furnished to the members of the board of directors or any subcommittee or committee of the board of directors.

Any member may record any portion of a meeting that is required to be open. The board of directors or subcommittee or other committee of the board of directors conducting the meeting may adopt rules (a) governing the placement and use of equipment necessary for recording a meeting to prevent interference with the proceedings and (b) requiring the member recording the meeting to provide notice that the meeting is being recorded.

Except for the election of officers, voting by secret or written ballot in an open meeting shall be a violation of this chapter.

C. The board of directors or any subcommittee or other committee of the board of directors may (i) convene in executive session to consider personnel matters; (ii) consult with legal counsel; (iii) discuss and consider contracts, pending or probable litigation, and matters involving violations of the declaration or rules and regulations; or (iv) discuss and consider the personal liability of members to the association, upon the affirmative vote in an open meeting to assemble in executive session. The motion shall state specifically the purpose for the executive session. Reference to the motion and the stated purpose for the executive session shall be included in the minutes. The board of directors shall restrict the consideration of matters during such portions of meetings to only those purposes specifically exempted and stated in the motion. No contract, motion, or other action adopted, passed, or agreed to in executive session shall become effective unless the board of directors or subcommittee or other committee of the board of directors, following the executive session, reconvenes in open meeting and takes a vote on such contract, motion, or other action, which shall have its substance reasonably identified in the open meeting. The requirements of this section shall not require the disclosure of information in violation of law.

D. Subject to reasonable rules adopted by the board of directors, the board of directors shall provide a designated period during each meeting to allow members an opportunity to comment on any matter relating to the association. During a meeting at which the agenda is limited to specific topics or at a special meeting, the board of directors may limit the comments of members to the topics listed on the meeting agenda.

1999, c. 1029, § 55-510.1; 2000, c. 905; 2001, c. 715; 2003, c. 404; 2004, c. 333; 2005, c. 353; 2019, c. 712; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 9, 494; 2023, cc. 387, 388.

The board of directors shall establish a reasonable, effective, and free method, appropriate to the size and nature of the association, for lot owners to communicate among themselves and with the board of directors regarding any matter concerning the association.

2001, c. 715, § 55-510.2; 2019, c. 712.

The association shall post notice of all pesticide applications in or upon the common areas. Such notice shall consist of conspicuous signs placed in or upon the common areas where the pesticide will be applied at least 48 hours prior to the application.

2011, c. 264, § 55-510.3; 2019, c. 712.

A. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the board of directors shall have the power to establish, adopt, and enforce rules and regulations with respect to use of the common areas and with respect to such other areas of responsibility assigned to the association by the declaration, except where expressly reserved by the declaration to the members. Rules and regulations may be adopted by resolution and shall be reasonably published or distributed throughout the development. At a special meeting of the association convened in accordance with the provisions of the association's bylaws, a majority of votes cast at such meeting may repeal or amend any rule or regulation adopted by the board of directors. Rules and regulations may be enforced by any method normally available to the owner of private property in Virginia, including application for injunctive relief or actual damages, during which the court shall award to the prevailing party court costs and reasonable attorney fees.

B. The board of directors shall also have the power, to the extent the declaration or rules and regulations duly adopted pursuant to such declaration expressly so provide, to (i) suspend a member's right to use facilities or services, including utility services, provided directly through the association for nonpayment of assessments that are more than 60 days past due, to the extent that access to the lot through the common areas is not precluded and provided that such suspension shall not endanger the health, safety, or property of any owner, tenant, or occupant, and (ii) assess charges against any member for any violation of the declaration or rules and regulations for which the member or his family members, tenants, guests, or other invitees are responsible.

C. Before any action authorized in this section is taken, the member shall be given a reasonable opportunity to correct the alleged violation after written notice of the alleged violation to the member at the address required for notices of meetings pursuant to § 55.1-1815. If the violation remains uncorrected, the member shall be given an opportunity to be heard and to be represented by counsel before the board of directors or other tribunal specified in the documents.

Notice of a hearing, including the actions that may be taken by the association in accordance with this section, shall be hand delivered or mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the member at the address of record with the association at least 14 days prior to the hearing. Within seven days of the hearing, the hearing result shall be hand delivered or mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the member at the address of record with the association.

D. The amount of any charges so assessed shall not be limited to the expense or damage to the association caused by the violation, but shall not exceed $50 for a single offense or $10 per day for any offense of a continuing nature, and shall be treated as an assessment against the member's lot for the purposes of § 55.1-1833. However, the total charges for any offense of a continuing nature shall not be assessed for a period exceeding 90 days.

E. The board of directors may file or defend legal action in general district or circuit court that seeks relief, including injunctive relief arising from any violation of the declaration or duly adopted rules and regulations.

F. After the date an action is filed in the general district or circuit court by (i) the association, by and through its counsel, to collect the charges or obtain injunctive relief and correct the violation or (ii) the lot owner challenging any such charges, no additional charges shall accrue. If the court rules in favor of the association, the association shall be entitled to collect such charges from the date the action was filed as well as all other charges assessed pursuant to this section against the lot owner prior to the action. In addition, if the court finds that the violation remains uncorrected, the court may order the lot owner to abate or remedy the violation.

G. In any action filed in general district court pursuant to this section, the court may enter default judgment against the lot owner on the association's sworn affidavit.

1989, c. 679, § 55-513; 1991, c. 667; 1993, c. 956; 1994, c. 368; 1997, cc. 173, 417; 2000, cc. 846, 905; 2002, c. 509; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2011, cc. 372, 378; 2014, c. 784; 2019, c. 712; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 131.

Except to the extent that the declaration provides otherwise, the board of directors may establish reasonable rules that restrict smoking in the development, including rules that prohibit smoking in the common areas. For developments that include attached private dwelling units, such rules may prohibit smoking within such dwelling units. Rules adopted pursuant to this section may be enforced in accordance with § 55.1-1819.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 131.

A. In accordance with the federal Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-243), no association shall prohibit any lot owner from displaying upon property to which the lot owner has a separate ownership interest or a right to exclusive possession or use the flag of the United States whenever such display is in compliance with Chapter 1 of Title 4 of the United States Code (4 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.), or any rule or custom pertaining to the proper display of the flag. The association may, however, establish reasonable restrictions as to the size, place, duration, and manner of placement or display of the flag on such property, provided that such restrictions are necessary to protect a substantial interest of the association.

B. The association may restrict the display of such flag in the common areas.

C. In any action brought by the association under § 55.1-1819 for violation of a flag restriction, the association shall bear the burden of proof that the restrictions as to the size, place, duration, and manner of placement or display of such flag are necessary to protect a substantial interest of the association.

D. In any action brought by the association under § 55.1-1819, the lot owner shall be entitled to assert as an affirmative defense that the required disclosure of any limitations pertaining to the display of flags or any flagpole or similar structure necessary to display such flags was not contained in the resale certificate as required by § 55.1-2310.

2000, c. 891, § 55-513.1; 2007, cc. 854, 910; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2010, cc. 166, 453; 2019, c. 712; 2023, cc. 387, 388.

A. As used in this section, "solar energy collection device" means any device manufactured and sold for the sole purpose of facilitating the collection and beneficial use of solar energy, including passive heating panels or building components and solar photovoltaic apparatus.

B. No association shall prohibit an owner from installing a solar energy collection device on that owner's property unless the recorded declaration for the association establishes such a prohibition. However, an association may establish reasonable restrictions concerning the size, place, and manner of placement of such solar energy collection devices on property designated and intended for individual ownership and use. Any resale certificate issued pursuant to § 55.1-2309 given to a purchaser shall contain a statement setting forth any restriction, limitation, or prohibition on the right of an owner to install or use solar energy collection devices on his property.

C. A restriction shall be deemed not to be reasonable if application of the restriction to a particular proposal (i) increases the cost of installation of the solar energy collection device by five percent over the projected cost of the initially proposed installation or (ii) reduces the energy production by the solar energy collection device by 10 percent below the projected energy production of the initially proposed installation. The owner shall provide documentation prepared by an independent solar panel design specialist, who is certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners and is licensed in Virginia, that is satisfactory to the association to show that the restriction is not reasonable according to the criteria established in this subsection.

D. The association may prohibit or restrict the installation of solar energy collection devices on the common elements or common area within the real estate development served by the association. An association may establish reasonable restrictions as to the number, size, place, and manner of placement or installation of any solar energy collection device installed on the common elements or common area.

2006, c. 939, §§ 67-700, 67-701; 2008, c. 881; 2009, c. 866; 2013, c. 357; 2014, c. 525; 2020, cc. 272, 795; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387; 2023, cc. 387, 388.

A. Except to the extent that the declaration provides otherwise, no association shall prohibit any lot owner from operating a home-based business within his personal residence. The association may, however, establish (i) reasonable restrictions as to the time, place, and manner of the operation of a home-based business and (ii) reasonable restrictions as to the size, place, duration, and manner of the placement or display of any signs on the owner's lot related to such home-based business. Any home-based business shall comply with all applicable local ordinances.

B. If a development is located in a locality that classifies home-based child care services as an accessory or ancillary residential use under the locality's zoning ordinance, the provision of home-based child care services in a personal residence shall be deemed a residential use unless expressly (i) prohibited or restricted by the declaration or (ii) restricted by the association's bylaws or rules as provided in subsection A.

2013, c. 310, § 55-513.2; 2019, cc. 2, 30, 712.

Except as expressly authorized in this chapter or in the declaration or as otherwise provided by law, no association shall require the use of any for sale sign that is (i) an association sign or (ii) a real estate sign that does not comply with the requirements of the Real Estate Board. An association may, however, prohibit the placement of signs in the common area and establish reasonable rules and regulations that regulate (a) the number of real estate signs to be located on real property upon which the owner has a separate ownership interest or a right of exclusive possession, so long as at least one real estate sign is permitted; (b) the geographical location of real estate signs on real property in which the owner has a separate ownership interest or a right of exclusive possession, so long as the location of the real estate signs complies with the requirements of the Real Estate Board; (c) the manner in which real estate signs are affixed to real property; and (d) the period of time after settlement when the real estate signs on such real property shall be removed.

2008, cc. 851, 871, § 55-509.4; 2010, c. 165; 2014, c. 216; 2016, c. 471; 2017, cc. 387, 405; 2018, c. 226; 2019, c. 712; 2023, cc. 387, 388.

Except as expressly authorized in this chapter or in the declaration or as otherwise provided by law, no association shall require any lot owner to execute a formal power of attorney if the lot owner designates a person licensed under the provisions of § 54.1-2106.1 as the lot owner's authorized representative, and the association shall recognize such representation without a formal power of attorney, provided that the association is given a written authorization that includes the designated representative's name, contact information, and license number and the lot owner's signature. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the requirements of § 13.1-849 of the Virginia Nonstock Corporation Act (§ 13.1-801 et seq.) and the association's declaration, bylaws, and articles of incorporation shall be satisfied before any such representative may exercise a vote on behalf of a lot owner as a proxy.

2008, cc. 851, 871, § 55-509.4; 2010, c. 165; 2014, c. 216; 2016, c. 471; 2017, cc. 387, 405; 2018, c. 226; 2019, c. 712; 2022, cc. 65, 66; 2023, cc. 387, 388.

A. Except to the extent that the declaration or other recorded governing document provides otherwise, no association shall prohibit any lot owner from installing an electric vehicle charging station for the lot owner's personal use on property owned by the lot owner. An association may establish reasonable restrictions concerning the number, size, place, and manner of placement or installation of such electric vehicle charging station on the exterior of property owned by the lot owner.

B. An association may prohibit or restrict the installation of electric vehicle charging stations on the common area within the development served by the association and may establish reasonable restrictions as to the number, size, place, and manner of placement or installation of electric vehicle charging stations on the common area.

C. Any lot owner installing an electric vehicle charging station shall indemnify and hold the association harmless from all liability, including reasonable attorney fees incurred by the association resulting from a claim, arising out of the installation, maintenance, operation, or use of such electric charging station. An association may require the lot owner to obtain and maintain insurance covering claims and defenses of claims related to the installation, maintenance, operation, or use of the electric vehicle charging station and require the association to be included as a named insured on such policy.

2020, c. 1012.

Except to the extent that the declaration or any rules or regulations promulgated pursuant to such declaration provide otherwise, the board may impose a late fee that does not exceed the penalty provided in § 58.1-3915 for any assessment or installment that is not paid within 60 days of the due date for payment of such assessment.

2013, c. 256, § 55-513.3; 2014, c. 239; 2019, c. 712.

A. In addition to all other assessments that are authorized in the declaration, the board of directors shall have the power to levy a special assessment against its members if (i) the purpose in so doing is found by the board to be in the best interests of the association and (ii) the proceeds of the assessment are used primarily for the maintenance and upkeep of the common area and such other areas of association responsibility expressly provided for in the declaration, including capital expenditures. A majority of votes cast, in person or by proxy, at a meeting of the membership convened in accordance with the provisions of the association's bylaws within 60 days of promulgation of the notice of the assessment shall rescind or reduce the special assessment. No director or officer of the association shall be liable for failure to perform his fiduciary duty if a special assessment for the funds necessary for the director or officer to perform his fiduciary duty is rescinded by the owners pursuant to this section, and the association shall indemnify such director or officer against any damage resulting from any such claimed breach of fiduciary duty.

B. The failure of a member to pay the special assessment allowed by subsection A shall entitle the association to the lien provided by § 55.1-1833 as well as any other rights afforded a creditor under law.

C. The failure of a member to pay the special assessment allowed by subsection A will provide the association with the right to deny the member access to any or all of the common areas. However, the member shall not be denied direct access to the member's lot over any road within the development that is a common area.

1989, c. 679, § 55-514; 1991, c. 667; 1992, c. 450; 1998, cc. 32, 751; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2019, c. 712.

A. Except to the extent provided in the declaration, the board of directors shall, prior to the commencement of the fiscal year, make available to lot owners either (i) the annual budget of the association or (ii) a summary of such annual budget.

B. Except to the extent otherwise provided in the declaration and unless the declaration imposes more stringent requirements, the board of directors shall:

1. Conduct at least once every five years a study to determine the necessity and amount of reserves required to repair, replace, and restore the capital components as defined in § 55.1-1800;

2. Review the results of that study at least annually to determine if reserves are sufficient; and

3. Make any adjustments the board of directors deems necessary to maintain reserves, as appropriate.

C. To the extent that the reserve study conducted in accordance with this section indicates a need to budget for reserves, the association budget shall include:

1. The current estimated replacement cost, estimated remaining life, and estimated useful life of the capital components as defined in § 55.1-1800;

2. As of the beginning of the fiscal year for which the budget is prepared, the current amount of accumulated cash reserves set aside to repair, replace, or restore capital components and the amount of the expected contribution to the reserve fund for that year;

3. A statement describing the procedures used for estimation and accumulation of cash reserves pursuant to this section; and

4. A statement of the amount of reserves recommended in the study and the amount of current cash for replacement reserves.

2002, c. 459, § 55-514.1; 2019, cc. 33, 44, 712.

A. All funds deposited with a managing agent shall be handled in a fiduciary capacity and shall be kept in a fiduciary trust account in a federally insured financial institution separate from other assets of the managing agent. The funds shall be the property of the association and shall be segregated for each account in the managing agent's records in a manner that permits the funds to be identified on an individual association basis.

B. Any association collecting assessments for common expenses shall obtain and maintain a blanket fidelity bond or employee dishonesty insurance policy insuring the association against losses resulting from theft or dishonesty committed by the officers, directors, or persons employed by the association or committed by any managing agent or employees of the managing agent. Such bond or insurance policy shall provide coverage in an amount equal to the lesser of $1 million or the amount of the reserve balances of the association plus one-fourth of the aggregate annual assessment income of such association. The minimum coverage amount shall be $10,000. The board of directors or managing agent may obtain such bond or insurance on behalf of the association.

2007, cc. 696, 712, § 55-514.2; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2019, c. 712.

A. Every lot owner, and all those entitled to occupy a lot, shall comply with all lawful provisions of this chapter and all provisions of the declaration. Any lack of such compliance shall be grounds for an action to recover sums due, for damages or injunctive relief, or for any other remedy available at law or in equity, maintainable by the association or by its board of directors or any managing agent on behalf of such association or, in any proper case, by one or more aggrieved lot owners on their own behalf or as a class action. Except as provided in subsection B, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees, costs expended in the matter, and interest on the judgment as provided in § 8.01-382. This section shall not preclude an action against the association and authorizes the recovery by the prevailing party in any such action of reasonable attorney fees, costs expended in the matter, and interest on the judgment as provided in § 8.01-382 in such actions.

B. In actions against a lot owner for nonpayment of assessments in which the lot owner has failed to pay assessments levied by the association on more than one lot or in which such lot owner has had legal actions taken against him for nonpayment of any prior assessment, and the prevailing party is the association or its board of directors or any managing agent on behalf of the association, the prevailing party shall be awarded reasonable attorney fees, costs expended in the matter, and interest on the judgment as provided in subsection A, even if the proceeding is settled prior to judgment. The delinquent owner shall be personally responsible for reasonable attorney fees and costs expended in the matter by the association, whether any judicial proceedings are filed.

C. A declaration may provide for arbitration of disputes or other means of alternative dispute resolution. Any such arbitration held in accordance with this subsection shall be consistent with the provisions of this chapter and Chapter 21 (§ 8.01-577 et seq.) of Title 8.01. The place of any such arbitration or alternative dispute resolution shall be in the county or city in which the development is located, or as mutually agreed to by the parties.

1989, c. 679, § 55-515; 1993, c. 956; 2012, c. 758; 2014, c. 569; 2019, c. 712.

A. In the event that any provision in the declaration requires the written consent of a mortgagee in order to amend the bylaws or the declaration, the association shall be deemed to have received the written consent of a mortgagee if the association sends the text of the proposed amendment by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by regular mail with proof of mailing to the mortgagee at the address supplied by such mortgagee in a written request to the association to receive notice of proposed amendments to the declaration and receives no written objection to the adoption of the amendment from the mortgagee within 60 days of the date that the notice of amendment is sent by the association, unless the declaration expressly provides otherwise. If the mortgagee has not supplied an address to the association, the association shall be deemed to have received the written consent of a mortgagee if the association sends the text of the proposed amendment by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the mortgagee at the address filed in the land records or with the local tax assessor's office and receives no written objection to the adoption of the amendment from the mortgagee within 60 days of the date that the notice of amendment is sent by the association, unless the declaration expressly provides otherwise.

B. Subsection A shall not apply to amendments that alter the priority of the lien of the mortgagee or that materially impair or affect a lot as collateral or the right of the mortgagee to foreclose on a lot as collateral.

C. Where the declaration is silent on the need for mortgagee consent, no mortgagee consent shall be required if the amendment to the declaration does not specifically affect mortgagee rights.

D. Except as otherwise provided in the declaration, a declaration may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the lot owners.

E. An action to challenge the validity of an amendment adopted by the association may not be brought more than one year after the amendment is effective.

F. Agreement of the required majority of lot owners to any amendment of the declaration adopted pursuant to subsection D shall be evidenced by their execution of the amendment, or ratifications of such amendment, and the same shall become effective when a copy of the amendment is recorded together with a certification, signed by the principal officer of the association or by such other officer or officers as the declaration may specify, that the requisite majority of the lot owners signed the amendment or ratifications of such amendment.

G. Subsections D and F shall not be construed to affect the validity of any amendment recorded prior to July 1, 2017.

1997, c. 887, § 55-515.1; 1998, c. 32; 1999, c. 805; 2003, cc. 59, 74; 2017, c. 374; 2019, c. 712.

A. All provisions of a declaration shall be deemed severable, and any unlawful provision of the declaration shall be void.

B. No provision of a declaration shall be deemed void by reason of the rule against perpetuities.

C. No restraint on alienation shall discriminate or be used to discriminate on any basis prohibited under the Virginia Fair Housing Law (§ 36-96.1 et seq.).

D. Subject to the provisions of subsection C, the rule of property law known as the rule restricting unreasonable restraints on alienation shall not be applied to defeat any provision of a declaration restraining the alienation of lots other than such lots as may be restricted to residential use only.

E. The rule of property law known as the doctrine of merger shall not apply to any easement included in or granted pursuant to a right reserved in a declaration.

F. The declarant may unilaterally execute and record a corrective amendment or supplement to the declaration to correct a mathematical mistake, an inconsistency, or a scrivener's error or clarify an ambiguity in the declaration with respect to an objectively verifiable fact, including recalculating the liability for assessments or the number of votes in the association appertaining to a lot, within five years after the recordation of the declaration containing or creating such mistake, inconsistency, error, or ambiguity. No such amendment or supplement may materially reduce what the obligations of the declarant would have been if the mistake, inconsistency, error, or ambiguity had not occurred. Regardless of the date of recordation of the declaration, the principal officer of the association may also unilaterally execute and record such a corrective amendment or supplement upon a vote of two-thirds of the members of the board of directors. All corrective amendments and supplements recorded prior to July 1, 1997, are hereby validated to the extent that such corrective amendments and supplements would have been permitted by this subsection.

1998, c. 32, § 55-515.2; 2001, c. 271; 2019, c. 712.

A. An association may petition the circuit court in the county or city in which the development or the greater part of the development is located to reform a declaration where the association, acting through its board of directors, has attempted to amend the declaration regarding ownership of legal title of the common areas or real property using provisions outlined in such declaration to resolve (i) ambiguities or inconsistencies in the declaration that are the source of legal and other disputes pertaining to the legal rights and responsibilities of the association or individual lot owners or (ii) scrivener's errors, including incorrectly identifying the association, incorrectly identifying an entity other than the association, or errors arising from oversight or from an inadvertent omission or mathematical mistake.

B. The court shall have jurisdiction over matters set forth in subsection A regarding ownership of legal title of the common areas or real property to:

1. Reform, in whole or in part, any provision of a declaration; and

2. Correct any mistake or other error in the declaration that may exist with respect to the declaration for any other purpose.

C. A petition filed by the association with the court setting forth any inconsistency or error made in the declaration, or the necessity for any change in the declaration, shall be deemed sufficient basis for the reformation, in whole or in part, of the declaration, provided that:

1. The association has made three good faith attempts to convene a duly called meeting of the association to present for consideration amendments to the declaration for the reasons specified in subsection A, which attempts have proven unsuccessful as evidenced by an affidavit verified by oath of the principal officer of the association;

2. There is no adequate remedy at law as practical and effective to attain the ends of justice as may be accomplished in the circuit court;

3. Where the declarant of the development still owns a lot or other property in the development, the declarant joins in the petition of the association;

4. A copy of the petition is sent to all owners at least 30 days before the petition is filed as evidenced by an affidavit verified by oath of the principal officer of the association; and

5. A copy of the petition is sent to all mortgagees at least 30 days before the petition is filed as evidenced by an affidavit verified by oath of the principal officer of the association.

D. Any mortgagee of a lot in the development shall have standing to participate in the reformation proceedings before the court. No reformation pursuant to this section shall affect mortgagee rights, alter the priority of the lien of any mortgage, materially impair or affect any lot as collateral for a mortgage, or affect a mortgagee's right to foreclose on a lot as collateral without the prior written consent of the mortgagee. Consent of a mortgagee required by this section may be deemed received pursuant to § 55.1-1829.

2014, c. 659, § 55-515.2:1; 2019, c. 712.

A. Unless expressly prohibited by the declaration, (i) any notice required to be sent or received or (ii) any signature, vote, consent, or approval required to be obtained under any declaration or bylaw provision or any provision of this chapter may be accomplished using electronic means.

B. The association, the lot owners, and those entitled to occupy a lot may perform any obligation or exercise any right under any declaration or bylaw provision or any provision of this chapter by use of electronic means.

C. An electronic signature meeting the requirements of applicable law shall satisfy any requirement for a signature under any declaration or bylaw provision or any provision of this chapter.

D. Voting on, consent to, and approval of any matter under any declaration or bylaw provision or any provision of this chapter may be accomplished by electronic means, provided that a record is created as evidence of such vote, consent, or approval and maintained as long as such record would be required to be maintained in nonelectronic form. If the vote, consent, or approval is required to be obtained by secret ballot, the electronic means shall protect the identity of the voter. If the electronic means cannot protect the identity of the voter, another means of voting shall be used.

E. Subject to other provisions of law, no action required or permitted by any declaration or bylaw provision or any provision of this chapter need be acknowledged before a notary public if the identity and signature of such person can otherwise be authenticated to the satisfaction of the board of directors.

F. Any meeting of the association, the board of directors, or any committee may be held entirely or partially by electronic means, provided that the board of directors has adopted guidelines for the use of electronic means for such meetings. Such guidelines shall ensure that persons accessing such meetings are authorized to do so and that persons entitled to participate in such meetings have an opportunity to do so. The board of directors shall determine whether any such meeting may be held entirely or partially by electronic means.

G. If any person does not have the capability or desire to conduct business using electronic means, the association shall make available a reasonable alternative, at its expense, for such person to conduct business with the association without use of such electronic means.

H. This section shall not apply to any notice related to an enforcement action by the association, an assessment lien, or foreclosure proceedings in enforcement of an assessment lien.

2010, c. 432, § 55-515.3; 2019, c. 712; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 9, 494.

A. The association shall have a lien, once perfected, on every lot for unpaid assessments levied against that lot in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and all lawful provisions of the declaration. The lien, once perfected, shall be prior to all other subsequent liens and encumbrances except (i) real estate tax liens on that lot, (ii) liens and encumbrances recorded prior to the recordation of the declaration, and (iii) sums unpaid on and owing under any mortgage or deed of trust recorded prior to the perfection of such lien. The provisions of this subsection shall not affect the priority of mechanics' and materialmen's liens. Notice of a memorandum of lien to a holder of a credit line deed of trust under § 55.1-318 shall be given in the same fashion as if the association's lien were a judgment.

B. The association, in order to perfect the lien given by this section, shall file, before the expiration of 12 months from the time the first such assessment became due and payable in the clerk's office of the circuit court in the county or city in which such development is situated, a memorandum, verified by the oath of the principal officer of the association or such other officer or officers as the declaration may specify, which contains the following:

1. The name of the development;

2. A description of the lot;

3. The name or names of the persons constituting the owners of that lot;

4. The amount of unpaid assessments currently due or past due relative to such lot together with the date when each fell due;

5. The date of issuance of the memorandum;

6. The name of the association and the name and current address of the person to contact to arrange for payment or release of the lien; and

7. A statement that the association is obtaining a lien in accordance with the provisions of the Property Owners' Association Act as set forth in Chapter 18 (§ 55.1-1800 et seq.) of Title 55.1.

It shall be the duty of the clerk in whose office such memorandum is filed as provided in this section to record and index the same as provided in subsection D, in the names of the persons identified in such memorandum as well as in the name of the association. The cost of recording and releasing the memorandum shall be taxed against the person found liable in any judgment or order enforcing such lien.

C. Prior to filing a memorandum of lien, a written notice shall be sent to the property owner by certified mail, at the property owner's last known address, informing the property owner that a memorandum of lien will be filed in the circuit court clerk's office of the applicable county or city. The notice shall be sent at least 10 days before the actual filing date of the memorandum of lien.

D. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section or any other provision of law requiring documents to be recorded in the miscellaneous lien books or the deed books in the clerk's office of any court, on or after July 1, 1989, all memoranda of liens arising under this section shall be recorded in the deed books in the clerk's office. Any memorandum shall be indexed in the general index to deeds, and the general index shall identify the lien as a lien for lot assessments.

E. No action to enforce any lien perfected under subsection B shall be brought or action to foreclose any lien perfected under subsection I shall be initiated after 36 months from the time when the memorandum of lien was recorded; however, the filing of a petition to enforce any such lien in any action in which the petition may be properly filed shall be regarded as the institution of an action under this section. Nothing in this subsection shall extend the time within which any such lien may be perfected.

F. The judgment or order in an action brought pursuant to this section shall include reimbursement for costs and reasonable attorney fees of the prevailing party. If the association prevails, it may also recover interest at the legal rate for the sums secured by the lien from the time each such sum became due and payable.

G. When payment or satisfaction is made of a debt secured by the lien perfected by subsection B, the lien shall be released in accordance with the provisions of § 55.1-339. Any lien that is not so released shall subject the lien creditor to the penalty set forth in subdivision B 1 of § 55.1-339. For the purposes of § 55.1-339, the principal officer of the association, or any other officer or officers as the declaration may specify, shall be deemed the duly authorized agent of the lien creditor.

H. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit actions at law to recover sums for which subsection A creates a lien, maintainable pursuant to § 55.1-1828.

I. At any time after perfecting the lien pursuant to this section, the property owners' association may sell the lot at public sale, subject to prior liens. For purposes of this section, the association shall have the power both to sell and convey the lot and shall be deemed the lot owner's statutory agent for the purpose of transferring title to the lot. A nonjudicial foreclosure sale shall be conducted in compliance with the following:

1. The association shall give notice to the lot owner prior to advertisement required by subdivision 4. The notice shall specify (i) the debt secured by the perfected lien; (ii) the action required to satisfy the debt secured by the perfected lien; (iii) the date, not less than 60 days from the date the notice is given to the lot owner, by which the debt secured by the lien must be satisfied; and (iv) that failure to satisfy the debt secured by the lien on or before the date specified in the notice may result in the sale of the lot. The notice shall further inform the lot owner of the right to bring a court action in the circuit court of the county or city where the lot is located to assert the nonexistence of a debt or any other defense of the lot owner to the sale.

2. After expiration of the 60-day notice period specified in subdivision 1, the association may appoint a trustee to conduct the sale. The appointment of the trustee shall be filed in the clerk's office of the circuit court in the county or city in which such development is situated. It shall be the duty of the clerk in whose office such appointment is filed to record and index the same as provided in subsection D, in the names of the persons identified in such appointment as well as in the name of the association. The association, at its option, may from time to time remove the trustee and appoint a successor trustee.

3. If the lot owner meets the conditions specified in this subdivision prior to the date of the foreclosure sale, the lot owner shall have the right to have enforcement of the perfected lien discontinued prior to the sale of the lot. Those conditions are that the lot owner (i) satisfy the debt secured by lien that is the subject of the nonjudicial foreclosure sale and (ii) pay all expenses and costs incurred in perfecting and enforcing the lien, including advertising costs and reasonable attorney fees.

4. In addition to the advertisement required by subdivision 5, the association shall give written notice of the time, date, and place of any proposed sale in execution of the lien, including the name, address, and telephone number of the trustee, by hand delivery or by mail to (i) the present owner of the property to be sold at his last known address as such owner and address appear in the records of the association, (ii) any lienholder who holds a note against the property secured by a deed of trust recorded at least 30 days prior to the proposed sale and whose address is recorded with the deed of trust, and (iii) any assignee of such a note secured by a deed of trust, provided that the assignment and address of the assignee are likewise recorded at least 30 days prior to the proposed sale. Mailing a copy of the advertisement or the notice containing the same information to the owner by certified or registered mail no less than 14 days prior to such sale and to lienholders and their assigns, at the addresses noted in the memorandum of lien, by United States mail, postage prepaid, no less than 14 days prior to such sale, shall be a sufficient compliance with the requirement of notice.

5. The advertisement of sale by the association shall be in a newspaper having a general circulation in the county or city in which the property to be sold, or any portion of such property, is located pursuant to the following provisions:

a. The association shall advertise once a week for four successive weeks; however, if the property or some portion of such property is located in a city or in a county immediately contiguous to a city, publication of the advertisement on five different days, which may be consecutive days, shall be deemed adequate. The sale shall be held on any day following the day of the last advertisement that is no earlier than eight days following the first advertisement nor more than 30 days following the last advertisement.

b. Such advertisement shall be placed in that section of the newspaper where legal notices appear or where the type of property being sold is generally advertised for sale. The advertisement of sale, in addition to such other matters as the association finds appropriate, shall set forth a description of the property to be sold, which description need not be as extensive as that contained in the deed of trust but shall identify the property by street address, if any, or, if none, shall give the general location of the property with reference to streets, routes, or known landmarks. Where available, tax map identification may be used but is not required. The advertisement shall also include the date, time, place, and terms of sale and the name of the association. It shall set forth the name, address, and telephone number of the representative, agent, or attorney who may be able to respond to inquiries concerning the sale.

c. In addition to the advertisement required by subdivisions a and b, the association may further advertise as the association finds appropriate.

6. In the event of postponement of sale, which postponement shall be at the discretion of the association, advertisement of such postponed sale shall be in the same manner as the original advertisement of sale.

7. Failure to comply with the requirements for advertisement contained in this section shall, upon petition, render a sale of the property voidable by the court.

8. The association shall have the following powers and duties upon a sale:

a. Written one-price bids may be made and shall be received by the trustee from the association or any person for entry by announcement at the sale. Any person other than the trustee may bid at the foreclosure sale, including a person who has submitted a written one-price bid. Upon request to the trustee, any other bidder in attendance at a foreclosure sale shall be permitted to inspect written bids. Unless otherwise provided in the declaration, the association may bid to purchase the lot at a foreclosure sale. The association may own, lease, encumber, exchange, sell, or convey the lot. Whenever the written bid of the association is the highest bid submitted at the sale, such written bid shall be filed by the trustee with his account of sale required under subdivision I 10 and § 64.2-1309. The written bid submitted pursuant to this subsection may be prepared by the association, its agent, or its attorney.

b. The association may require any bidder at any sale to post a cash deposit of as much as 10 percent of the sale price before his bid is received, which shall be refunded to him if the property is not sold to him. The deposit of the successful bidder shall be applied to his credit at settlement, or, if such bidder fails to complete his purchase promptly, the deposit shall be applied to pay the costs and expenses of the sale, and the balance, if any, shall be retained by the association in connection with that sale.

c. The property owners' association shall receive and receipt for the proceeds of sale, no purchaser being required to see to the application of the proceeds, and apply the same in the following order: first, to the reasonable expenses of sale, including attorney fees; second, to the satisfaction of all taxes, levies, and assessments, with costs and interest; third, to the satisfaction of the lien for the owners' assessments; fourth, to the satisfaction in the order of priority of any remaining inferior claims of record; and fifth, to pay the residue of the proceeds to the owner or his assigns, provided, however, that, as to the payment of such residue, the association shall not be bound by any inheritance, devise, conveyance, assignment, or lien of or upon the owner's equity, without actual notice thereof prior to distribution.

9. The trustee shall deliver to the purchaser a trustee's deed conveying the lot with special warranty of title. The trustee shall not be required to take possession of the property prior to the sale of such property or to deliver possession of the lot to the purchaser at the sale.

10. The trustee shall file an accounting of the sale with the commissioner of accounts pursuant to § 64.2-1309, and every account of a sale shall be recorded pursuant to § 64.2-1310. In addition, the accounting shall be made available for inspection and copying pursuant to § 55.1-1815 upon the written request of the prior lot owner, the current lot owner, or any holder of a recorded lien against the lot at the time of the sale. The association shall maintain a copy of the accounting for at least 12 months following the foreclosure sale.

11. If the sale of a lot is made pursuant to subsection I and the accounting is made by the trustee, the title of the purchaser at such sale shall not be disturbed unless within 12 months from the confirmation of the accounting by the commissioner of accounts the sale is set aside by the court or an appeal is filed in the Court of Appeals or granted by the Supreme Court and an order is entered requiring such sale to be set aside.

1989, c. 679, § 55-516; 1991, c. 667; 1997, cc. 760, 766; 2000, c. 905; 2004, cc. 778, 779, 786; 2019, c. 712; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 489.

In accordance with the provisions of § 15.2-979, the association shall be given notice whenever a lot becomes subject to a sale under a deed of trust. Upon receipt of such notice, the board of directors, on behalf of the association, shall exercise whatever due diligence it deems necessary with respect to the lot subject to a sale under a deed of trust to protect the interests of the association.

2015, cc. 93, 410, § 55-516.01; 2019, c. 712.

The association shall file an annual report in a form and at such time as prescribed by regulations of the Common Interest Community Board. The annual report shall be accompanied by a fee in an amount established by the Board, which shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Common Interest Community Management Information Fund established pursuant to § 54.1-2354.2.

1993, c. 958, § 55-516.1; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2009, c. 557; 2012, cc. 481, 797; 2019, cc. 391, 712.

When any portion of the common area is taken or damaged under the power of eminent domain, any award or payment for such portion shall be paid to the association, which shall be a party in interest in the condemnation proceeding. The common area that is affected shall be valued on the basis of the common area's highest and best use as though it were free from restriction to sole use as a common area.

Except to the extent that the declaration or any rules and regulations duly adopted pursuant to such declaration otherwise provide, the board of directors shall have the authority to negotiate with the condemning authority, agree to an award or payment amount with the condemning authority without instituting condemnation proceedings, and, upon such agreement, convey the subject common area to the condemning authority. Thereafter, the president of the association may unilaterally execute and record the deed of conveyance to the condemning authority.

A member of the association, by virtue of his membership, shall be estopped from contesting the action of the association in any proceeding held pursuant to this section.

1995, c. 377, § 55-516.2; 1998, c. 32; 2016, c. 719; 2019, c. 712.

A management contract that contains an automatic renewal provision may be terminated by the association or the common interest community manager at any time without cause upon not less than 60 days' written notice.

2023, c. 109.

Chapter 19. Virginia Condominium Act.

Article 1. General Provisions.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Capital components" means those items, whether or not a part of the common elements, for which the unit owners' association has the obligation for repair, replacement, or restoration and for which the executive board determines funding is necessary.

"Common elements" means all portions of the condominium other than the units.

"Common expenses" means all expenditures lawfully made or incurred by or on behalf of the unit owners' association, together with all funds lawfully assessed for the creation or maintenance of reserves pursuant to the provisions of the condominium instruments.

"Common interest community manager" means the same as that term is defined in § 54.1-2345.

"Condominium" means real property, and any incidents to or interests in such real property, lawfully subject to this chapter by the recordation of condominium instruments pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. No project shall be deemed a condominium within the meaning of this chapter unless the undivided interests in the common elements are vested in the unit owners.

"Condominium instruments" means, collectively, the declaration, bylaws, and plats and plans recorded pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. Any exhibit, schedule, or certification recorded with a condominium instrument shall be deemed an integral part of that condominium instrument. Once recorded, any amendment or certification of any condominium instrument shall be deemed an integral part of the affected condominium instrument if such amendment or certification was made in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

"Condominium unit" means a unit together with the undivided interest in the common elements appertaining to that unit.

"Contractable condominium" means a condominium from which one or more portions of the submitted land may be withdrawn in accordance with the provisions of the declaration and of this chapter. If such withdrawal can occur only by the expiration or termination of one or more leases, then the condominium shall not be deemed a contractable condominium.

"Conversion condominium" means a condominium containing structures that before the recording of the declaration were wholly or partially occupied by persons other than those who have contracted for the purchase of condominium units and those who occupy with the consent of such purchasers.

"Convertible land" means a portion of the common elements within which additional units or limited common elements may be created in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

"Convertible space" means a portion of a structure within the condominium that a declarant may convert into one or more units or common elements, including limited common elements, in accordance with the provisions of the declaration and this chapter.

"Declarant" means any person, or group of persons acting in concert, that (i) offers to dispose of its interest in a condominium unit not previously disposed of, including an institutional lender that may not have succeeded to or accepted any special declarant rights pursuant to § 55.1-1947; (ii) reserves or succeeds to any special declarant right; or (iii) applies for registration of the condominium. However, for the purposes of clauses (i) and (iii), "declarant" does not include an institutional lender that acquires title by foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure unless such lender offers to dispose of its interest in a condominium unit not previously disposed of to anyone not in the business of selling real estate for his own account, except as otherwise provided in § 55.1-1947. "Declarant" does not include an individual who acquires title to a condominium unit at a foreclosure sale.

"Dispose" or "disposition" refers to any voluntary transfer of a legal or equitable interest in a condominium unit to a purchaser, but does not include the transfer or release of security for a debt.

"Electronic means" means any form of communication, not directly involving the physical transmission of paper, that creates a record that may be retained, retrieved, and reviewed by a recipient of such communication. A meeting conducted by electronic means includes a meeting conducted via teleconference, videoconference, Internet exchange, or other electronic methods. Any term used in this definition that is defined in § 59.1-480 of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act has the meaning set forth in that section.

"Executive board" means an executive and administrative entity, by whatever name denominated, designated in the condominium instruments as the governing body of the unit owners' association.

"Expandable condominium" means a condominium to which additional land may be added in accordance with the provisions of the declaration and this chapter.

"Future common expenses" means common expenses for which assessments are not yet due and payable.

"Identifying number" means one or more letters or numbers that identify only one unit in the condominium.

"Institutional lender" means one or more commercial or savings banks, savings and loan associations, trust companies, credit unions, industrial loan associations, insurance companies, pension funds, or business trusts, including real estate investment trusts, any other lender regularly engaged in financing the purchase, construction, or improvement of real estate, or any assignee of loans made by such a lender, or any combination of any of the foregoing entities.

"Land" is a three-dimensional concept and includes parcels with upper or lower boundaries, or both upper and lower boundaries, as well as parcels extending ab solo usque ad coelum. Parcels of airspace constitute land within the meaning of this chapter. Any requirement in this chapter of a legally sufficient description shall be deemed to include a requirement that the upper or lower boundaries, if any, of the parcel in question be identified with reference to established datum.

"Leasehold condominium" means a condominium in all or any portion of which each unit owner owns an estate for years in his unit, or in the land within which that unit is situated, or both, with all such leasehold interests due to expire naturally at the same time. A condominium including leased land, or an interest in such land, within which no units are situated or to be situated is not a leasehold condominium within the meaning of this chapter.

"Limited common element" means a portion of the common elements reserved for the exclusive use of those entitled to the use of one or more, but less than all, of the units.

"Nonbinding reservation agreement" means an agreement between the declarant and a prospective purchaser that is in no way binding on the prospective purchaser and that may be canceled without penalty at the sole discretion of the prospective purchaser.

"Offer" means any inducement, solicitation, or attempt to encourage any person to acquire any legal or equitable interest in a condominium unit, except as security for a debt. Nothing that expressly states that the condominium has not been registered with the Common Interest Community Board and that no unit in the condominium can or will be offered for sale until such time as the condominium has been so registered shall be considered an "offer."

"Officer" means any member of the executive board or official of the unit owners' association.

"Par value" means a number of dollars or points assigned to each unit by the declaration. Substantially identical units shall be assigned the same par value, but units located at substantially different heights above the ground, or having substantially different views, or having substantially different amenities or other characteristics that might result in differences in market value may be considered substantially identical within the meaning of §§ 55.1-1917 and 55.1-1918.

"Person" means a natural person, corporation, partnership, association, trust, or other entity capable of holding title to real property, or any combination thereof.

"Purchaser" means any person, other than a declarant, that acquires by means of a voluntary transfer a legal or equitable interest in a condominium unit, other than (i) a leasehold interest, including renewal options, of less than 20 years or (ii) as security for a debt.

"Settlement agent" means the same as that term is defined in § 55.1-1000.

"Size" means the number of cubic feet, or the number of square feet of ground or floor space, within each unit as computed by reference to the plat and plans and rounded to the nearest whole number. Certain spaces within the units, including attic, basement, or garage space, may be omitted from such calculation or partially discounted by the use of a ratio, so long as the same basis of calculation is employed for all units in the condominium and so long as that basis is described in the declaration.

"Special declarant rights" means any right reserved for the benefit of a declarant, or of a person or group of persons that becomes a declarant, to (i) expand an expandable condominium; (ii) contract a contractable condominium; (iii) convert convertible land or convertible space or both; (iv) appoint or remove any officers of the unit owners' association or the executive board pursuant to subsection A of § 55.1-1943; (v) exercise any power or responsibility otherwise assigned by any condominium instrument or by this chapter to the unit owners' association, any officer, or the executive board; or (vi) maintain sales offices, management offices, model units, and signs pursuant to § 55.1-1929.

"Unit" means a portion of the condominium designed and intended for individual ownership and use. For the purposes of this chapter, a convertible space shall be treated as a unit in accordance with subsection D of § 55.1-1925.

"Unit owner" means one or more persons that own a condominium unit or, in the case of a leasehold condominium, whose leasehold interest in the condominium extends for the entire balance of the unexpired term. "Unit owner" includes any purchaser of a condominium unit at a foreclosure sale, regardless of whether the deed is recorded in the land records where the unit is located. "Unit owner" does not include any person holding an interest in a condominium unit solely as security for a debt.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.41; 1975, c. 415; 1981, c. 480; 1982, c. 545; 1991, c. 497; 1993, c. 667; 1996, c. 977; 2001, c. 715; 2002, c. 459; 2003, c. 442; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2015, cc. 93, 410; 2019, c. 712; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 9, 494.

A. This chapter applies to all condominiums and to all horizontal property regimes or condominium projects. This chapter supersedes the Horizontal Property Act (§ 55.1-2000 et seq.), and no condominium shall be established under the Horizontal Property Act on or after July 1, 1974. This chapter shall not be construed to affect the validity of any provision of any condominium instrument recorded prior to July 1, 1974. For the purposes of this chapter, as used in the Horizontal Property Act (§ 55.1-2000 et seq.):

"Apartment" corresponds to the term "unit."

"Co-owner" corresponds to the term "unit owner."

"Council of co-owners" corresponds to the term "unit owners' association."

"Developer" corresponds to the term "declarant."

"General common elements" corresponds to the term "common elements."

"Horizontal property regime" and "condominium project" correspond to the term "condominium."

"Master deed" and "master lease" correspond to the term "declaration" and are included in the term "condominium instruments."

B. This chapter does not apply to condominiums located outside the Commonwealth. Sections 55.1-1971, 55.1-1974 through 55.1-1982, and 55.1-1985 through 55.1-1989 apply to all contracts for the disposition of condominium units signed in the Commonwealth by any person, unless exempt under § 55.1-1972.

C. Subsection B of § 55.1-1955 and § 55.1-1982 do not apply to the declarant of a conversion condominium if that declarant is a proprietary lessees' association that, immediately before the creation of the condominium, owned fee simple title to or a fee simple reversionary interest in the real estate described pursuant to subdivision A 3 of § 55.1-1916.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.40; 1982, c. 545; 1989, c. 63; 2006, c. 646; 2019, c. 712.

Except as expressly provided in this chapter, provisions of this chapter shall not be varied by agreement, and rights conferred by this chapter shall not be waived. A declarant shall not act under power of attorney or use any other device to evade the limitations or prohibitions of this chapter or of the condominium instruments.

1982, c. 545, § 55-79.41:1; 2019, c. 712.

Except as otherwise provided in this section, each condominium unit constitutes a separate parcel of real estate. If there is any unit owner other than the declarant, each unit, together with its common element interest, but excluding its common element interest in convertible land and in any withdrawable land within which the declarant has the right to create units or limited common elements, shall be separately assessed and taxed. Each convertible land and withdrawable land within which the declarant has the right to create units or limited common elements shall be separately assessed and taxed against the declarant.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.42; 1986, c. 324; 2019, c. 712.

Except as expressly authorized in this chapter, in the condominium instruments, or as otherwise provided by law, no unit owners' association may make an assessment or impose a charge against a unit owner unless the charge is (i) authorized under § 55.1-1964, (ii) a fee for services provided, or (iii) related to the provisions set out in § 55.1-2316. The Common Interest Community Board may assess a monetary penalty for a violation of this section against any (a) unit owners' association pursuant to § 54.1-2351 or (b) common interest community manager pursuant to § 54.1-2349 and may issue a cease and desist order pursuant to § 54.1-2352.

2015, c. 277, § 55-79.42:1; 2019, c. 712; 2020, c. 592; 2023, cc. 387, 388.

A. No zoning or other land use ordinance shall prohibit condominiums solely on the basis of the form of ownership, nor shall any condominium be treated differently by any zoning or other land use ordinance that would permit a physically identical project or development under a different form of ownership. Except as provided in subsection E, no local government may require further review or approval to record condominium instruments when a property has previously complied with subdivision, site plan, zoning, or other applicable land use regulations.

B. Subdivision and site plan ordinances in any locality shall apply to any condominium in the same manner as such ordinances would apply to a physically identical project or development under a different form of ownership; however, the declarant need not apply for or obtain subdivision approval to record condominium instruments if site plan approval for the land being submitted to the condominium has first been obtained.

C. During development of a condominium containing additional land or withdrawable land, phase lines created by the condominium instruments shall not be considered property lines for purposes of subdivision. If the condominium can no longer be expanded by the addition of additional land, then the owner of the land not part of the condominium shall subdivide such land prior to its conveyance, unless such land is subject to an approved site plan as provided in subsection B, or prior to modification of such approved site plan. In the event of any conveyance of land within phase lines of the condominium, the condominium and any lot created by such conveyance shall be deemed to comply with the local subdivision ordinance, provided that such land is subject to an approved site plan.

D. During the period of declarant control and as long as the declarant has the right to create additional units or to complete the common elements, the declarant has the authority to execute, file, and process any subdivision, site plan, zoning, or other land use applications or disclosures, including related conditional zoning proffers and agreements that do not create an affirmative obligation on the unit owners' association without its consent, with respect to the common elements or applications affecting more than one unit, notwithstanding that the declarant is not the owner of the land.

In accordance with subsection B of § 55.1-1956, once the declarant no longer has such authority, the executive board of the unit owners' association, if any, and if not, then a representative duly appointed by the unit owners' association, shall have the authority to execute, file, and process any subdivision, site plan, zoning, or other land use applications or disclosures, including related conditional zoning proffers and agreements that do not create an affirmative obligation on the declarant without its consent, with respect to the common elements or applications affecting more than one unit, notwithstanding that the unit owners' association is not the owner of the land. Such applications shall not adversely affect the rights of the declarant to develop additional land. For purposes of obtaining building and occupancy permits, the unit owner, including the declarant if the declarant is the unit owner, shall apply for permits for the unit, and the unit owners' association shall apply for permits for the common elements, except that the declarant shall apply for permits for convertible land.

E. Localities may provide by ordinance that the declarant of a proposed conversion condominium that does not conform to the zoning, land use, and site plan regulations of the respective locality in which the property is located shall secure a special use permit, a special exception, or a variance, as the case may be, prior to such property's becoming a conversion condominium. The local authority shall grant a request for such a special use permit, special exception, or variance filed on or after July 1, 1982, if the applicant can demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the local authority that the nonconformities are not likely to be adversely affected by the proposed conversion. The local authority shall not unreasonably delay action on any such request. In the event of an approved conversion to condominium ownership, a locality, sanitary district, or other political subdivision may impose such charges and fees as are lawfully imposed by such locality, sanitary district, or political subdivision as a result of construction of new structures to the extent that such charges and fees, or portions of such charges and fees, imposed upon property subject to such conversions may be reasonably related to greater or additional services provided by the locality, sanitary district, or political subdivision as a result of the conversion.

F. Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit application of any provision of the Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq.) or any local ordinances regulating design and construction of roads, sewer and water lines, stormwater management facilities, and other public infrastructure to a condominium in a manner different from the manner in which such provision is applied to other buildings of similar physical form and nature of occupancy.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.43; 1975, c. 415; 1982, c. 663; 1991, c. 497; 2006, cc. 9, 317; 2019, c. 712.

A. If any portion of the common elements is taken by eminent domain, the award for such taking shall be paid to the unit owners' association, provided, however, that the portion of the award attributable to the taking of any permanently assigned limited common element shall be allocated by the order to the unit owner of the unit to which that limited common element was so assigned at the time of the taking. If that limited common element was permanently assigned to more than one unit at the time of the taking, then the portion of the award attributable to the taking of such limited common element shall be allocated in equal shares to the unit owners of the units to which it was so assigned or in such other shares as the condominium instruments may specify for this express purpose. A permanently assigned limited common element is a limited common element that cannot be reassigned or that can be reassigned only with the consent of the unit owner of the unit to which it is assigned in accordance with § 55.1-1919.

B. If one or more units are taken by eminent domain, the undivided interest in the common elements appertaining to any such unit shall thenceforth appertain to the remaining units, being allocated to them in proportion to their respective undivided interests in the common elements. The court shall enter an order reflecting the reallocation of undivided interests produced by such taking, and the award shall include just compensation to the unit owner of any unit taken for his undivided interest in the common elements as well as for his unit.

C. 1. If portions of any unit are taken by eminent domain, the court shall determine the fair market value of the portions of such unit not taken, and the undivided interest in the common elements appertaining to any such units shall be reduced, in the case of each such unit, in proportion to the diminution in the fair market value of such unit resulting from the taking.

2. The portions of undivided interest in the common elements thereby divested from the unit owners of any such units shall be reallocated among those units and the other units in the condominium in proportion to their respective undivided interests in the common elements, with any units partially taken participating in such reallocation on the basis of their undivided interests as reduced in accordance with subdivision 1.

3. The court shall enter an order reflecting the reallocation of undivided interests produced thereby, and the award shall include just compensation to the unit owner of any unit partially taken for that portion of his undivided interest in the common elements divested by operation of subdivision 1 and not revested by operation of subdivision 2, as well as for that portion of his unit taken by eminent domain.

D. If, however, the taking of a portion of any unit makes it impractical to use the remaining portion of that unit for any lawful purpose permitted by the condominium instruments, then the entire undivided interest in the common elements appertaining to that unit shall thenceforth appertain to the remaining units, being allocated to them in proportion to their respective undivided interests in the common elements, and the remaining portion of that unit shall thenceforth be a common element. The court shall enter an order reflecting the reallocation of undivided interests produced thereby, and the award shall include just compensation to the unit owner of such unit for his entire undivided interest in the common elements and for his entire unit.

E. Votes in the unit owners' association, rights to future common surpluses, and liabilities for future common expenses not specially assessed, appertaining to any unit taken or partially taken by eminent domain, shall thenceforth appertain to the remaining units, being allocated to them in proportion to their relative voting strength in the unit owners' association, with any units partially taken participating in such reallocation as though their voting strength in the unit owners' association had been reduced in proportion to the reduction in their undivided interests in the common elements, and the order of the court shall provide accordingly.

F. The order of the court shall require the recordation of such order among the land records of the county or city in which the condominium is located.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.44; 1975, c. 415; 1982, c. 545; 1998, c. 32; 2019, c. 712; 2020, c. 592.

Article 2. Creation, Alteration, and Termination of Condominiums.

No condominium shall come into existence except by the recordation of condominium instruments pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. No condominium instruments shall be recorded unless all units located or to be located on any portion of the submitted land, other than within the boundaries of any convertible lands, are depicted on plats and plans that comply with the provisions of subsections A and B of § 55.1-1920.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.45; 2019, c. 712.

A. At the time of the conveyance to the first purchaser of a condominium unit following the recordation of the declaration, every mortgage, deed of trust, any other perfected lien, or any mechanics' or materialmen's liens affecting all of the condominium or a greater portion of the condominium than the condominium unit conveyed shall be paid and satisfied of record, or the declarant shall forthwith have such condominium unit released of record from all such liens not so paid and satisfied. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply, however, to any withdrawable land in a contractable condominium, nor shall any provision of this subsection be construed to prohibit the unit owners' association from mortgaging or causing a deed of trust to be placed on any portion of the condominium within which no units are located, so long as the period of declarant control specified in § 55.1-1943 has expired and so long as the bylaws authorize such action. This subsection does not apply to any lien on more than one condominium unit in a condominium in which all units are restricted to nonresidential use and in which all unit owners whose condominium units will be subject to such lien expressly agree to assume or take subject to such lien.

B. If any lien, other than a deed of trust or mortgage, becomes effective against two or more condominium units subsequent to the creation of the condominium, any unit owner may remove his condominium unit from that lien by payment of the amount attributable to his condominium unit. Such amount shall be computed by reference to the liability for common expenses appertaining to that condominium unit pursuant to subsection D of § 55.1-1964. Subsequent to such payment, discharge, or other satisfaction, the unit owner of that condominium unit shall be entitled to have that lien released as to his condominium unit in accordance with the provisions of § 55.1-341, and the unit owners' association shall not assess, or have a valid lien against, that condominium unit for any portion of the common expenses incurred in connection with that lien, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in §§ 55.1-1964 and 55.1-1966.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.46; 1985, c. 107; 1992, c. 72; 1993, c. 667; 2019, c. 712.

After the creation of the condominium, no description of a condominium unit shall be deemed vague, uncertain, or otherwise insufficient or infirm if it sets forth the identifying number of that unit, the name of the condominium, the name of the county or city in which the condominium is situated, and either the deed book and page number where the first page of the declaration is recorded or the document number assigned to the declaration by the clerk. Any such description shall be deemed to include the undivided interest in the common elements appertaining to such unit even if such interest is not defined or referred to in the description.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.47; 1975, c. 415; 2019, c. 712.

The declaration and bylaws, and any amendments to either made pursuant to § 55.1-1934, shall be duly executed by or on behalf of all of the owners and lessees of the submitted land. The phrase "owners and lessees" in this section and in § 55.1-1926 does not include, in their capacity as such, any mortgagee, any trustee or beneficiary under a deed of trust, any other lien holder, any person having an equitable interest under any contract for the sale or lease of a condominium unit, any lessee whose leasehold interest does not extend to any portion of the common elements, any person whose land is subject to an easement included in the condominium, or, in the case of a leasehold condominium subject to any lease executed before July 1, 1962, any lessor of the submitted land who is not a declarant.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.48; 1980, c. 702; 1984, c. 21; 1990, c. 831; 2019, c. 712.

All condominium instruments and all amendments and certifications of such condominium instruments shall be recorded in every county and city in which any portion of the condominium is located. The condominium instruments, amendments, and certifications shall set forth the county or city in which the condominium is located, the name of the condominium, and either the deed book and page number where the first page of the declaration is recorded or the document number assigned to the declaration by the clerk.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.49; 1975, c. 415; 1982, c. 545; 2019, c. 712; 2020, c. 592.

Except to the extent otherwise provided by the condominium instruments:

1. The terms defined in § 55.1-1900 shall be deemed to have the meanings therein specified wherever they appear in the condominium instruments unless the context requires a different meaning.

2. To the extent that walls, floors, or ceilings are designated as the boundaries of the units or of any specified units, all lath, wallboard, plasterboard, plaster, paneling, tiles, wallpaper, paint, and finished flooring and any other materials constituting any part of the finished surfaces of such walls, floors, or ceilings are part of such units, while all other portions of such walls, floors, or ceilings are a part of the common elements.

3. If any chutes, flues, ducts, conduits, wires, bearing walls, bearing columns, or other apparatus lies partially within and partially outside of the designated boundaries of a unit, any portions serving only that unit are a part of that unit, while any portions serving more than one unit or any portion of the common elements are a part of the common elements.

4. Subject to the provisions of subdivision 3, all space, interior partitions, and other fixtures and improvements within the boundaries of a unit are a part of that unit.

5. Any shutters, awnings, doors, windows, window boxes, doorsteps, porches, balconies, patios, or other apparatus designed to serve a single unit, but located outside the boundaries of such unit, are limited common elements appertaining to that unit exclusively, except that if a single unit's electrical master switch is located outside the designated boundaries of the unit, the switch and its cover are a part of the common elements.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.50; 1982, cc. 206, 545; 2019, c. 712.

The condominium instruments shall be construed together and shall be deemed to incorporate one another to the extent that any requirement of this chapter as to the content of one shall be deemed satisfied if the deficiency can be cured by reference to any of the others. In the event of any conflict between the condominium instruments, the declaration shall control; but particular provisions shall control more general provisions, except that a construction consistent with the statute shall in all cases control over any inconsistent construction.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.51; 1975, c. 415; 2019, c. 712.

A. All provisions of the condominium instruments shall be deemed severable, and any unlawful provision of such condominium instruments shall be void.

B. No provision of the condominium instruments shall be deemed void by reason of the rule against perpetuities.

C. No restraint on alienation shall discriminate or be used to discriminate on any basis prohibited under the Virginia Fair Housing Law (§ 36-96.1 et seq.).

D. Subject to the provisions of subsection C, the rule of property law known as the rule restricting unreasonable restraints on alienation shall not be applied to defeat any provision of the condominium instruments restraining the alienation of condominium units other than such units as may be restricted to residential use only.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.52; 1975, c. 415; 1998, cc. 32, 454; 2019, c. 712.

A. The declarant, every unit owner, and all those entitled to occupy a unit shall comply with all lawful provisions of this chapter and all provisions of the condominium instruments. Any lack of such compliance shall be grounds for an action to recover sums due, for damages or injunctive relief, or for any other remedy available at law or in equity, maintainable by the unit owners' association or by its executive board or any managing agent on behalf of such association or, in any proper case, by one or more aggrieved unit owners on their own behalf or as a class action. A unit owners' association shall have standing to sue in its own name for any claims or actions related to the common elements as provided in subsection B of § 55.1-1956. Except as provided in subsection B, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees, costs expended in the matter, and interest on the judgment as provided in § 8.01-382. This section does not preclude an action against the unit owners' association and authorizes the recovery, by the prevailing party in any such action, of reasonable attorney fees, costs expended in the matter, and interest on the judgment as provided in § 8.01-382 in such actions.

B. In actions against a unit owner for nonpayment of assessments in which the unit owner has failed to pay assessments levied by the unit owners' association on more than one unit or such unit owner has had legal actions taken against him for nonpayment of any prior assessment and the prevailing party is the association or its executive board or any managing agent on behalf of the association, the prevailing party shall be awarded reasonable attorney fees, costs expended in the matter, and interest on the judgment as provided in subsection A, even if the proceeding is settled prior to judgment. The delinquent unit owner shall be personally responsible for reasonable attorney fees and costs expended in the matter by the unit owners' association, whether any judicial proceedings are filed.

C. The condominium instruments may provide for arbitration of disputes or other means of alternative dispute resolution. Any such arbitration held in accordance with this subsection shall be consistent with the provisions of this chapter and Chapter 21 (§ 8.01-577 et seq.) of Title 8.01. The place of any such arbitration or alternative dispute resolution shall be in the county or city in which the condominium is located or as mutually agreed by the parties.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.53; 1975, c. 415; 1993, c. 667; 1996, c. 977; 2012, c. 758; 2014, c. 569; 2019, c. 712.

A. The declaration for every condominium shall contain the following:

1. The name of the condominium, which name shall include the word "condominium" or be followed by the words "a condominium."

2. The name of the county or city in which the condominium is located.

3. A legal description by metes and bounds of the land submitted in accordance with this chapter.

4. A description or delineation of the boundaries of the units, including the horizontal (upper and lower) boundaries, if any, as well as the vertical (lateral or perimetric) boundaries.

5. A description or delineation of any limited common elements, other than those that are limited common elements by virtue of subdivision 5 of § 55.1-1912, showing or designating the unit or units to which each is assigned.

6. A description or delineation of all common elements not within the boundaries of any convertible lands that may subsequently be assigned as limited common elements, together with a statement that (i) they may be so assigned and a description of the method by which any such assignments shall be made in accordance with the provisions of § 55.1-1919 or (ii) once assigned, the conditions under which they may be unassigned and converted to common elements in accordance with § 55.1-1919.

7. The allocation to each unit of an undivided interest in the common elements in accordance with the provisions of § 55.1-1917.

8. A statement of the extent of the declarant's obligation to complete improvements labeled "NOT YET COMPLETED" or to begin and complete improvements labeled "NOT YET BEGUN" on plats recorded pursuant to the requirements of this chapter. Such statement shall be specific as to the type and quality of materials to be used, the size or capacity of the improvements when material, and the time by which such improvements shall be completed.

9. Such other matters as the declarant deems appropriate.

B. If the condominium contains any convertible land, the declaration shall also contain the following:

1. A legal description by metes and bounds of each convertible land within the condominium.

2. A statement of the maximum number of units that may be created within each such convertible land.

3. A statement, with respect to each such convertible land, of the maximum percentage of the aggregate land and floor area of all units that may be created in such convertible land that may be occupied by units not restricted exclusively to residential use. Such statement is not required if none of the units on other portions of the submitted land are restricted exclusively to residential use.

4. A statement of the extent to which any structure erected on any convertible land will be compatible with structures on other portions of the submitted land in terms of quality of construction, the principal materials to be used, and architectural style.

5. A description of all other improvements that may be made on each convertible land within the condominium.

6. A statement that any units created within each convertible land will be substantially identical to the units on other portions of the submitted land, or a statement describing in detail what other types of units may be created in such convertible land.

7. A description of the declarant's reserved right, if any, to create limited common elements within any convertible land or to designate common elements in such convertible land that may subsequently be assigned as limited common elements, in terms of the types, sizes, and maximum number of such elements within each such convertible land.

Plats and plans may be recorded as exhibits to the declaration to supplement information furnished pursuant to subdivisions 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7.

C. If the condominium is an expandable condominium, the declaration shall also contain the following:

1. The explicit reservation of an option to expand the condominium.

2. A statement of any limitations on that option, including a statement as to whether the consent of any unit owners shall be required, and, if so, a statement as to the method by which such consent shall be ascertained, or a statement that there are no such limitations.

3. A time limit, not exceeding 10 years after the recording of the declaration, upon which the option to expand the condominium shall expire, together with a statement of the circumstances, if any, that will terminate that option prior to the expiration of the time limit so specified. After the expiration of any period of declarant control reserved pursuant to subsection A of § 55.1-1943, such time limit may be extended by an amendment to the declaration made pursuant to § 55.1-1934.

4. A legal description by metes and bounds of all land that may be added to the condominium, henceforth referred to as "additional land."

5. A statement as to whether, if any of the additional land is added to the condominium, all of it or any particular portion of it must be added and, if not, a statement of any limitations as to what portions may be added, or a statement that there are no such limitations.

6. A statement as to whether portions of the additional land may be added to the condominium at different times, together with any limitations fixing the boundaries of those portions by legal descriptions setting forth the metes and bounds of such portions or regulating the order in which they may be added to the condominium.

7. A statement of any limitations as to the locations of any improvements that may be made on any portions of the additional land added to the condominium, or a statement that no assurances are made in that regard.

8. A statement of the maximum number of units that may be created on the additional land. If portions of the additional land may be added to the condominium and the boundaries of those portions are fixed in accordance with subdivision 6, the declaration shall also state the maximum number of units that may be created on each such portion added to the condominium. If portions of the additional land may be added to the condominium and the boundaries of those portions are not fixed in accordance with subdivision 6, then the declaration shall also state the maximum number of units per acre that may be created on any such portion added to the condominium.

9. A statement, with respect to the additional land and to any portion of such additional land that may be added to the condominium, of the maximum percentage of the aggregate land and floor area of all units that may be created on such additional land that may be occupied by units not restricted exclusively to residential use. Such statement is not required if none of the units on the submitted land are restricted exclusively to residential use.

10. A statement of the extent to which any structures erected on any portion of the additional land added to the condominium will be compatible with structures on the submitted land in terms of quality of construction, the principal materials to be used, and architectural style, or a statement that no assurances are made in those regards.

11. A description of all other improvements that will be made on any portion of the additional land added to the condominium, or a statement of any limitations as to what other improvements may be made on such additional land, or a statement that no assurances are made in that regard.

12. A statement that any units created on any portion of the additional land added to the condominium will be substantially identical to the units on the submitted land, or a statement of any limitations as to what types of units may be created on such additional land, or a statement that no assurances are made in that regard.

13. A description of the declarant's reserved right, if any, to create limited common elements within any portion of the additional land added to the condominium or to designate common elements in such additional land that may subsequently be assigned as limited common elements, in terms of the types, sizes, and maximum number of such elements within each such portion, or a statement that no assurances are made in those regards.

Plats and plans may be recorded as exhibits to the declaration to supplement information furnished pursuant to subdivisions 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, and 13.

D. If the condominium is a contractable condominium, the declaration shall also contain the following:

1. The explicit reservation of an option to contract the condominium.

2. A statement of any limitations on that option, including a statement as to whether the consent of any unit owners shall be required, and, if so, a statement as to the method whereby such consent shall be ascertained, or a statement that there are no such limitations.

3. A time limit, not exceeding 10 years after the recording of the declaration, upon which the option to contract the condominium shall expire, together with a statement of the circumstances, if any, that will terminate that option prior to the expiration of the time limit so specified.

4. A legal description by metes and bounds of all land that may be withdrawn from the condominium, hereinafter referred to as "withdrawable land."

5. A statement as to whether portions of the withdrawable land may be withdrawn from the condominium at different times, together with any limitations fixing the boundaries of those portions by legal descriptions setting forth the metes and bounds or regulating the order in which they may be withdrawn from the condominium.

6. A legal description by metes and bounds of all of the submitted land to which the option to contract the condominium does not extend. This subdivision shall not be construed in derogation of any right the declarant may have to terminate the condominium in accordance with the provisions of § 55.1-1937.

Plats may be recorded as exhibits to the declaration to supplement information furnished pursuant to subdivisions 4, 5, and 6.

E. If the condominium is a leasehold condominium, then with respect to any ground lease or other leases the expiration or termination of which will or may terminate or contract the condominium, the declaration shall set forth the county or city in which such lease is recorded and the deed book and page number where the first page of each such lease is recorded, and the declaration shall also contain the following:

1. The date upon which each such lease is due to expire.

2. A statement as to whether any land or improvements will be owned by the unit owners in fee simple and, if so, either (i) a description of the same, including a legal description by metes and bounds of any such land, or (ii) a statement of any rights the unit owners shall have to remove such improvements within a reasonable time after the expiration or termination of the lease involved, or a statement that they shall have no such rights.

3. A statement of the rights the unit owners shall have to redeem any reversion, or a statement that they shall have no such rights.

After the recording of the declaration, no lessor who executed such declaration, and no successor in interest to such lessor, shall have any right or power to terminate any part of the leasehold interest of any unit owner who makes timely payment of his share of the rent to the person designated in the declaration for the receipt of such rent and who otherwise complies with all covenants that, if violated, would entitle the lessor to terminate the lease. Acquisition or reacquisition of such a leasehold interest by the owner of the reversion or remainder does not cause a merger of the leasehold and fee simple interests unless all leasehold interests in the condominium are thus acquired or reacquired.

F. Wherever this section requires a legal description by metes and bounds of land that is submitted pursuant to this chapter or that may be added to or withdrawn from the condominium, such requirement shall be deemed satisfied by any legally sufficient description and shall be deemed to require a legally sufficient description of any easements that are submitted pursuant to this chapter or that may be added to or withdrawn from the condominium, as appropriate. In the case of each such easement, the declaration shall contain the following:

1. A description of the permitted use or uses.

2. If less than all of those entitled to the use of all of the units may utilize such easement, a statement of the relevant restrictions and limitations on utilization.

3. If any persons other than those entitled to the use of the units may utilize such easement, a statement of the rights of others to utilization of the easement.

G. Wherever this section requires a legal description by metes and bounds of land that is submitted pursuant to this chapter or that may be added to or withdrawn from the condominium, an added requirement shall be a separate legally sufficient description of all lands in which the unit owners shall or may be tenants in common or joint tenants with any other persons and a separate legally sufficient description of all lands in which the unit owners shall or may be life tenants. No units shall be situated on any such lands, however, and the declaration shall describe the nature of the unit owners' estate in such lands. No such lands shall be shown on the same plat or plats showing other portions of the condominium but shall be shown instead on separate plats.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.54; 1975, c. 415; 1977, c. 428; 1982, c. 545; 1993, c. 667; 1998, c. 32; 2012, c. 520; 2019, c. 712.

A. The declaration may allocate to each unit depicted on plats and plans that comply with subsections A and B of § 55.1-1920 an undivided interest in the common elements proportionate to either the size or par value of each unit. If par value is stated in terms of dollars, that statement shall not be deemed to reflect or control the sales price or fair market value of any unit, and no opinion, appraisal, or fair market transaction at a different figure shall affect the par value of any unit or any undivided interest in the common elements, voting rights in the unit owners' association, or liability for common expenses assigned on the basis of such par value.

B. If the basis for allocation provided in subsection A is not used, then the declaration shall allocate to each such unit an equal undivided interest in the common elements, subject to the following exception: Each convertible space so depicted shall be allocated an undivided interest in the common elements proportionate to the size of each such space, vis-a-vis the aggregate size of all units so depicted, while the remaining undivided interest in the common elements shall be allocated equally to the other units so depicted.

C. The undivided interests in the common elements allocated in accordance with subsection A or B shall add up to 1 if stated as fractions or 100 percent if stated as percentages.

D. If, in accordance with subsection A or B, an equal undivided interest in the common elements is allocated to each unit, the declaration may state that fact and need not express the fraction or percentage so allocated.

E. Unless an equal undivided interest in the common elements is allocated to each unit, the undivided interest allocated to each unit in accordance with subsection A or B shall be reflected by a table in the declaration, or by an exhibit to the declaration, containing three columns. The first column shall identify the units, listing them serially or grouping them together in the case of units to which identical undivided interests are allocated. Corresponding figures in the second and third columns shall set forth the respective areas or par values of those units and the fraction or percentage of undivided interest in the common elements allocated to such units.

F. Except to the extent otherwise expressly provided by this chapter, the undivided interest in the common elements allocated to any unit shall not be altered, and any purported transfer, encumbrance, or other disposition of that interest without the unit to which it appertains is void.

G. The common elements shall not be subject to any action for partition until and unless the condominium is terminated.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.55; 2019, c. 712.

A. If a condominium contains any convertible land or is an expandable condominium, then the declaration shall not allocate undivided interests in the common elements on the basis of par value unless the declaration:

1. Prohibits the creation of any units not substantially identical to the units depicted on the plats and plans recorded pursuant to subsections A and B of § 55.1-1920; or

2. Prohibits the creation of any units not described pursuant to subdivision B 6 of § 55.1-1916, in the case of convertible lands, and subdivision C 12 of § 55.1-1916, in the case of additional land, and contains from the outset a statement of the par value that shall be assigned to every such unit that may be created.

B. Interests in the common elements shall not be allocated to any units to be created within any convertible land or within any additional land until plats and plans depicting the same are recorded pursuant to subsection C of § 55.1-1920. But simultaneously with the recording of such plats and plans, the declarant shall execute and record an amendment to the declaration reallocating undivided interests in the common elements so that the units depicted on such plats and plans shall be allocated undivided interests in the common elements on the same basis as the units depicted on the plats and plans recorded simultaneously with the declaration pursuant to subsections A and B of § 55.1-1920.

C. If all of a convertible space is converted into common elements, including limited common elements, then the undivided interest in the common elements appertaining to such space shall then appertain to the remaining units, being allocated among them in proportion to their undivided interests in the common elements. The principal officer of the unit owners' association, or such other officer as the condominium instruments may specify, shall forthwith prepare, execute, and record an amendment to the declaration reflecting the reallocation of undivided interests produced by such conversion.

D. In the case of a leasehold condominium, if the expiration or termination of any lease causes a contraction of the condominium that reduces the number of units, then the undivided interest in the common elements appertaining to any units withdrawn from the condominium shall then appertain to the remaining units, being allocated among them in proportion to their undivided interests in the common elements. The principal officer of the unit owners' association, or such other officer as the condominium instruments may specify, shall forthwith prepare, execute, and record an amendment to the declaration reflecting the reallocation of undivided interests produced by such contraction.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.56; 2019, c. 712.

A. All assignments and reassignments of limited common elements shall be reflected by the condominium instruments. No limited common element shall be assigned or reassigned except in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. No amendment to any condominium instrument shall alter any rights or obligations with respect to any limited common elements without the consent of all unit owners adversely affected by such amendment as evidenced by their execution of such amendment, except to the extent that the condominium instruments expressly provided otherwise prior to the first assignment of that limited common element.

B. Unless expressly prohibited by the condominium instruments, a limited common element may be reassigned or converted to a common element upon written application of the unit owners concerned to the principal officer of the unit owners' association, or to such other officer as the condominium instruments may specify. The officer to whom such application is duly made shall forthwith prepare and execute an amendment to the declaration reassigning all rights and obligations with respect to the limited common element involved. Such amendment shall be executed by the unit owners concerned and recorded by an officer of the unit owners' association or his agent following payment by the unit owners of the units concerned of all reasonable costs for the preparation, acknowledgment, and recordation of such amendment. The amendment is effective when recorded.

C. A common element not previously assigned as a limited common element shall be so assigned only pursuant to subdivision A 6 of § 55.1-1916. The amendment to the declaration making such an assignment shall be prepared and executed by the declarant, the principal officer of the unit owners' association, or by such other officer as the condominium instruments may specify. Such amendment shall be recorded by the declarant or his agent, without charge to any unit owner, or by an officer of the unit owners' association or his agent following payment by the unit owners of the units concerned of all reasonable costs for the preparation, acknowledgment, and recordation of such amendment. The amendment is effective when recorded, and the recordation of such amendment shall be conclusive evidence that the method prescribed pursuant to subdivision A 6 of § 55.1-1916 was adhered to. A copy of the amendment shall be delivered to the unit owners of the units concerned. If executed by the declarant, such an amendment recorded prior to July 1, 1983, shall not be invalid because it was not prepared by an officer of the unit owners' association.

D. If the declarant does not prepare and record an amendment to the declaration to effect the assignment of common elements as limited common elements in accordance with rights reserved in the condominium instruments, but has reflected an intention to make such assignments in deeds conveying units, then the principal officer of the unit owners' association may prepare, execute, and record such an amendment at any time after the declarant ceases to be a unit owner.

E. The declarant may unilaterally record an amendment to the declaration converting a limited common element appurtenant to a unit owned by the declarant into a common element as long as the declarant continues to own the unit.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.57; 1983, c. 230; 1991, c. 497; 1998, c. 32; 2019, c. 712; 2020, c. 592.

A. There shall be recorded simultaneously with the declaration one or more plats of survey showing the location and dimensions of the submitted land, the location and dimensions of any convertible lands within the submitted land, the location and dimensions of any existing improvements, the intended location and dimensions of any contemplated improvements that are to be located on any portion of the submitted land other than within the boundaries of any convertible lands, and, to the extent feasible, the location and dimensions of all easements appurtenant to the submitted land or otherwise subject to this chapter as a part of the common elements. If the submitted land is not contiguous, then the plats shall indicate the distances between the parcels constituting the submitted land. The plats shall label every convertible land as a convertible land, and if there is more than one such land, the plats shall label each such land with one or more letters or numbers different from those designating any other convertible land and different also from the identifying number of any unit. The plats shall show the location and dimensions of any withdrawable lands and shall label each such land as a withdrawable land. The plats shall show the location and dimensions of any additional lands and shall label each such land as an additional land. If, with respect to any portion, but less than all, of the submitted land, the unit owners are to own only an estate for years, the plats shall show the location and dimensions of any such portion, and shall label each such portion as a leased land. If there is more than one withdrawable land, or more than one leased land, the plats shall label each such land with one or more letters or numbers different from those designating any convertible land or other withdrawable or leased land, and different also from the identifying number of any unit. The plats shall show all easements to which the submitted land or any portion of such submitted land is subject and shall show the location and dimensions of all such easements to the extent feasible. The plats shall also show all encroachments by or on any portion of the condominium. In the case of any improvements located or to be located on any portion of the submitted land other than within the boundaries of any convertible lands, the plats shall indicate which, if any, have not been begun by the use of the phrase "NOT YET BEGUN" and which, if any, have been begun but have not been substantially completed by the use of the phrase "NOT YET COMPLETED." In the case of any units the vertical boundaries of which lie wholly or partially outside of structures for which plans pursuant to subsection B are simultaneously recorded, the plats shall show the location and dimensions of such vertical boundaries to the extent that they are not shown on such plans, and the units or portions thereof thus depicted shall bear their identifying numbers. Each plat shall be certified in a recorded document as to its accuracy and compliance with the provisions of this subsection by a licensed land surveyor, and the surveyor shall certify in such document or on the face of the plat that all units or portions of such units depicted on such plat pursuant to the preceding sentence of this subsection have been substantially completed. The specification within this subsection of items that shall be shown on the plats shall not be construed to mean that the plats shall not also show all other items customarily shown or hereafter required for land title surveys.

B. Plans shall also be recorded with the declaration. Such plans shall show every structure that contains or constitutes all or part of any unit and that is located on any portion of the submitted land other than within the boundaries of any convertible lands. The plans shall show the location and dimensions of the vertical boundaries of each unit to the extent that such boundaries lie within or coincide with the boundaries of such structures, and the units or portions of the submitted units so depicted shall bear their identifying numbers. In addition, each convertible space so depicted shall be labeled as convertible space. The horizontal boundaries of each unit having horizontal boundaries shall be identified on the plans with reference to established datum. Unless the condominium instruments expressly provide otherwise, it shall be presumed that in the case of any unit not wholly contained within or constituting one or more such structures, the horizontal boundaries thus identified extend, in the case of each such unit, at the same elevation with regard to any part of such unit, lying outside of such structures, subject to the following exception: In the case of any such unit that does not lie over any other unit other than basement units, it shall be presumed that the lower horizontal boundary, if any, of that unit lies at the level of the ground with regard to any part of that unit lying outside of such structures. The plans shall be certified on their face or in another recorded document as to their accuracy and compliance with the provisions of this subsection by a licensed architect, licensed engineer, or licensed land surveyor, and such architect, engineer, or land surveyor shall certify on the plans or in the recorded document that all units or portions of the submitted units depicted on such plans have been substantially completed.

C. When converting all or any portion of any convertible land, or adding additional land to an expandable condominium, the declarant shall record, with regard to any structures on the land being converted or added, either plats of survey conforming to the requirements of subsection A and plans conforming to the requirements of subsection B, or certifications conforming to the certification requirements of such subsections of plats and plans previously recorded pursuant to § 55.1-1922.

D. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections A and B, a time-share interest in a unit that has been subjected to a time-share instrument pursuant to § 55.1-2208 may be conveyed prior to substantial completion of that unit if (i) a completion bond has been filed in compliance with subsection B of § 55.1-1921 and remains in full force and effect until the unit is certified as substantially complete in accordance with subsections A and B and (ii) the settlement agent or title insurance company insuring the time-share estate in the unit certifies to the purchaser in writing, based on information provided by the Common Interest Community Board, that the bond has been filed with the Common Interest Community Board.

E. When converting all or any portion of any convertible space into one or more units or limited common elements, the declarant shall record, with regard to the structure or portion of such structure constituting that convertible space, plans showing the location and dimensions of the vertical boundaries of each unit or limited common elements formed out of such space. Such plans shall be certified as to their accuracy and compliance with the provisions of this subsection by a licensed architect, licensed engineer, or licensed land surveyor.

F. For the purposes of subsections A, B, and C, all provisions and requirements relating to units shall be deemed equally applicable to limited common elements. The limited common elements shall be labeled as such, and each limited common element depicted on the plats and plans shall show the identifying number of the unit to which it is assigned, if it has been assigned, unless the provisions of subdivision 5 of § 55.1-1912 make such designations unnecessary.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.58; 1975, c. 415; 1984, c. 601; 1991, c. 497; 1999, c. 560; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2019, c. 712.

A. The declarant shall file with the Common Interest Community Board a bond entered into by the declarant in the sum of 100 percent of the estimated cost of completion, to the extent of the declarant's obligation as stated in the declaration, of all improvements to the common elements of the condominium labeled in the plat or plats as "NOT YET COMPLETED" or "NOT YET BEGUN" located upon submitted land and which the declarant reasonably believes will not be substantially complete at the time of conveyance of the first condominium unit. Such bond shall be conditioned upon the faithful performance of the declarant's obligation to complete such improvements in strict conformity with the plans and specifications for the same as described in the declaration.

B. The declarant shall file with the Common Interest Community Board a bond entered into by the declarant in the sum of 100 percent of the estimated cost of completion of a unit in which a time-share interest is conveyed before the unit has been certified as substantially complete in accordance with subsections A and B of § 55.1-1920. The bond required by this subsection shall be conditioned upon the faithful performance of the declarant's obligation to complete such improvements in strict conformity with the plans and specifications for the same as described in the declaration.

C. All bonds required in this section shall be executed by a surety company authorized to transact business in the Commonwealth or by such other surety as is satisfactory to the Board.

D. The Board may promulgate reasonable regulations that govern the return of bonds submitted in accordance with this section.

1977, c. 428, § 55-79.58:1; 1988, c. 15; 1999, c. 560; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2019, c. 712.

Plats and plans previously recorded pursuant to subsections A, B, and C of § 55.1-1916 may be used in lieu of new plats and plans to satisfy in whole or in part the requirements of subsection B of § 55.1-1918, subsection B of § 55.1-1924, or § 55.1-1926 if certifications of such plats and plans are recorded by the declarant in accordance with subsections A and B of § 55.1-1920; and if such certifications are recorded, the plats and plans that they certify shall be deemed recorded pursuant to subsection C of § 55.1-1920 within the meaning of §§ 55.1-1918, 55.1-1924, and 55.1-1926. All condominium instruments for condominiums created prior to July 1, 1991, are hereby validated notwithstanding that the plats were prerecorded as if in compliance with this section and not recorded with amendments converting convertible land or adding additional land if the plats or subsequent amendments contained the required certifications.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.59; 1991, c. 497; 2019, c. 712.

To the extent that any unit or common element encroaches on any other unit or common element, whether by reason of any deviation from the plats and plans in the construction, repair, renovation, restoration, or replacement of any improvement or by reason of the settling or shifting of any land or improvement, a valid easement for such encroachment shall exist. The purpose of this section is to protect the unit owners, except in cases of willful and intentional misconduct by them or their agents or employees, and not to relieve the declarant or any contractor, subcontractor, or materialman of any liability which any of them may have by reason of any failure to adhere strictly to the plats and plans.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.60; 2019, c. 712.

A. The declarant may convert all or any portion of any convertible land into one or more units or limited common elements subject to any restrictions and limitations that the condominium instruments may specify. Any such conversion shall be deemed to have occurred at the time of the recordation of appropriate instruments pursuant to subsection B of this section and subsection C of § 55.1-1920.

B. Simultaneously with the recording of plats and plans pursuant to subsection C of § 55.1-1920, the declarant shall prepare, execute, and record an amendment to the declaration describing the conversion. Such amendment shall assign an identifying number to each unit formed out of a convertible land and shall reallocate undivided interests in the common elements in accordance with subsection B of § 55.1-1918. Such amendment shall describe or delineate any limited common elements formed out of the convertible land, showing or designating the unit to which each is assigned.

C. All convertible lands shall be deemed a part of the common elements except for such portions of such convertible lands as are converted in accordance with the provisions of this section. Until the expiration of the period during which conversion may occur or until actual conversion, whichever occurs first, the declarant alone shall be liable for real estate taxes assessed against the convertible land and any improvements on such convertible land and all other expenses in connection with that real estate, and no other unit owner and no other portion of the condominium shall be subject to a claim for payment of those taxes or expenses, and, unless the declaration provides otherwise, any income or proceeds from the convertible land and any improvements on such convertible land shall inure to the declarant. No such conversion shall occur after 10 years from the recordation of the declaration, or such shorter period of time as the declaration may specify.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.61; 1975, c. 415; 1986, c. 324; 1991, c. 497; 1993, c. 45; 2012, c. 520; 2019, c. 712.

A. The declarant may convert all or any portion of any convertible space into one or more units or common elements, including limited common elements, subject to any restrictions and limitations that the condominium instruments may specify. Any such conversion shall be deemed to have occurred at the time of the recordation of appropriate instruments pursuant to subsection B and subsection E of § 55.1-1920.

B. Simultaneously with the recording of plats and plans pursuant to subsection E of § 55.1-1920, the declarant shall prepare, execute, and record an amendment to the declaration describing the conversion. Such amendment shall assign an identifying number to each unit formed out of a convertible space and shall allocate to each unit a portion of the undivided interest in the common elements appertaining to that space. Such amendment shall describe or delineate any limited common elements formed out of the convertible space, showing or designating the unit to which each is assigned.

C. If all or any portion of any convertible space is converted into one or more units in accordance with this section, the declarant shall prepare and execute, and record simultaneously with the amendment to the declaration, an amendment to the bylaws. The amendment to the bylaws shall reallocate votes in the unit owners' association, rights to future common profits, and liabilities for future common expenses not specially assessed, all as in the case of the subdivision of a unit in accordance with subsection D of § 55.1-1933.

D. Any convertible space not converted in accordance with the provisions of this section, or any portion of such convertible space not so converted, shall be treated for all purposes as a single unit until and unless it is so converted, and the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed applicable to any such convertible space, or portion of such convertible space, as though the same were a unit.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.62; 1999, c. 560; 2019, c. 712.

No condominium shall be expanded except in accordance with the provisions of the declaration and of this chapter. Any such expansion shall be deemed to have occurred at the time of the recordation of plats and plans pursuant to subsection C of § 55.1-1920, together with an amendment to the declaration, duly executed by the declarant, including all of the owners and lessees of the additional land added to the condominium. Such amendment shall contain a legal description by metes and bounds of the land added to the condominium and shall reallocate undivided interests in the common elements in accordance with the provisions of subsection B of § 55.1-1918. Such amendment may create convertible or withdrawable lands or both within the land added to the condominium, but this provision shall not be construed in derogation of the time limits imposed by or pursuant to subdivision D 3 of § 55.1-1916 and subsection C of § 55.1-1924.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.63; 1975, c. 415; 2019, c. 712.

No condominium shall be contracted except in accordance with the provisions of the declaration and of this chapter. Any such contraction shall be deemed to have occurred at the time of the recordation of an amendment to the declaration, executed by the declarant, containing a legal description by metes and bounds of the land withdrawn from the condominium. If portions of the withdrawable land were described pursuant to subdivision D 5 of § 55.1-1916, then no such portion shall be so withdrawn after the conveyance of any unit on such portion. If no such portions were described, then none of the withdrawable land shall be withdrawn after the first conveyance of any unit.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.64; 2019, c. 712.

Subject to any restrictions and limitations the condominium instruments may specify, the declarant shall have a transferable easement over and on the common elements for the purpose of making improvements on the submitted land and any additional land pursuant to the provisions of those instruments and of this chapter and for the purpose of doing all things reasonably necessary and proper in connection with making such improvements.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.65; 2019, c. 712.

The declarant and his duly authorized agents, representatives, and employees may maintain sales offices or model units on the submitted land if and only if the condominium instruments provide for maintaining such sales offices or model units and specify the rights of the declarant with regard to the number, size, location, and relocation of such sales offices or model units. Any such sales office or model unit that is not designated a unit by the condominium instruments shall become a common element as soon as the declarant ceases to be a unit owner, and the declarant shall cease to have any rights with regard to such sales office or model unit unless it is removed forthwith from the submitted land in accordance with a right reserved in the condominium instruments to make such removal.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.66; 2019, c. 712.

A. No covenants, restrictions, limitations, or other representations or commitments in the condominium instruments with regard to anything that is or is not to be done on the additional land, the withdrawable land, or any portion of either shall be binding as to any portion of either lawfully withdrawn from the condominium or never added to the condominium, except to the extent that the condominium instruments so provide. But in the case of any covenant, restriction, limitation, or other representation or commitment in the condominium instruments or in any other agreement requiring the declarant to add all or any portion of the additional land or to withdraw any portion of the withdrawable land, or imposing any obligations with regard to anything that is or is not to be done on such land or with regard to such land, or imposing any obligations with regard to anything that is or is not to be done on or with regard to the condominium or any portion of such condominium, this subsection shall not be construed to nullify, limit, or otherwise affect any such obligation.

B. The declarant shall complete all improvements labeled "NOT YET COMPLETED" on plats recorded pursuant to the requirements of this chapter unless the condominium instruments expressly exempt the declarant from such obligation and shall, in the case of every improvement labeled "NOT YET BEGUN" on such plats, state in the declaration either the extent of the obligation to complete the same or that there is no such obligation.

C. To the extent that damage is inflicted on any part of the condominium by any person utilizing the easements reserved by the condominium instruments or created by §§ 55.1-1928 and 55.1-1929, the declarant together with any person causing the same shall be jointly and severally liable for the prompt repair of such damage and for the restoration of the same to a condition compatible with the remainder of the condominium.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.67; 1975, c. 415; 2019, c. 712.

A. Except to the extent prohibited, restricted, or limited by the condominium instruments, any unit owner may make any improvements or alterations within his unit that do not impair the structural integrity of any structure or otherwise lessen the support of any portion of the condominium. However, no unit owner shall do anything that would change the exterior appearance of his unit or of any other portion of the condominium except to such extent and subject to such conditions as the condominium instruments may specify.

B. If a unit owner acquires an adjoining unit, or an adjoining part of an adjoining unit, then such unit owner shall have the right to remove all or any part of any intervening partition or to create doorways or other apertures in such unit, notwithstanding the fact that such partition may in whole or in part be a common element, so long as no portion of any bearing wall or bearing column is weakened or removed and no portion of any common element other than that partition is damaged, destroyed, or endangered. Such creation of doorways or other apertures shall not be deemed an alteration of boundaries within the meaning of § 55.1-1932.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.68; 2019, c. 712.

A. If the condominium instruments expressly permit the relocation of boundaries between adjoining units, then the boundaries between such units may be relocated in accordance with (i) the provisions of this section and (ii) any restrictions and limitations not otherwise unlawful that the condominium instruments may specify. The boundaries between adjoining units shall not be relocated unless the condominium instruments expressly permit it.

B. If the unit owners of adjoining units whose mutual boundaries may be relocated desire to relocate such boundaries, then the principal officer of the unit owners' association, or such other officer as the condominium instruments may specify, shall, upon written application of such unit owners, forthwith prepare and execute appropriate instruments pursuant to subsections C, D, and E.

C. An amendment to the declaration shall identify the units involved and shall state that the boundaries between those units are being relocated by agreement of the unit owners of such units, and the amendment shall contain conveyancing between those unit owners. If the unit owners of the units involved have specified in their written application a reasonable reallocation as between the units involved of the aggregate undivided interest in the common elements appertaining to those units, the amendment to the declaration shall reflect that reallocation.

D. If the unit owners of the units involved have specified in their written application a reasonable reallocation as between the units involved of the aggregate number of votes in the unit owners' association allocated to those units, an amendment to the bylaws shall reflect that reallocation and a proportionate reallocation of liability for common expenses as between those units.

E. Such plats and plans as may be necessary to show the altered boundaries between the units involved together with their other boundaries shall be prepared, and the units depicted on such plats and plans shall bear their identifying numbers. Such plats and plans shall indicate the new dimensions of the units involved, and any change in the horizontal boundaries of either as a result of the relocation of their boundaries shall be identified with reference to established datum. Such plats and plans shall be certified as to their accuracy and compliance with the provisions of this subsection (i) by a licensed land surveyor in the case of any plat and (ii) by a licensed architect, licensed engineer, or licensed land surveyor in the case of any plan.

F. When appropriate instruments in accordance with this section have been prepared, executed, and acknowledged, they shall be recorded by an officer of the unit owners' association following payment by the unit owners of the units involved of all reasonable costs for the preparation, acknowledgment, and recordation of such instruments. Such instruments are effective when executed by the unit owners of the units involved and recorded, and the recordation of such instruments is conclusive evidence that the relocation of boundaries so effectuated did not violate any restrictions or limitations specified by the condominium instruments and that any reallocations made pursuant to subsections C and D were reasonable.

G. Any relocation of boundaries between adjoining units shall be governed by this section and not by § 55.1-1933. Section 55.1-1933 shall apply only to such subdivisions of units as are intended to result in the creation of two or more new units in place of the subdivided unit.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.69; 1991, c. 497; 2019, c. 712.

A. If the condominium instruments expressly permit the subdivision of any units, then such units may be subdivided in accordance with (i) the provisions of this section and (ii) any restrictions and limitations not otherwise unlawful that the condominium instruments may specify. No unit shall be subdivided unless the condominium instruments expressly permit it.

B. If the unit owner of any unit that may be subdivided desires to subdivide such unit, then the principal officer of the unit owners' association, or such other officer as the condominium instruments may specify, shall, upon written application of the subdivider, as such unit owner shall hereinafter be referred to in this section, forthwith prepare and execute appropriate instruments pursuant to subsections C, D, and E.

C. An amendment to the declaration shall assign new identifying numbers to the new units created by the subdivision of a unit and shall allocate to those units, on a reasonable basis acceptable to the subdivider, all of the undivided interest in the common elements appertaining to the subdivided unit. The new units shall jointly share all rights, and shall be equally liable jointly and severally for all obligations, with regard to any limited common elements assigned to the subdivided unit except to the extent that the subdivider may have specified in his written application that all or any portions of any limited common element assigned to the subdivided unit exclusively should be assigned to one or more, but less than all of the new units, in which case the amendment to the declaration shall reflect the desires of the subdivider as expressed in such written application.

D. An amendment to the bylaws shall allocate to the new units, on a reasonable basis acceptable to the subdivider, the votes in the unit owners' association allocated to the subdivided unit and shall reflect a proportionate allocation to the new units of the liability for common expenses formerly appertaining to the subdivided unit.

E. Such plats and plans as may be necessary to show the boundaries separating the new units together with their other boundaries shall be prepared, and the new units depicted on such plats and plans shall bear their new identifying numbers. Such plats and plans shall indicate the dimensions of the new units, and the horizontal boundaries of such units, if any, shall be identified on such plats and plans with reference to established datum. Such plats and plans shall be certified as to their accuracy and compliance with the provisions of this subsection (i) by a licensed land surveyor in the case of any plat and (ii) by a licensed architect, licensed engineer, or licensed land surveyor in the case of any plan.

F. When appropriate instruments in accordance with this section have been prepared, executed, and acknowledged, they shall be recorded by an officer of the unit owners' association following payment by the subdivider of all reasonable costs for the preparation, acknowledgment, and recordation of such instruments. Such instruments are effective when executed by the subdivider and recorded, and the recordation of such instruments is conclusive evidence that the subdivision so effectuated did not violate any restrictions or limitations specified by the condominium instruments and that any reallocations made pursuant to subsections C and D were reasonable.

G. Notwithstanding the definition of "unit" found in § 55.1-1900 and the provisions of subsection D of § 55.1-1925, this section shall have no application to convertible spaces, and no such space shall be deemed a unit for the purposes of this section. However, this section shall apply to any units formed by the conversion of all or any portion of any such convertible space, and any such unit shall be deemed a unit for the purposes of this section.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.70; 1991, c. 497; 2019, c. 712.

A. If there is no unit owner other than the declarant, the declarant may unilaterally amend the condominium instruments, and an amendment signed by the declarant is effective upon recordation. This section shall not be construed to nullify, limit, or otherwise affect the validity of enforceability of any agreement renouncing or to renounce, in whole or in part, the right hereby conferred.

B. If any of the units in the condominium is restricted exclusively to residential use and there is any unit owner other than the declarant, the condominium instruments shall be amended only by agreement of unit owners of units to which two-thirds of the votes in the unit owners' association appertain, or such larger majority as the condominium instruments may specify, except in cases for which this chapter provides different methods of amendment. If none of the units in the condominium is restricted exclusively to residential use, the condominium instruments may specify a majority smaller than the minimum specified in the preceding sentence.

C. An action to challenge the validity of an amendment adopted by the unit owners' association pursuant to this section may not be brought more than one year after the amendment is recorded.

D. Agreement of the required majority of unit owners to any amendment of the condominium instruments shall be evidenced by their execution of the amendment, or ratifications of such amendment, and the same is effective when a copy of the amendment is recorded together with a certification, signed by the principal officer of the unit owners' association or by such other officer as the condominium instruments may specify, that the requisite majority of the unit owners signed the amendment or ratifications of such amendment.

E. Except to the extent expressly permitted or expressly required by other provisions of this chapter or agreed to by 100 percent of the unit owners, no amendment to the condominium instruments shall change (i) the boundaries of any unit, (ii) the undivided interest in the common elements, (iii) the liability for common expenses, or (iv) the number of votes in the unit owners' association that appertains to any unit.

F. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the declarant may unilaterally execute and record a corrective amendment or supplement to the condominium instruments to correct a mathematical mistake, an inconsistency, or a scrivener's error or clarify an ambiguity in the condominium instruments with respect to an objectively verifiable fact, including recalculating the undivided interest in the common elements, the liability for common expenses or the number of votes in the unit owners' association appertaining to a unit, within five years after the recordation of the condominium instrument containing or creating such mistake, inconsistency, error, or ambiguity. No such amendment or supplement may materially reduce what the obligations of the declarant would have been if the mistake, inconsistency, error, or ambiguity had not occurred. Regardless of the date of recordation of the condominium instruments, the principal officer of the unit owners' association may also unilaterally execute and record such a corrective amendment or supplement upon a vote of two-thirds of the members of the executive board. All corrective amendments and supplements recorded prior to July 1, 1986, are hereby validated to the extent that such corrective amendments and supplements would have been permitted by this subsection.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.71; 1993, c. 667; 2019, c. 712.

A. Unless expressly prohibited by the condominium instruments, (i) any notice required to be sent or received or (ii) any signature, vote, consent, or approval required to be obtained under any condominium instrument or any provision of this chapter may be accomplished using electronic means.

B. The unit owners' association, unit owners, and other persons entitled to occupy a unit may perform any obligation or exercise any right under any condominium instrument or any provision of this chapter by use of electronic means.

C. An electronic signature meeting the requirements of applicable law shall satisfy any requirement for a signature under any condominium instrument or any provision of this chapter.

D. Voting, consent to, and approval of any matter under any condominium instrument or any provision of this chapter may be accomplished by electronic means provided that a record is created as evidence of such vote, consent, or approval and maintained as long as such record would be required to be maintained in nonelectronic form. If the vote, consent, or approval is required to be obtained by secret ballot, the electronic means shall protect the identity of the voter. If the electronic means cannot protect the identity of the voter, another means of voting shall be used.

E. Subject to other provisions of law, no action required or permitted by any condominium instrument or any provision of this chapter need be acknowledged before a notary public if the identity and signature of such person can otherwise be authenticated to the satisfaction of the executive board.

F. Any meeting of the unit owners' association, the executive board, or any committee may be held entirely or partially by electronic means, provided that the executive board has adopted guidelines for the use of electronic means for such meetings. Such guidelines shall ensure that persons accessing such meetings are authorized to do so and that persons entitled to participate in such meetings have an opportunity to do so. The executive board shall determine whether any such meeting may be held entirely or partially by electronic means.

G. If any person does not have the capability or desire to conduct business using electronic means, the unit owners' association shall make available a reasonable alternative, at its expense, for such person to conduct business with the unit owners' association without use of such electronic means.

H. This section shall not apply to any notice related to an enforcement action by the unit owners' association, an assessment lien, or foreclosure proceedings in enforcement of an assessment lien.

2010, c. 432, § 55-79.71:1; 2019, c. 712; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 9, 494.

A. Any two or more condominiums, by agreement of the unit owners as provided in subsection B, may be merged or consolidated into a single condominium. In the event of a merger or consolidation, unless the agreement otherwise provides, the resultant condominium shall be the legal successor, for all purposes, of all of the preexisting condominiums, and the operations and activities of all unit owners' associations of the preexisting condominiums shall be merged or consolidated into a single unit owners' association that holds all powers, rights, obligations, assets, and liabilities of all preexisting unit owners' associations.

B. An agreement to merge or consolidate two or more condominiums pursuant to subsection A shall be evidenced by an agreement prepared, executed, recorded, and certified by the principal officer of the unit owners' association of each of the preexisting condominiums following approval by owners of units to which are allocated the percentage of votes in each condominium required to terminate that condominium. The agreement shall be recorded in every locality in which a portion of the condominium is located and shall not be effective until recorded.

C. Every merger or consolidation agreement shall provide for the reallocation of the allocated interests in the new unit owners' association among the units of the resultant condominium either (i) by stating the reallocations or the formulas upon which they are based or (ii) by stating the percentage of the overall allocated interests of the condominium that are allocated to all of the units comprising each of the preexisting condominiums, provided that the portion of the percentages allocated to each unit formerly comprising a part of the preexisting condominium shall be equal to the percentages of allocated interests allocated to that unit by the declaration of the preexisting condominium.

D. If the condominium instruments of a condominium to be merged or consolidated require a vote or consent of mortgagees in order to amend the condominium instruments or terminate the condominium, the same vote or consent of mortgagees shall be required before such merger or consolidation is effective. No merger or consolidation shall affect mortgagee rights, alter the priority of the lien of any mortgage, materially impair or affect any condominium unit as collateral for a mortgage, or affect a mortgagee's right to foreclose on a condominium unit as collateral without the prior written consent of the mortgagee. A vote or consent of a mortgagee required by this section may be deemed received pursuant to § 55.1-1941.

2014, c. 659, § 55-79.71:2; 2019, c. 712.

A. If there is no unit owner other than the declarant, the declarant may unilaterally terminate the condominium. An instrument terminating a condominium signed by the declarant is effective upon recordation of such instrument. But this section shall not be construed to nullify, limit, or otherwise affect the validity or enforceability of any agreement renouncing or to renounce, in whole or in part, the right hereby conferred.

B. Except in the case of a taking of all the units by eminent domain, if any of the units in the condominium is restricted exclusively to residential use and there is any unit owner other than the declarant, the condominium may be terminated only by the agreement of unit owners of units to which four-fifths of the votes in the unit owners' association appertain, or such larger majority as the condominium instruments may specify. If none of the units in the condominium is restricted exclusively to residential use, the condominium instruments may specify a majority smaller than the minimum specified in this subsection.

C. Agreement of the required majority of unit owners to termination of the condominium shall be evidenced by their execution of a termination agreement, or ratifications of such agreement, and such agreement is effective when a copy of the termination agreement is recorded together with a certification, signed by the principal officer of the unit owners' association or by such other officer as the condominium instruments may specify, that the requisite majority of the unit owners signed the termination agreement or ratifications. Unless the termination agreement otherwise provides, prior to recordation of the termination agreement, a unit owner's prior agreement to terminate the condominium may be revoked only with the approval of unit owners of units to which a majority of the votes in the unit owners' association appertain. Any unit owner acquiring a unit subsequent to approval of a termination agreement but prior to recordation of the termination agreement shall be deemed to have consented to the termination agreement. Upon approval of a termination agreement and until recordation of the termination agreement, a copy of the termination agreement shall be included with the resale certificate required by § 55.1-2309. The termination agreement shall specify a date after which the termination agreement is void if the termination agreement is not recorded. For the purposes of this section, an instrument terminating a condominium and any ratification of such instrument shall be deemed a condominium instrument subject to the provisions of § 55.1-1911.

D. A termination agreement may provide that all of the common elements and units of the condominium shall be sold or otherwise disposed of following termination. If, pursuant to the termination agreement, any property in the condominium is sold or disposed of following termination, the termination agreement shall set forth the minimum terms of the sale or disposition.

E. In the case of a master condominium that contains a unit that is a part of another condominium, a termination agreement for the master condominium shall not terminate the other condominium.

F. On behalf of the unit owners, the unit owners' association may contract for the disposition of property in the condominium, but the contract shall not be binding on the unit owners until approved pursuant to subsections B and C. If the termination agreement requires that any property in the condominium be sold or otherwise disposed of following termination, title to the property, upon termination, shall vest in the unit owners' association as trustee for the holders of all interest in the units. Thereafter, the unit owners' association shall have powers necessary and appropriate to effect the sale or disposition. Until the termination has been concluded and the proceeds have been distributed, the unit owners' association shall continue in existence with all the powers the unit owners' association had before termination. Proceeds of the sale shall be distributed to unit owners and lien holders as their interests may appear, in proportion to the respective interests of the unit owners as provided in subsection I. Unless otherwise specified in the termination agreement, for as long as the unit owners' association holds title to the property, each unit owner or his successor in interest shall have an exclusive right to occupancy of the portion of the property that formerly constituted his unit. During the period that the unit owner or his successor in interest has the right to occupancy, each unit owner or his successor in interest shall remain liable for any assessment or other obligation imposed on the unit owner by this chapter or the condominium instruments.

G. If the property that constitutes the condominium is not sold or otherwise disposed of following termination, title to all the property in the condominium shall vest in the unit owners, upon termination, as tenants in common in proportion to the unit owners' respective interests as provided in subsection I. In such an event, any liens on a unit shall shift accordingly, and a lien may be enforced only against a unit owner's tenancy in common interest, but the lien shall not encumber the entire property formerly constituting the condominium. While the tenancy in common exists, each unit owner or his successor in interest shall have the exclusive right to occupancy of the portion of the property that formerly constituted the unit owner's unit.

H. Following termination of the condominium, the proceeds of any sale of property, together with the assets of the unit owners' association, shall be held by the unit owners' association as trustee for unit owners or lien holders on the units as their interests may appear. Following termination, any creditor of the unit owners' association who holds a lien on the unit that was recorded before termination may enforce the lien in the same manner as any lien holder. Any other creditor of the unit owners' association shall be treated as if he had perfected a lien on the units immediately before termination.

I. Unless the condominium instruments as originally recorded or as amended by 100 percent of the unit owners provide otherwise, the respective interests of unit owners referred to in subsections F, G, and H shall be as follows:

1. Except as provided in subdivision 3, the respective interests of the unit owners shall be as set forth in the termination agreement.

2. Except as provided in subdivision 3, if the respective interests of the unit owners are based on the respective fair market values of their units, limited common elements, and common element interests immediately before the termination, the fair market values shall be determined by one or more independent appraisers selected by the unit owners' association. The decision of the independent appraisers shall be distributed to the unit owners and become final unless disapproved within 30 days after distribution by unit owners of units to which one quarter of the votes in the unit owners' association appertain. The proportion of any unit owner's interest to the interest of all unit owners is determined by dividing the fair market value of that unit owner's unit and common element interest by the total fair market values of all the units and their common element interests.

3. If the method of determining the respective interests of the unit owners in the proceeds of sale or disposition is other than the fair market values, then the association shall provide each unit owner with a notice stating the result of that method for his unit and, no later than 30 days after transmission of that notice, if 10 percent of the unit owners dispute the interest to be distributed to their units, those unit owners may require the association to obtain an independent appraisal of the condominium units. If the fair market value of the units of the objecting unit owners is at least 10 percent more than the amount that the unit owners would have received using the method agreed upon by the membership, then the association shall adjust the respective interests of the unit owners so that each unit owner's share is based on the fair market value for each unit. If the fair market value is less than 10 percent more than the amount that the objecting unit owners would have received using the agreed-upon method, then the agreed-upon method shall be implemented and the objecting unit owners shall receive the distribution less their pro rata share of the cost of their appraisal.

4. If the method of determining the respective interests of the unit owners cannot be implemented because any unit or limited common element is destroyed, the interests of all unit owners are the unit owners' respective common element interests immediately before the termination.

5. Unless the termination agreement provides otherwise, each unit owner shall satisfy and cause the release of any mortgage, deed of trust, lease, or other lien or encumbrance on his unit at the time required by the termination agreement.

J. Except as provided in subsection K, foreclosure of any mortgage, deed of trust, or other lien, or enforcement of a mortgage, deed of trust, or other lien or encumbrance against the entire condominium, shall not alone terminate the condominium, and foreclosure or enforcement of a lien or encumbrance against a portion of the condominium, other than withdrawable land, shall not withdraw that portion from the condominium. Foreclosure or enforcement of a lien or encumbrance against withdrawable land shall not alone withdraw the land from the condominium, but the person who takes title to the withdrawable land shall have the right to require from the unit owners' association, upon request, an amendment that excludes the land from the condominium.

K. If a lien or encumbrance against a portion of the property that comprises the condominium has priority over the condominium instruments and the lien or encumbrance has not been partially released, upon foreclosure, the parties foreclosing the lien or encumbrance may record an instrument that excludes the property subject to the lien or encumbrance from the condominium.

1993, c. 667, § 55-79.72:1; 2019, c. 712; 2020, cc. 592, 817; 2023, cc. 387, 388.

No provision of this chapter shall be construed in derogation of any requirement of the condominium instruments that all or a specified number of the beneficiaries of mortgages or deeds of trust encumbering the condominium units approve specified actions contemplated by the unit owners' association.

1993, c. 667, § 55-79.72:2; 2019, c. 712.

Every unit owner who is a member in good standing of a unit owners' association shall have the following rights:

1. The right of access to all books and records kept by or on behalf of the unit owners' association according to and subject to the provisions of § 55.1-1945, including records of all financial transactions;

2. The right to cast a vote on any matter requiring a vote by the unit owners' association membership in proportion to the unit owner's ownership interest, except to the extent that the condominium instruments provide otherwise;

3. The right to have notice of any meeting of the executive board, to make a record of such meetings by audio or visual means, and to participate in such meeting in accordance with the provisions of § 55.1-1949;

4. The right to have (i) notice of any proceeding conducted by the executive board or other tribunal specified in the condominium instruments against the unit owner to enforce any rule or regulation of the unit owners' association and (ii) the opportunity to be heard and represented by counsel at the proceeding, as provided in § 55.1-1959, and the right of due process in the conduct of that hearing; and

5. The right to serve on the executive board if duly elected and a member in good standing of the unit owners' association, except to the extent that the condominium instruments provide otherwise.

The rights enumerated in this section shall be enforceable by any unit owner pursuant to the provisions of § 55.1-1915.

2015, c. 286, § 55-79.72:3; 2019, c. 712.

Article 3. Management of Condominium.

A. Bylaws providing for governance of the condominium by an association of all of the unit owners shall be recorded simultaneously with the declaration. The unit owners' association may be incorporated.

B. The bylaws shall provide whether or not the unit owners' association shall elect an executive board. If there is to be such a board, the bylaws shall specify the powers and responsibilities of the board and the number and terms of its members. Except to the extent the condominium instruments provide otherwise, any vacancy occurring in the executive board shall be filled by a vote of a majority of the remaining members of the executive board at a meeting of the executive board, even though the members of the executive board present at such meeting may constitute less than a quorum because a quorum is impossible to obtain. Each person so elected shall serve until the next annual meeting of the unit owners' association at which time a successor shall be elected by a vote of the unit owners. The bylaws may delegate to such board, inter alia, any of the powers and responsibilities assigned by this chapter to the unit owners' association. The bylaws shall also specify which, if any, of its powers and responsibilities the unit owners' association or its executive board may delegate to a managing agent.

C. The bylaws may provide for arbitration of disputes or other means of alternative dispute resolution in accordance with subsection C of § 55.1-1915.

D. In any case where an amendment to the declaration is required by subsection B, C, or D of § 55.1-1918, the person required to execute such amendment shall also prepare and execute, and record simultaneously with such amendment, an amendment to the bylaws. The amendment to the bylaws shall allocate votes in the unit owners' association to new units on the same basis as was used for the allocation of such votes to the units depicted on plats and plans recorded pursuant to subsections A and B of § 55.1-1920 or shall abolish the votes appertaining to former units, as appropriate. The amendment to the bylaws shall also reallocate rights to future common surpluses, and liabilities for future common expenses not specially assessed, in proportion to relative voting strengths as reflected by the amendment.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.73; 1978, c. 332; 1993, c. 667; 1998, c. 32; 2012, c. 758; 2019, c. 712; 2020, c. 592.

A management contract that contains an automatic renewal provision may be terminated by the unit owners' association or the common interest community manager at any time without cause upon not less than 60 days' written notice.

2023, c. 109.

A. If any provision in the condominium instruments requires the written consent of a mortgagee in order to amend the condominium instruments, the unit owners' association shall be deemed to have received the written consent of a mortgagee if the unit owners' association sends the text of the proposed amendment by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the mortgagee at the address supplied by such mortgagee in a written request to the unit owners' association to receive notice of proposed amendments to the condominium instruments and receives no written objection to the adoption of the amendment from the mortgagee within 60 days of the date that the notice of amendment is sent by the unit owners' association, unless the condominium instruments expressly provide otherwise. If the mortgagee has not supplied an address to the unit owners' association, the unit owners' association shall be deemed to have received the written consent of a mortgagee if the unit owners' association sends the text of the proposed amendment by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the mortgagee at the address filed in the land records or with the local tax assessor's office and receives no written objection to the adoption of the amendment from the mortgagee within 60 days of the date that the notice of amendment is sent by the unit owners' association, unless the condominium instruments expressly provide otherwise.

B. Any amendment adopted without the required consent of a mortgagee shall be voidable only by an institutional lender that was entitled to notice and an opportunity to consent. An action to void an amendment shall be subject to the one-year statute of limitations set forth in subsection C of § 55.1-1934 beginning on the date of recordation of the amendment.

C. Subsection A shall not apply to amendments that alter the priority of the lien of the mortgagee or that materially impair or affect the unit as collateral or the right of the mortgagee to foreclose on a unit as collateral.

D. Where the condominium instruments are silent on the need for mortgagee consent, no mortgagee consent shall be required if the amendment to the condominium instruments does not specifically affect mortgagee rights.

1993, c. 1, § 55-79.73:1; 1998, c. 32; 2007, c. 675; 2019, c. 712; 2020, c. 817.

A. A unit owners' association may petition the circuit court in the county or city in which the condominium or the greater part of the condominium is located to reform the condominium instruments where the unit owners' association, acting through its executive board, has attempted to amend the condominium instruments regarding ownership of legal title of the common elements or real property using provisions outlined in the condominium instruments to resolve (i) ambiguities or inconsistencies in the condominium instruments that are the source of legal and other disputes pertaining to the legal rights and responsibilities of the unit owners' association or individual unit owners or (ii) scrivener's errors, including incorrectly identifying the unit owners' association, incorrectly identifying an entity other than the unit owners' association, or errors arising from oversight or from an inadvertent omission or mathematical mistake.

B. The court shall have jurisdiction over matters set forth in subsection A regarding ownership of legal title of the common elements or real property to:

1. Reform, in whole or in part, any provision of the condominium instruments; and

2. Correct mistakes or any other error in the condominium instruments that may exist with respect to the declaration for any other purpose.

C. A petition filed by the unit owners' association with the court setting forth any inconsistency or error made in the condominium instruments, or the necessity for any change in such instruments, shall be deemed sufficient basis for the reformation, in whole or in part, of the condominium instruments, provided that:

1. The unit owners' association has made three good faith attempts to convene a duly called meeting of the unit owners' association to present for consideration amendments to the condominium instruments for the reasons specified in subsection A, which attempts have proven unsuccessful as evidenced by an affidavit verified by oath of the principal officer of the unit owners' association;

2. There is no adequate remedy at law as practical and effective to attain the ends of justice as may be accomplished in the circuit court;

3. Where the declarant of the condominium still owns a unit or continues to have any special declarant rights in the condominium, the declarant joins in the petition of the unit owners' association;

4. A copy of the petition is sent to all unit owners at least 30 days before the petition is filed as evidenced by an affidavit verified by oath of the principal officer of the unit owners' association; and

5. A copy of the petition is sent to all mortgagees at least 30 days before the petition is filed as evidenced by an affidavit verified by oath of the principal officer of the unit owners' association.

D. Any mortgagee of a condominium unit in the condominium shall have standing to participate in the reformation proceedings before the court. No reformation pursuant to this section shall affect mortgagee rights, alter the priority of the lien of any mortgage, materially impair or affect any condominium unit as collateral for a mortgage, or affect a mortgagee's right to foreclose on a condominium unit as collateral without the prior written consent of the mortgagee. Consent of a mortgagee required by this section may be deemed received pursuant to § 55.1-1941.

2014, c. 659, § 55-79.73:2; 2019, c. 712.

A. The condominium instruments may authorize the declarant, or a managing agent or some other person selected or to be selected by the declarant, to appoint and remove some or all of the officers of the unit owners' association or its executive board, or to exercise powers and responsibilities otherwise assigned by the condominium instruments and by this chapter to the unit owners' association, the officers, or the executive board. The declarant, managing agent, or other person selected by the declarant to so appoint and remove officers or the executive board or to exercise such powers and responsibilities otherwise assigned to the unit owners' association, the officers, or the executive board shall be subject to liability as fiduciaries of the unit owners for their action or omissions during the period of declarant control as specified in the condominium instruments or, if not so specified, within such period as defined in this section. But no amendment to the condominium instruments shall increase the scope of such authorization if there is any unit owner other than the declarant, and no such authorization shall be valid after the time limit set by the condominium instruments or after units to which three-fourths of the undivided interests in the common elements appertain have been conveyed, whichever occurs first. For the purposes of the preceding sentence only, the calculation of the fraction of undivided interest shall be based upon the total undivided interests assigned or to be assigned to all units registered with the Common Interest Community Board pursuant to subsection B of § 55.1-1978 and described pursuant to subdivision A 4, B 2, or C 8 of § 55.1-1916.

B. The time limit initially set by the condominium instruments shall not exceed five years in the case of an expandable condominium; three years in the case of a condominium other than an expandable condominium, containing any convertible land; or two years in the case of any other condominium. Such time period shall begin upon settlement of the first unit to be sold in any portion of the condominium.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the request of the declarant, such time limits may be extended for a period not to exceed 15 years from the settlement of the first unit to be sold in any portion of the condominium or after units to which three-fourths of the undivided interests in the common elements appertain have been conveyed, whichever occurs first, provided that (i) a special meeting is held prior to the expiration of the initial period of declarant control; (ii) at such special meeting, the extension of such time limits is approved by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the unit owners other than the declarant; and (iii) at such special meeting, there is an election of a warranty review committee consisting of no fewer than three persons unaffiliated with the declarant.

Prior to any such vote, the declarant shall furnish to the unit owners in the notice of such special meeting made in accordance with § 55.1-1949 a written statement in a form provided by the Common Interest Community Board that discloses that an affirmative vote extends the right of the declarant, or a managing agent or some other person selected by the declarant, to (a) appoint and remove some or all of the officers of the unit owners' association or its executive board and (b) exercise powers and responsibilities otherwise assigned by the condominium instruments and by this chapter. In addition, such statement shall contain both a notice of the effect of the extension of declarant control on the enforcement of the warranty against structural defects provided by the declarant in accordance with § 55.1-1955 and a statement that a unit owner is advised to exercise whatever due diligence the unit owner deems necessary to protect his interest.

C. If entered into any time prior to the expiration of the period of declarant control, no contract or lease entered into with the declarant or any entity controlled by the declarant, management contract, employment contract, or lease of recreational or parking areas or facilities, which is directly or indirectly made by or on behalf of the unit owners' association, its executive board, or the unit owners as a group, shall be entered into for a period in excess of two years. Any such contract or agreement entered into on or after July 1, 1978, may be terminated without penalty by the unit owners' association or its executive board upon not less than 90 days' written notice to the other party given not later than 60 days after the expiration of the period of declarant control. Any such contract or agreement may be renewed for periods not in excess of two years; however, at the end of any two-year period the unit owners' association or its executive board may terminate any further renewals or extensions of such contract or agreement. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any lease referred to in § 55.1-1910 or subject to subsection E of § 55.1-1916.

D. If entered into at any time prior to the expiration of the period of declarant control, any contract, lease, or agreement, other than those subject to the provisions of subsection C, may be entered into by or on behalf of the unit owners' association, its executive board, or the unit owners as a group, if such contract, lease, or agreement is bona fide and is commercially reasonable to the unit owners' association at the time entered into under the circumstances.

E. This section does not apply to any contract, incidental to the disposition of a condominium unit, to provide to a unit owner for the duration of such unit owner's life, or for any term in excess of one year, nursing services, medical services, other health-related services, board and lodging and care as necessary, or any combination of such services. The rule of property law known as the rule restricting unreasonable restraints on alienation shall not be applied to defeat any provision of the condominium instruments requiring that the unit owners be parties to such contracts.

F. If the unit owners' association is not in existence or does not have officers at the time of the creation of the condominium, the declarant shall, until there is such an association with such officers, have the power and the responsibility to act in all instances where this chapter requires action by the unit owners' association, its executive board, or any officer.

G. Thirty days prior to the expiration of the period of declarant control, the declarant shall notify the governing body of the locality in which the condominium is located of the forthcoming termination of declarant control. Prior to the expiration of the 30-day period, the local governing body or an agency designated by the local governing body shall advise the principal elected officer of the condominium unit owners' association of any outstanding violations of applicable building codes or local ordinances or other deficiencies of record.

H. Within 45 days from the expiration of the period of declarant control, the declarant shall deliver to the president of the unit owners' association or his designated agent (i) all unit owners' association books and records held by or controlled by the declarant, including minute books and all rules, regulations, and amendments to such rules and regulations that may have been promulgated; (ii) an accurate and complete statement of receipts and expenditures prepared using the accrual method of accounting from the date of the recording of the condominium instruments to the end of the regular accounting period immediately succeeding the first annual meeting of the unit owners, not to exceed 60 days from the date of the election; (iii) a copy of the latest available approved plans and specifications for all improvements in the project or as-built plans, if available; (iv) all association insurance policies that are currently in force; (v) written unexpired warranties of the contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and manufacturers, if any; (vi) contracts in which the association is a contracting party, if any; (vii) a list of manufacturers of paints, roofing materials, and other similar materials if specified for use on the condominium property; and (viii) an inventory and description of stormwater facilities located on the common elements or which otherwise serve the condominium and for which the unit owners' association has, or subsequently may have, maintenance, repair, or replacement responsibility, together with the requirements for maintenance thereof.

The requirement for delivery of stormwater facility information required by clause (viii) shall be deemed satisfied by delivery to the association of a final site plan or final construction drawing showing stormwater facilities as approved by a local government jurisdiction and applicable recorded easements, or agreements if any, containing requirements for the maintenance, repair, or replacement of the stormwater facilities.

If the unit owners' association is managed by a management company in which the declarant, or its principals, have no pecuniary interest or management role, then such management company shall have the responsibility to provide the documents and information required by clauses (i), (ii), (iv), and (vi).

I. This section shall be strictly construed to protect the rights of the unit owners.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.74; 1975, c. 415; 1978, c. 332; 1980, c. 738; 1984, c. 601; 1985, c. 83; 1996, c. 977; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2013, c. 599; 2019, cc. 712, 724.

All funds deposited with a managing agent shall be handled in a fiduciary capacity and shall be kept in a fiduciary trust account in a federally insured financial institution separate from other assets of the managing agent. The funds shall be the property of the unit owners' association and shall be segregated for each account in the records of the managing agent in a manner that permits the funds to be identified on an individual unit owners' association basis.

2007, cc. 696, 712, § 55-79.74:01; 2019, c. 712.

A. The declarant, managing agent, unit owners' association, or person specified in the bylaws of the association shall keep detailed records of the receipts and expenditures affecting the operation and administration of the condominium and specifying the maintenance and repair expenses of the common elements and any other expenses incurred by or on behalf of the association. Subject to the provisions of subsections B, C, and E, upon request, any unit owner shall be provided a copy of such records and minutes. All financial books and records shall be kept in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices.

B. Subject to the provisions of subsection C, all books and records kept by or on behalf of the unit owners' association, including the unit owners' association membership list, and addresses and aggregate salary information of unit owners' association employees, shall be available for examination and copying by a unit owner in good standing or his authorized agent so long as the request is for a proper purpose related to his membership in the unit owners' association and not for pecuniary gain or commercial solicitation. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, this right of examination shall exist without reference to the duration of membership and may be exercised (i) only during reasonable business hours or at a mutually convenient time and location and (ii) upon five business days' written notice for a unit owner association managed by a common interest community manager and 10 business days' written notice for a self-managed unit owners' association, which notice shall reasonably identify the purpose for the request and the specific books and records of the unit owners' association requested.

C. Books and records kept by or on behalf of a unit owners' association may be withheld from examination or copying by unit owners and contract purchasers to the extent that they are drafts not yet incorporated into the books and records of the unit owners' association or if such books and records concern:

1. Personnel matters relating to specific, identified persons or a person's medical records;

2. Contracts, leases, and other commercial transactions to purchase or provide goods or services, currently in or under negotiation;

3. Pending or probable litigation. For purposes of this subdivision, "probable litigation" means those instances where there has been a specific threat of litigation from a person or the legal counsel of such person;

4. Matters involving state or local administrative or other formal proceedings before a government tribunal for enforcement of the condominium instruments or rules and regulations promulgated by the executive board;

5. Communications with legal counsel that relate to subdivisions 1 through 4 or that are protected by the attorney-client privilege or the attorney work product doctrine;

6. Disclosure of information in violation of law;

7. Meeting minutes or other confidential records of an executive session of the executive board held pursuant to subsection C of § 55.1-1949;

8. Documentation, correspondence or management or executive board reports compiled for or on behalf of the unit owners' association or the executive board by its agents or committees for consideration by the executive board in executive session; or

9. Individual unit owner or member files, other than those of the requesting unit owner, including any individual unit owner's files kept by or on behalf of the unit owners' association.

D. Books and records kept by or on behalf of a unit owners' association shall be withheld from examination and copying in their entirety only to the extent that an exclusion from disclosure under subsection C applies to the entire content of such books and records. Otherwise, only those portions of the books and records containing information subject to an exclusion under subsection C may be withheld or redacted, and all portions of the books and records that are not so excluded shall be available for examination and copying, provided that the requesting member shall be responsible to the association for paying or reimbursing the association for any reasonable costs incurred by the association in responding to the request for the books and records and review for redaction of the same.

E. Prior to providing copies of any books and records, the unit owners' association may impose and collect a charge, not to exceed the reasonable costs of materials and labor, incurred to provide such copies. Charges may be imposed only in accordance with a cost schedule adopted by the executive board in accordance with this subsection. The cost schedule shall (i) specify the charges for materials and labor, (ii) apply equally to all unit owners in good standing, and (iii) be provided to such requesting unit owner at the time the request is made.

1980, c. 738, § 55-79.74:1; 1985, c. 75; 1989, c. 57; 1990, c. 662; 1992, c. 72; 1994, c. 463; 1999, c. 594; 2000, cc. 906, 919; 2001, c. 419; 2011, cc. 334, 361, 605; 2014, c. 207; 2018, c. 663; 2019, c. 712; 2020, c. 592.

Unless the condominium instruments expressly provide otherwise, the unit owners' association shall not be prohibited from maintaining a management office on common elements or in one or more units in the condominium.

1982, c. 545, § 55-79.74:2; 2019, c. 712.

A. For the purposes of this section, "affiliate of a declarant" means any person who controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with a declarant. A person controls a declarant if the person (i) is a general partner, officer, director, or employer of the declarant; (ii) directly or indirectly, or acting in concert with one or more persons or through one or more subsidiaries, owns, controls, holds with power to vote, or holds proxies representing more than 20 percent of the voting interests in the declarant; (iii) controls in any manner the election of a majority of the directors of the declarant; or (iv) has contributed more than 20 percent of the capital of the declarant. A person is controlled by a declarant if the declarant (a) is a general partner, officer, director, or employer of the person; (b) directly or indirectly, or acting in concert with one or more other persons or through one or more subsidiaries, owns, controls, holds with power to vote, or holds proxies representing more than 20 percent of the voting interest in the person; (c) controls in any manner the election of a majority of the directors of the person; or (d) has contributed more than 20 percent of the capital of the person. Control does not exist if the powers described in this subsection are held solely as security for an obligation and are not exercised.

B. No special declarant right may be transferred except by a document evidencing the transfer recorded in every county and city in which any portion of the condominium is located. The instrument shall not be effective unless executed by the transferee.

C. Upon transfer of any special declarant right, the liability of a transferor declarant shall be as follows:

1. The transferor shall not be relieved of any obligation or liability arising before the transfer and shall remain liable for warranty obligations imposed upon him by subsection B of § 55.1-1955. Lack of privity shall not deprive any unit owner of standing to bring an action to enforce any obligation of the transferor.

2. If the successor to any special declarant right is an affiliate of a declarant, the transferor shall also be jointly and severally liable with the successor for any obligation or liability of the successor that relates to the condominium.

3. If a transferor retains any special declarant rights, but transfers other special declarant rights to a successor who is not an affiliate of the declarant, the transferor shall also be liable for all obligations and liabilities relating to the retained special declarant rights and imposed on a declarant by this chapter or by the condominium instruments.

4. A transferor shall have no liability for any breach of a contractual or warranty obligation or for any other act or omission, arising from the exercise of a special declarant right by a successor declarant who is not an affiliate of the transferor.

D. Except as otherwise provided by the mortgage or deed of trust, in case of foreclosure of a mortgage, sale by a trustee under a deed of trust, tax sale, judicial sale, or sale under receivership proceedings or the Bankruptcy Code as codified in Title 11 of the United States Code of any unit owned by a declarant or land subject to development rights:

1. A person acquiring title to all the land being foreclosed or sold shall, but only upon his request, succeed to all special declarant rights related to that land reserved by that declarant, or only to any rights reserved in the declaration pursuant to § 55.1-1929 and held by that declarant to maintain sales offices, management offices, model units, or signs.

2. The judgment or instrument conveying title shall provide for transfer of only the special declarant rights requested.

For the purposes of this subsection, "development rights" means any right or combination of rights to expand an expandable condominium, contract a contractable condominium, convert convertible land, or convert convertible space.

E. Upon foreclosure, sale by a trustee under a deed of trust, tax sale, judicial sale, or sale under receivership proceedings or the Bankruptcy Code as codified in Title 11 of the United States Code of all units and other land in the condominium owned by a declarant, (i) that declarant ceases to have any special declarant rights and (ii) any period of declarant control reserved under subsection A of § 55.1-1943 shall terminate, unless the judgment or instrument conveying title provides for transfer of all special declarant rights held by that declarant to a successor declarant.

F. The liabilities and obligations of any person who succeed to any special declarant right shall be as follows:

1. A successor to any special declarant right who is an affiliate of a declarant is subject to all obligations and liabilities imposed on the transferor by this chapter or by the condominium instruments.

2. A successor to any special declarant right, other than a successor described in subdivisions 3 and 4, who is not an affiliate of a declarant shall be subject to all obligations and liabilities imposed by this chapter or the condominium instruments on a declarant that relate to his exercise or nonexercise of special declarant rights, or on his transferor, except for (i) misrepresentations by any prior declarant, (ii) warranty obligations as provided in subsection B of § 55.1-1955 on improvements made by any previous declarant or made before the condominium was created, (iii) breach of any fiduciary obligation by any previous declarant or his appointees to the executive board, or (iv) any liability or obligation imposed on the transferor as a result of the transferor's acts or omissions after the transfer.

3. Unless he is an affiliate of a declarant, a successor to only a right reserved in the declaration to maintain sales offices, management offices, model units, or signs shall not exercise any other special declarant right and shall not be subject to any liability or obligation as a declarant, except the liabilities and obligations arising under Article 4 (§ 55.1-1970 et seq.) as to disposition by that successor.

4. A successor to all special declarant rights held by his transferor who is not an affiliate of that transferor and who succeeded to those rights pursuant to a deed in lieu of foreclosure or a judgment or instrument conveying title to units under subsection D may declare his intention in a recorded instrument to hold those rights solely for transfer to another person. Thereafter, until transferring all special declarant rights to any person acquiring title to any unit owned by the successor, or until recording an instrument permitting exercise of all those rights, that successor may not exercise any of those rights other than any right reserved by his transferor pursuant to subsection A of § 55.1-1943. Any attempted exercise of those rights is void. So long as a successor declarant may not exercise special declarant rights under this subsection, he shall not be subject to any liability or obligation as a declarant other than liability for his acts and omissions relating to the exercise of rights reserved under subsection A of § 55.1-1943.

G. Nothing in this section subjects any successor to a special declarant right to any claims against or other obligations of a transferor declarant, other than claims and obligations arising under this chapter or the condominium instruments.

1982, c. 545, § 55-79.74:3; 1991, c. 497; 1996, c. 977; 2006, c. 646; 2019, c. 712.

A declarant who does not succeed to any special declarant rights shall be liable only to the extent of his actions for claims and obligations arising under this chapter or the condominium instruments.

1993, c. 667, § 55-79.74:4; 2019, c. 712.

A. 1. Meetings of the unit owners' association shall be held in accordance with the provisions of the condominium instruments at least once each year after the formation of the association. The bylaws shall specify an officer or his agent who shall, at least 21 days in advance of any annual or regularly scheduled meeting and at least seven days in advance of any other meeting, send to each unit owner notice of the time, place, and purposes of such meeting. In the event of cancellation of any annual meeting of the unit owners' association at which directors are elected, the seven-day notice of any subsequent meeting scheduled to elect such directors shall include a statement that the meeting is scheduled for the purpose of the election of directors.

2. Notice shall be sent by United States mail to all unit owners of record at the address of their respective units, unless the unit owner has provided to such officer or his agent an address other than the address of the unit, or notice may be hand delivered by the officer or his agent, provided that the officer or his agent certifies in writing that notice was delivered to the person of the unit owner.

3. In lieu of delivering notice as specified in subdivision 2, such officer or his agent may send notice by electronic means if consented to by the unit owner to whom the notice is given, provided that the officer or his agent certifies in writing that notice was sent and, if such electronic mail was returned as undeliverable, notice was subsequently sent by United States mail.

B. 1. Except as otherwise provided in the condominium instruments, the provisions of this subsection shall apply to executive board meetings at which business of the unit owners' association is transacted or discussed. All meetings of the unit owners' association or the executive board, including any subcommittee or other committee of such association or board, shall be open to all unit owners of record. The executive board shall not use work sessions or other informal gatherings of the executive board to circumvent the open meeting requirements of this section. Minutes of the meetings of the executive board shall be recorded and shall be available as provided in § 55.1-1945.

2. Notice of the time, date, and place of each meeting of the executive board or of any subcommittee or other committee of the executive board, and of each meeting of a subcommittee or other committee of the unit owners' association, shall be published where it is reasonably calculated to be available to a majority of the unit owners.

A unit owner may make a request to be notified on a continual basis of any such meetings, which request shall be made at least once a year in writing and include the unit owners' name, address, zip code, and any email address as appropriate. Notice of the time, date, and place shall be sent to any unit owner requesting notice (i) by first-class mail or email in the case of meetings of the executive board or (ii) by email in the case of meetings of any subcommittee or other committee of the executive board or of a subcommittee or other committee of the unit owners' association.

Notice, reasonable under the circumstances, of special or emergency meetings shall be given contemporaneously with the notice provided to members of the (i) executive board or any subcommittee or other committee of such board or (ii) subcommittee or other committee of the unit owners' association conducting the meeting.

3. Unless otherwise exempt as relating to an executive session pursuant to subsection C, at least one copy of all agenda packets and materials furnished to members of the executive board or subcommittee or other committee of the executive board for a meeting shall be made available for inspection by the membership of the unit owners' association at the same time such documents are furnished to the members of the executive board.

4. Any unit owner may record any portion of a meeting required to be open. The executive board or subcommittee or other committee of the executive board conducting the meeting may adopt rules (i) governing the placement and use of equipment necessary for recording a meeting to prevent interference with the proceedings and (ii) requiring the unit owner recording the meeting to provide notice that the meeting is being recorded.

5. Voting by secret or written ballot in an open meeting is a violation of this chapter except for the election of officers.

C. The executive board or any subcommittee or other committee of the executive board may convene in executive session to consider personnel matters; consult with legal counsel; discuss and consider contracts, probable or pending litigation, and matters involving violations of the condominium instruments or rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to such condominium instruments for which a unit owner, his family members, tenants, guests, or other invitees are responsible; or discuss and consider the personal liability of unit owners to the unit owners' association, upon the affirmative vote in an open meeting to assemble in executive session. The motion shall state specifically the purpose for the executive session. Reference to the motion and the stated purpose for the executive session shall be included in the minutes. The executive board shall restrict the consideration of matters during such portions of meetings to only those purposes specifically exempted and stated in the motion. No contract, motion, or other action adopted, passed, or agreed to in executive session shall become effective unless the executive board or subcommittee or other committee of the executive board, following the executive session, reconvenes in open meeting and takes a vote on such contract, motion, or other action, which shall have its substance reasonably identified in the open meeting. The requirements of this section do not require the disclosure of information in violation of law.

D. Subject to reasonable rules adopted by the executive board, the executive board shall provide a designated period during each meeting to allow unit owners an opportunity to comment on any matter relating to the unit owners' association. During a meeting at which the agenda is limited to specific topics or at a special meeting, the executive board may limit the comments of unit owners to the topics listed on the meeting agenda.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.75; 1978, c. 363; 1989, c. 58; 1990, c. 662; 1992, c. 72; 2000, c. 906; 2001, c. 715; 2003, cc. 404, 405, 442; 2005, c. 353; 2007, c. 675; 2013, c. 275; 2019, c. 712; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 9, 494.

A. The executive board shall establish a reasonable, effective, and free method, appropriate to the size and nature of the condominium, for unit owners to communicate among themselves and with the executive board regarding any matter concerning the unit owners' association.

B. Except as otherwise provided in the condominium instruments, the executive board shall not require prior approval of the dissemination or content of any material regarding any matter concerning the unit owners' association.

2001, c. 715, § 55-79.75:1; 2003, c. 405; 2019, c. 712.

A. In accordance with the federal Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-243), no unit owners' association shall prohibit or otherwise adopt or enforce any policy restricting a unit owner from displaying upon property to which the unit owner has a separate ownership interest or a right to exclusive possession or use the flag of the United States whenever such display is in compliance with Chapter 1 of Title 4 of the United States Code (4 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.) or any rule or custom pertaining to the proper display of the flag. A unit owners' association may, however, establish reasonable restrictions as to the size, place, duration, and manner of placement or display of the flag on such property, provided that such restrictions are necessary to protect a substantial interest of the unit owners' association.

B. The unit owners' association may restrict the display of such flags in the common elements.

C. In any action brought by the unit owners' association under § 55.1-1959 for a violation of a flag restriction, the unit owners' association shall bear the burden of proof that the restrictions as to the size, place, duration, and manner of placement or display of such flag are necessary to protect a substantial interest of the unit owners' association.

D. In any action brought by the unit owners' association under § 55.1-1959, the unit owner shall be entitled to assert as an affirmative defense that the required disclosure of any limitation pertaining to the flag of the United States or any flagpole or similar structure necessary to display the flag of the United States was not contained in the public offering statement or resale certificate, as appropriate, required pursuant to § 55.1-1976 or 55.1-2309.

2007, cc. 854, 910, § 55-79.75:2; 2010, cc. 166, 453; 2019, c. 712; 2023, cc. 387, 388.

A. As used in this section, "solar energy collection device" means any device manufactured and sold for the sole purpose of facilitating the collection and beneficial use of solar energy, including passive heating panels or building components and solar photovoltaic apparatus.

B. No unit owners' association shall prohibit an owner from installing a solar energy collection device on that owner's property unless the recorded declaration for the unit owners' association establishes such a prohibition. However, a unit owners' association may establish reasonable restrictions concerning the size, place, and manner of placement of such solar energy collection devices on property designated and intended for individual ownership and use. Any resale certificate pursuant to § 55.1-2309 given to a purchaser shall contain a statement setting forth any restriction, limitation, or prohibition on the right of an owner to install or use solar energy collection devices on his property.

C. A restriction shall be deemed not to be reasonable if application of the restriction to a particular proposal (i) increases the cost of installation of the solar energy collection device by five percent over the projected cost of the initially proposed installation or (ii) reduces the energy production by the solar energy collection device by 10 percent below the projected energy production of the initially proposed installation. The owner shall provide documentation prepared by an independent solar panel design specialist, who is certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners and is licensed in Virginia, that is satisfactory to the unit owners' association to show that the restriction is not reasonable according to the criteria established in this subsection.

D. The unit owners' association may prohibit or restrict the installation of solar energy collection devices on the common elements or common area within the real estate development served by the unit owners' association. A unit owners' association may establish reasonable restrictions as to the number, size, place, and manner of placement or installation of any solar energy collection device installed on the common elements or common area.

2006, c. 939, §§ 67-700, 67-701; 2008, c. 881; 2009, c. 866; 2013, c. 357; 2014, c. 525; 2020, cc. 272, 795; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387; 2023, cc. 387, 388.

A. Unless the condominium instruments otherwise provide or as specified in subsection H of § 55.1-1953, a quorum shall be deemed to be present throughout any meeting of the unit owners' association until adjourned if persons entitled to cast more than one-third of the votes are present at the beginning of such meeting. The bylaws may provide for a larger percentage, or for a smaller percentage not less than 10 percent.

B. Unless the condominium instruments specify a larger majority, a quorum shall be deemed to be present throughout any meeting of the executive board if persons entitled to cast one-half of the votes in that body are present at the beginning of such meeting.

C. On petition of the unit owners' association or any unit owner entitled to vote, the circuit court of the county or city in which the condominium or the greater part of such condominium is located may order an annual meeting of the unit owners' association be held for the purpose of the election of members of the executive board, provided that:

1. No annual meeting as required by § 55.1-1949 has been held due to the failure to obtain a quorum of unit owners as specified in the condominium instruments; and

2. The unit owners' association has made good faith attempts to convene a duly called annual meeting of the unit owners' association in three successive years, which attempts have proven unsuccessful due to the failure to obtain a quorum.

The court may set the quorum for the meeting and enter other orders necessary to convene the meeting.

A unit owner filing a petition under this subsection shall provide a copy of the petition to the executive board at least 10 business days prior to filing.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.76; 2003, c. 413; 2015, cc. 214, 430; 2019, c. 712; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 9, 494.

A. The bylaws may allocate to each unit depicted on plats and plans that comply with subsections A and B of § 55.1-1920 a number of votes in the unit owners' association proportionate to the undivided interest in the common elements appertaining to each such unit.

B. Otherwise, the bylaws shall allocate to each such unit an equal number of votes in the unit owners' association, subject to the following exception: Each convertible space so depicted shall be allocated a number of votes in the unit owners' association proportionate to the size of each such space, vis-a-vis the aggregate size of all units so depicted, while the remaining votes in the unit owners' association shall be allocated equally to the other units so depicted.

C. Since a unit owner may be more than one person, if only one of such persons is present at a meeting of the unit owners' association, that person shall be entitled to cast the votes appertaining to that unit. If more than one of such persons is present, the vote appertaining to that unit shall be cast only in accordance with their unanimous agreement unless the condominium instruments expressly provide otherwise, and such consent shall be conclusively presumed if any one of them purports to cast the votes appertaining to that unit without protest being made forthwith by any of the others to the person presiding over the meeting. For purposes of this subsection, "person" is deemed to include any natural person having authority to execute deeds on behalf of any person, excluding natural persons, that is, either alone or in conjunction with another person, a unit owner.

D. The votes appertaining to any unit may be cast pursuant to a proxy duly executed by or on behalf of the unit owner, or, in cases where the unit owner is more than one person, by or on behalf of all such unit owners. No such proxy shall be revocable except by actual notice to the person presiding over the meeting, by the unit owner or by any of such persons, that it be revoked. Except to the extent otherwise provided in the condominium instruments, any proxy is void if it is not dated, or if it purports to be revocable without the required notice. Any proxy shall be void if not signed by or on behalf of the unit owner. If the unit owner is more than one person, any such unit owner may object to the proxy at or prior to the meeting, whereupon the proxy shall be deemed revoked. Any proxy shall terminate after the first meeting held on or after the date of that proxy or any recess or adjournment of that meeting. The proxy shall include a brief explanation of the effect of leaving the proxy uninstructed.

E. Unless expressly prohibited by the condominium instruments, a unit owner may vote at a meeting of the unit owners' association in person, by proxy, or by absentee ballot. Such voting may take place by electronic means, provided that the executive board has adopted guidelines for such voting by electronic means. Unit owners voting by absentee ballot or proxy shall be deemed to be present at the meeting for all purposes.

F. If 50 percent or more of the votes in the unit owners' association appertain to 25 percent or less of the units, then in any case where a majority vote is required by the condominium instruments or by this chapter, the requirement for such a majority shall be deemed to include, in addition to the specified majority of the votes, assent by the unit owners of a like majority of the units.

G. All votes appertaining to units owned by the unit owners' association shall be deemed present for quorum purposes at all duly called meetings of the unit owners' association and shall be deemed cast in the same proportions as the votes cast by unit owners other than the unit owners' association.

H. Except to the extent that the condominium instruments provide otherwise, the voting interest allocated to the unit or member that has been suspended by the unit owners' association or the executive board pursuant to the condominium instruments shall not be counted in the total number of voting interests used to determine the quorum for any meeting or vote under the condominium instruments.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.77; 1980, c. 108; 1991, c. 497; 1993, c. 667; 1998, c. 32; 2003, c. 442; 2015, c. 214; 2019, cc. 367, 712; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 9, 494.

A. If the condominium instruments provide that any officer must be a unit owner, then any such officer who disposes of all of his units in fee shall be deemed to have disqualified himself from continuing in office unless the condominium instruments otherwise provide, or unless he acquires or contracts to acquire another unit in the condominium under terms giving him a right of occupancy effective on or before the termination of his right of occupancy under such disposition.

B. If the condominium instruments provide that any officer must be a unit owner, then notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision 1 of § 55.1-1912, the term "unit owner" in such context shall, unless the condominium instruments otherwise provide, be deemed to include any director, officer, partner in, or trustee of any person that is, either alone or in conjunction with another person, a unit owner. Any officer who would not be eligible to serve as such were he not a director, officer, partner in, or trustee of such a person, shall be deemed to have disqualified himself from continuing in office if he ceases to have any such affiliation with that person, or if that person would itself have been deemed to have disqualified itself from continuing in such office under subsection A were it a natural person holding such office.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.78; 1991, c. 497; 2002, c. 520; 2019, c. 712.

A. Except to the extent otherwise provided by the condominium instruments, all powers and responsibilities, including financial responsibility, with regard to maintenance, repair, renovation, restoration, and replacement of the condominium shall belong (i) to the unit owners' association in the case of the common elements and (ii) to the individual unit owner in the case of any unit or any part of such unit, except to the extent that the need for repairs, renovation, restoration, or replacement arises from a condition originating in or through the common elements or any apparatus located within the common elements, in which case the unit owners' association shall have such powers and responsibilities. Each unit owner shall afford to the other unit owners and to the unit owners' association and to any agents or employees of either such access through his unit as may be reasonably necessary to enable them to exercise and discharge their respective powers and responsibilities. To the extent that damage is inflicted on the common elements or any unit through which access is taken, the unit owner causing the same, or the unit owners' association if it caused the damage, shall be liable for the prompt repair of such damage.

B. Notwithstanding anything in this section to the contrary, the declarant shall warrant or guarantee against structural defects each of the units for two years from the date each is conveyed and all of the common elements for two years. For each unit, the declarant shall also warrant that the unit is fit for habitation in the case of a residential unit and constructed in a workmanlike manner so as to pass without objection in the trade. The two-year warranty as to each of the common elements begins whenever that common element has been completed or, if later, (i) as to any common element within any additional land or portion of the additional land, at the time the first unit in that additional land is conveyed; (ii) as to any common element within any convertible land or portion of the convertible land, at the time the first unit in the convertible land is conveyed; and (iii) as to any common element within any other portion of the condominium, at the time the first unit in that portion is conveyed. For the purposes of this subsection, no unit shall be deemed conveyed unless conveyed to a bona fide purchaser. Any conveyance of a condominium unit transfers to the purchaser all of the declarant's warranties against structural defects imposed by this subsection. For the purposes of this subsection, structural defects shall be those defects in components constituting any unit or common element that reduce the stability or safety of the structure below accepted standards or restrict the normal intended use of all or part of the structure and that require repair, renovation, restoration, or replacement. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to make the declarant responsible for any items of maintenance relating to the units or common elements.

C. An action for breach of any warranty prescribed by this section shall begin within (i) five years after the date such warranty period began or (ii) one year after the formation of any warranty review committee pursuant to subsection B of § 55.1-1943, whichever occurs last. However, no such action shall be maintained against the declarant unless a written statement by the claimant, or his agent, attorney, or representative, of the nature of the alleged defect has been sent to the declarant by registered or certified mail at his last known address, as reflected in the records of the Common Interest Community Board, more than six months prior to the beginning of the action giving the declarant an opportunity to cure the alleged defect within a reasonable time, not to exceed five months. Sending the notice required by this subsection shall toll the statute of limitations for beginning a breach of warranty action for a period not to exceed six months.

D. If the initial period of declarant control has been extended in accordance with subsection B of § 55.1-1943, the warranty review committee, referred to in this section as "the committee," shall have (i) subject to the provisions of subdivision 3, the irrevocable power as attorney-in-fact on behalf of the unit owners' association to assert or settle in the name of the unit owners' association any claims involving the declarant's warranty against structural defects with respect to all of the common elements and (ii) the authority to levy an additional assessment against all of the units in proportion to their respective undivided interests in the common elements pursuant to § 55.1-1964 if the committee determines that the assessments levied by the unit owners' association are insufficient to enable the committee reasonably to perform its functions pursuant to this subsection. The committee or the declarant shall notify the governing body of the locality in which the condominium is located of the formation of the committee within 30 days of its formation. Within 30 days after such notice, the local governing body or an agency designated by the local governing body shall advise the chair of the committee of any outstanding violations of applicable building codes, local ordinances, or other deficiencies of record. Members of the committee shall be insured, indemnified, and subject to liability to the same extent as officers or directors under the condominium instruments or applicable law. The unit owners' association shall provide sufficient funds reasonably necessary for the committee to perform the functions set out in this subsection and to:

1. Engage an independent architect, engineer, legal counsel, and such other experts as the committee may reasonably determine;

2. Investigate whether there exists any breach of the warranty as to any of the common elements. The committee shall document its findings and the evidence that supports such findings. Such findings and evidence shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed to the declarant without the consent of the committee; and

3. Assert or settle in the name of the unit owners' association any claims involving the declarant's warranty on the common elements, provided that (i) the committee sends the declarant at least six months prior to the expiration of the statute of limitations a written statement pursuant to subsection C of the alleged nature of any defect in the common elements giving the declarant an opportunity to cure the alleged defect; (ii) the declarant fails to cure the alleged defect within a reasonable time; and (iii) the declarant control period or the statute of limitations has not expired.

E. Within 45 days after the formation of the committee, the declarant shall deliver to the chair of the committee (i) a copy of the latest available approved plans and specifications for all improvements in the project or as-built plans if available; (ii) all association insurance policies that are currently in force; (iii) any written unexpired warranties of the contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and manufacturers applicable to the condominium; and (iv) a list of manufacturers of paints, roofing materials, and other similar materials if specified for use on the condominium property.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.79; 1975, c. 415; 1980, c. 386; 1982, c. 545; 1984, c. 347; 1987, c. 395; 2006, c. 646; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2013, c. 599; 2019, c. 712.

A. Except to the extent prohibited, restricted, or limited by the condominium instruments, the unit owners' association shall have the power to:

1. Employ, dismiss, and replace agents and employees to exercise and discharge the powers and responsibilities of the association arising under § 55.1-1955;

2. Make or cause to be made additional improvements on and as a part of the common elements;

3. Grant or withhold approval of any action by one or more unit owners or other persons entitled to the occupancy of any unit that would change the exterior appearance of any unit or of any other portion of the condominium, or elect or provide for the appointment of an architectural control committee, the members of which must have the same qualifications as officers, to grant or withhold such approval; and

4. Acquire, hold, convey, and encumber title to real property, including condominium units, whether or not the association is incorporated.

B. Except to the extent prohibited, restricted, or limited by the condominium instruments, the executive board of the unit owners' association, if any, and if not, then the unit owners' association itself, has the irrevocable power as attorney-in-fact on behalf of all the unit owners and their successors in title with respect to the common elements, including the right, in the name of the unit owners' association, to (i) grant easements through the common elements and accept easements benefiting all or any portion of the condominium; (ii) assert, through litigation or otherwise, defend against, compromise, adjust, and settle any claims or actions related to common elements, other than claims against or actions involving the declarant during any period of declarant control reserved pursuant to subsection A of § 55.1-1943; and (iii) apply for any governmental approvals under state and local law.

C. This section shall not be construed to prohibit the grant by the condominium instruments of other powers and responsibilities to the unit owners' association or its executive board.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.80; 1975, c. 415; 1981, c. 146; 1982, c. 195; 1991, c. 497; 1993, c. 667; 1996, c. 977; 2019, c. 712.

The unit owners' association shall post notice of all pesticide applications in or upon the common elements. Such notice shall consist of conspicuous signs placed in or upon the common elements where the pesticide will be applied at least 48 hours prior to the application.

1999, c. 65, § 55-79.80:01; 2019, c. 712.

A. An action for tort alleging a wrong done (i) by any agent or employee of the declarant or of the unit owners' association or (ii) in connection with the condition of any portion of the condominium that the declarant or the association has the responsibility to maintain shall be brought against the declarant or the association, as appropriate. No unit owner shall be precluded from bringing such an action by virtue of his ownership of an undivided interest in the common elements or by reason of his membership in the association or his status as an officer.

B. Unit owners other than the declarant shall not be liable for torts caused by agents or employees of the declarant within any convertible land or using any easement reserved in the declaration or created by § 55.1-1928 or 55.1-1929.

C. An action arising from a contract made by or on behalf of the unit owners' association or its executive board or the unit owners as a group shall be brought against the association, or against the declarant if the cause of action arose during the exercise by the declarant of control reserved pursuant to subsection A of § 55.1-1943. No unit owner shall be precluded from bringing such an action by reason of his membership in the association or his status as an officer.

D. A judgment for money against the unit owners' association shall be a lien against any property owned by the association, and against each of the condominium units in proportion to the liability of each unit owner for common expenses as established pursuant to subsection D of § 55.1-1964, but not against any other property of any unit owner. A unit owner who pays a percentage of the total amount due under such judgment equal to such unit owner's liability for common expenses fixed pursuant to subsection D of § 55.1-1964 shall be entitled to a release of any such judgment lien, and the association shall not be entitled to assess the unit for payment of the remaining amount due. Such judgment shall be otherwise subject to the provisions of § 8.01-458.

1975, c. 415, § 55-79.80:1; 1991, c. 497; 1992, c. 72; 1996, c. 977; 2019, c. 712.

A. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the executive board shall have the power to establish, adopt, and enforce rules and regulations with respect to use of the common elements and with respect to such other areas of responsibility assigned to the unit owners' association by the condominium instruments, except where expressly reserved by the condominium instruments to the unit owners. Rules and regulations may be adopted by resolution and shall be reasonably published or distributed to the unit owners. At a special meeting of the unit owners' association convened in accordance with the provisions of the condominium instruments, a majority of the votes cast at such meeting may repeal or amend any rule or regulation adopted by the executive board. Rules and regulations may be enforced by any method authorized by this chapter.

B. The unit owners' association shall have the power, to the extent the condominium instruments or the condominium's rules and regulations expressly provide, to (i) suspend a unit owner's right to use facilities or services, including utility services, provided directly through the unit owners' association for nonpayment of assessments that are more than 60 days past due, to the extent that access to the unit through the common elements is not precluded and provided that such suspension does not endanger the health, safety, or property of any unit owner, tenant, or occupant and (ii) assess charges against any unit owner for any violation of the condominium instruments or of the rules or regulations promulgated pursuant thereto for which such unit owner or his family members, tenants, guests, or other invitees are responsible.

C. Before any action authorized in this section is taken, the unit owner shall be given a reasonable opportunity to correct the alleged violation after written notice of the alleged violation to the unit owner at the address required for notices of meetings pursuant to § 55.1-1949. If the violation remains uncorrected, the unit owner shall be given an opportunity to be heard and to be represented by counsel before the executive board or such other tribunal as the condominium instruments or its adopted rules and regulations specify.

Notice of such hearing, including the actions that may be taken by the unit owners' association in accordance with this section, shall, at least 14 days in advance, be hand delivered or mailed by registered or certified United States mail, return receipt requested, to such unit owner at the address required for notices of meetings pursuant to § 55.1-1949. Within seven days of the hearing, the hearing result shall be hand delivered or mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to such unit owner at the address required for notices of meetings pursuant to § 55.1-1949.

D. The amount of any charges assessed shall not exceed $50 for a single offense, or $10 per diem for any offense of a continuing nature, and shall be treated as an assessment against such unit owner's condominium unit for the purpose of § 55.1-1966. However, the total charges for any offense of a continuing nature shall not be assessed for a period exceeding 90 days.

E. The unit owners' association may file or defend legal action in general district or circuit court that seeks relief, including injunctive relief, arising from any violation of the condominium instruments or the condominium's adopted rules and regulations.

F. After the date an action is filed in the general district or circuit court by (i) the unit owners' association, by and through its counsel, to collect the charges or obtain injunctive relief and correct the violation or (ii) the unit owner challenging any such charges, no additional charges shall accrue.

If the court rules in favor of the unit owners' association, it shall be entitled to collect such charges from the date the action was filed as well as all other charges assessed pursuant to this section against the unit owner prior to the action. In addition, if the court finds that the violation remains uncorrected, the court may order the unit owner to abate or remedy the violation.

In any action filed in general district court pursuant to this section, the court may enter default judgment against the unit owner on the sworn affidavit of the unit owners' association.

G. This section shall not be construed to prohibit the grant by the condominium instruments of other powers and responsibilities to the unit owners' association or its executive board.

1993, c. 667, § 55-79.80:2; 1997, cc. 173, 417; 2000, cc. 846, 906; 2002, c. 509; 2011, cc. 372, 378; 2014, c. 784; 2019, c. 712; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 131.

To the extent expressly provided in the condominium instruments, the unit owners' association may limit the number of persons who may occupy a unit as a dwelling. Such limitation shall be reasonable and shall comply with the provisions of applicable law, including the Virginia Fair Housing Law (§ 36-96.1 et seq.), the Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq.), and local ordinances.

1996, c. 888, § 55-79.80:3; 1998, c. 454; 2019, c. 712.

Except to the extent that the condominium instruments provide otherwise, the executive board may establish reasonable rules that restrict smoking in the condominium, including rules that prohibit smoking in the common elements and within units. Rules adopted pursuant to this section may be enforced in accordance with § 55.1-1959.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 131.

Except as expressly authorized in this chapter or in the condominium instruments or as otherwise provided by law, no unit owners' association shall require the use of any for sale sign that is (i) a unit owners' association sign or (ii) a real estate sign that does not comply with the requirements of the Real Estate Board. A unit owners' association may, however, prohibit the placement of signs in the common elements and establish reasonable rules and regulations that regulate (a) the number of real estate signs to be located on real property upon which the owner has a separate ownership interest or a right of exclusive possession, so long as at least one real estate sign is permitted; (b) the geographical location of real estate signs on real property in which the owner has a separate ownership interest or a right of exclusive possession, so long as the location of the real estate signs complies with the requirements of the Real Estate Board; (c) the manner in which real estate signs are affixed to real property; and (d) the period of time after settlement when the real estate signs on such real property shall be removed.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.97; 1975, c. 415; 1978, cc. 234, 290; 1983, c. 60; 1984, cc. 29, 103; 1990, c. 662; 1991, c. 497; 1994, c. 172; 1997, c. 222; 1998, cc. 32, 454, 463; 1999, c. 263; 2001, c. 556; 2002, cc. 459, 509; 2005, c. 415; 2007, cc. 696, 712, 854, 910; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2011, c. 334; 2013, cc. 357, 492; 2014, c. 216; 2015, c. 277; 2016, c. 471; 2017, cc. 393, 406; 2018, c. 70; 2019, c. 712.

Except as expressly authorized in this chapter or in the condominium instruments or as otherwise provided by law, no unit owners' association shall require any unit owner to execute a formal power of attorney if the unit owner designates a person licensed under the provisions of § 54.1-2106.1 as the unit owner's authorized representative, and the unit owners' association shall recognize such representation without a formal power of attorney, provided that the unit owners' association is given a written authorization that includes the designated representative's name, contact information, and license number and the unit owner's signature. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the requirements of § 55.1-1953 and the condominium instruments shall be satisfied before any such representative may exercise a vote on behalf of a unit owner as a proxy.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.97; 1975, c. 415; 1978, cc. 234, 290; 1983, c. 60; 1984, cc. 29, 103; 1990, c. 662; 1991, c. 497; 1994, c. 172; 1997, c. 222; 1998, cc. 32, 454, 463; 1999, c. 263; 2001, c. 556; 2002, cc. 459, 509; 2005, c. 415; 2007, cc. 696, 712, 854, 910; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2011, c. 334; 2013, cc. 357, 492; 2014, c. 216; 2015, c. 277; 2016, c. 471; 2017, cc. 393, 406; 2018, c. 70; 2019, c. 712; 2022, cc. 65, 66.

A. Except to the extent that the condominium instruments provide otherwise, no unit owners' association shall prohibit any unit owner from installing an electric vehicle charging station for the unit owner's personal use within the boundaries of a unit or limited common element parking space appurtenant to the unit owned by the unit owner.

B. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter or the condominium instruments, the unit owners' association may prohibit a unit owner from installing an electric vehicle charging station if installation of the electric vehicle charging station is not technically feasible or reasonably practicable due to safety risks, structural issues, or engineering conditions.

C. The unit owners' association may require as a condition of approving installation of an electric vehicle charging station that the unit owner:

1. Provide detailed plans and drawings for installation of an electric vehicle charging station prepared by a licensed and registered electrical contractor or engineer familiar with the installation and core requirements of an electric vehicle charging station.

2. Comply with applicable building codes or recognized safety standards.

3. Comply with reasonable architectural standards adopted by the unit owners' association that govern the dimensions, placement, or external appearance of the electric vehicle charging station.

4. Pay the costs of installation, maintenance, operation, and use of the electric vehicle charging station.

5. Indemnify and hold the unit owners' association harmless from any claim made by a contractor or supplier pursuant to Title 43.

6. Pay the cost of removal of the electric vehicle charging station and restoration of the area if the unit owner decides there is no longer a need for the electric vehicle charging station.

7. Separately meter, at the unit owner's sole expense, the utilities associated with such electric vehicle charging station and pay the cost of electricity and other associated utilities.

8. Engage the services of a licensed electrician or engineer familiar with the installation and core requirements of an electric vehicle charging station to install the electric vehicle charging station.

9. Obtain and maintain insurance covering claims and defenses of claims related to the installation, maintenance, operation, and use of the electric vehicle charging station and provide a certificate of insurance naming the unit owners' association as an additional insured on the unit owner's insurance policy for any claim related to the installation, maintenance, operation, or use of the electric vehicle charging station within 14 days after receiving the unit owners' association's approval to install such charging station.

10. Reimburse the unit owners' association for any increase in common expenses specifically attributable to the electric vehicle charging station installation, including the actual cost of any increased insurance premium amount, within 14 days' notice from the unit owners' association.

D. The conditions imposed pursuant to this section on unit owners for installation of an electric vehicle charging station shall run with title to the unit to which the limited common element parking space is appurtenant.

E. Any unit owner installing an electric vehicle charging station in a unit or on a limited common element parking space appurtenant to the unit owned by the unit owner shall indemnify and hold the unit owners' association harmless from all liability, including reasonable attorney fees incurred by the association resulting from a claim, arising out of the installation, maintenance, operation, or use of such electric charging station. A unit owners' association may require the unit owner to obtain and maintain insurance covering claims and defenses of claims related to the installation, maintenance, operation, or use of the electric vehicle charging station and require the unit owners' association to be included as a named insured on such policy.

2020, c. 1012.

A. The condominium instruments may require the unit owners' association, or the executive board or managing agent on behalf of such association, to obtain:

1. A master casualty policy affording fire and extended coverage in an amount consonant with the full replacement value of the structures within the condominium, or of such structures that in whole or in part comprise portions of the common elements;

2. A master liability policy, in an amount specified by the condominium instruments, covering the unit owners' association, the executive board, if any, the managing agent, if any, all persons acting or who may come to act as agents or employees of any of the foregoing with respect to the condominium, and all unit owners and other persons entitled to occupy any unit or other portion of the condominium; and

3. Such other policies as may be required by the condominium instruments, including workers' compensation insurance, liability insurance on motor vehicles owned by the unit owners' association, and specialized policies covering lands or improvements in which the unit owners' association has or shares ownership or other rights.

B. Any unit owners' association collecting assessments for common expenses shall obtain and maintain a blanket fidelity bond or employee dishonesty insurance policy insuring the unit owners' association against losses resulting from theft or dishonesty committed by the officers, directors, or persons employed by the unit owners' association, or committed by any common interest community manager or employees of the common interest community manager. Such bond or insurance policy shall provide coverage in an amount equal to the lesser of $1 million or the amount of reserve balances of the unit owners' association plus one-fourth of the aggregate annual assessment of such unit owners' association. The minimum coverage amount shall be $10,000. The executive board or common interest community manager may obtain such bond or insurance on behalf of the unit owners' association.

C. When any policy of insurance has been obtained by or on behalf of the unit owners' association, written notice of such obtainment and of any subsequent changes in or termination of the policy shall be promptly furnished to each unit owner by the officer required to send notices of meetings of the unit owners' association. Such notices shall be sent in accordance with the provisions of subsection A of § 55.1-1949.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.81; 2000, c. 906; 2003, c. 360; 2004, c. 281; 2007, cc. 696, 712; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2019, c. 712.

A. Except to the extent that the condominium instruments provide otherwise, any common expenses associated with the maintenance, repair, renovation, restoration, or replacement of any limited common element shall be specially assessed against the condominium unit to which that limited common element was assigned at the time such expenses were made or incurred. If the limited common element involved was assigned at that time to more than one condominium unit, however, such expenses shall be specially assessed against each such condominium unit equally so that the total of such special assessments equals the total of such expenses, except to the extent that the condominium instruments provide otherwise.

B. To the extent that the condominium instruments expressly so provide, any other common expenses benefiting less than all of the condominium units, or caused by the conduct of less than all those entitled to occupy the same or by their licensees or invitees, shall be specially assessed against any condominium unit involved, in accordance with such reasonable provisions as the condominium instruments may make for such cases. The executive board may impose reasonable user fees.

C. To the extent that the condominium instruments expressly so provide, (i) any common expenses paid or incurred in making available the same off-site amenities or paid subscription television service to some or all of the unit owners shall be assessed equally against the condominium units involved and (ii) any common expenses paid or incurred in providing metered utility services to some or all of the units shall be assessed against each condominium unit involved based on its actual consumption of such services.

D. The amount of all common expenses not specially assessed pursuant to subsection A, B, or C shall be assessed against the condominium units in proportion to the number of votes in the unit owners' association appertaining to each such unit, or, if such votes were allocated as provided in subsection B of § 55.1-1953, those common expense assessments shall be either in proportion to those votes or in proportion to the units' respective undivided interests in the common elements, whichever basis the condominium instruments specify. Such assessments shall be made by the unit owners' association annually, or more often if the condominium instruments so provide. No change in the number of votes in the unit owners' association appertaining to any condominium unit shall enlarge, diminish, or otherwise affect any liabilities arising from assessments made prior to such change.

E. Except to the extent otherwise provided in the condominium instruments, if the executive board determines that the assessments levied by the unit owners' association are insufficient to cover the common expenses of the unit owners' association, the executive board may levy an additional assessment against all of the units in proportion to their respective undivided interests in the common elements. The executive board shall give written notice to the unit owners stating the amount of, the reasons for, and the due date for payment of any additional assessment. If the additional assessment is to be paid in a lump sum, payment shall be due and payable no earlier than 90 days after delivery or mailing of the notice.

All unit owners shall be obligated to pay the additional assessment unless the unit owners by a majority of votes cast, in person or by proxy, at a meeting of the unit owners' association convened in accordance with the provisions of the condominium instruments within 60 days of the delivery or mailing of the notice required by this subsection, rescind or reduce the additional assessment. No director or officer of the unit owners' association shall be liable for failure to perform his fiduciary duty if an additional assessment for the funds necessary for the director or officer to perform his fiduciary duty is rescinded by the unit owners' association in accordance with this subsection. The unit owners' association shall indemnify such director or officer against any damage resulting from any claimed breach of fiduciary duty due to the assessment for the necessary funds rescinded by the unit owners' association in accordance with this subsection.

F. Neither a unit owned by the declarant nor any other unit may be exempted from assessments made pursuant to this section by reason of the identity of the unit owner.

G. All condominium instruments for condominiums created prior to January 1, 1981, are hereby validated notwithstanding noncompliance with the first sentence of subsection D if they provide instead that the amount of all common expenses not specially assessed pursuant to subsection A, B, or C shall be assessed against the condominium units in proportion to their respective undivided interests in the common elements.

H. Except to the extent that the condominium instruments or the association's rules or regulations provide otherwise, an executive board may impose a late fee, not to exceed the penalty provided for in § 58.1-3915, for any assessment or installment that is not paid within 60 days of the due date for payment of such assessment or installment.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.83; 1977, c. 428; 1981, c. 180; 1984, cc. 27, 84, 601; 1992, c. 72; 1993, c. 667; 2003, c. 421; 2013, c. 256; 2014, c. 239; 2019, c. 712.

A. Except to the extent provided in the condominium instruments, the executive board shall, prior to the commencement of the fiscal year, make available to unit owners either (i) the annual budget of the unit owners' association or (ii) a summary of such annual budget.

B. Except to the extent otherwise provided in the condominium instruments, the executive board shall:

1. Conduct a study at least once every five years to determine the necessity and amount of reserves required to repair, replace, and restore the capital components as defined in § 55.1-1900;

2. Review the results of that study at least annually to determine if reserves are sufficient; and

3. Make any adjustments the executive board deems necessary to maintain reserves, as appropriate.

C. To the extent that the reserve study conducted in accordance with this section indicates a need to budget for reserves, the unit owners' association budget shall include:

1. The current estimated replacement cost, estimated remaining life, and estimated useful life of the capital components as defined in § 55.1-1900;

2. As of the beginning of the fiscal year for which the budget is prepared, the current amount of accumulated cash reserves set aside to repair, replace, or restore the capital components and the amount of the expected contribution to the reserve fund for that fiscal year;

3. A statement describing the procedures used for estimation and accumulation of cash reserves pursuant to this section; and

4. A statement of the amount of reserves recommended in the study and the amount of current cash for replacement reserves.

2002, c. 459, § 55-79.83:1; 2019, cc. 33, 44, 712.

A. The unit owners' association shall have a lien on each condominium unit for unpaid assessments levied against that condominium unit in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and all lawful provisions of the condominium instruments. The lien, once perfected, shall be prior to all other liens and encumbrances except (i) real estate tax liens on that condominium unit, (ii) liens and encumbrances recorded prior to the recordation of the declaration, and (iii) sums unpaid on any first mortgages or first deeds of trust recorded prior to the perfection of such lien for assessments and securing institutional lenders. The provisions of this subsection shall not affect the priority of mechanics' and materialmen's liens.

B. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, or any other provision of law requiring documents to be recorded in the miscellaneous lien books or the deed books in the clerk's office of any court, on or after July 1, 1974, all memoranda of liens arising under this section shall, in the discretion of the clerk, be recorded in the miscellaneous lien books or the deed books in such clerk's office. Any such memorandum shall be indexed in the general index to deeds, and such general index shall identify the lien as a lien for condominium assessments.

C. In order to perfect the lien given by this section, the unit owners' association shall file a memorandum verified by the oath of the principal officer of the unit owners' association, or such other officer as the condominium instruments may specify, before the expiration of 90 days from the time the first such assessment became due and payable. The memorandum shall be filed in the clerk's office of the circuit court in the county or city in which such condominium is situated. The memorandum shall contain the following:

1. A description of the condominium unit in accordance with the provisions of § 55.1-1909.

2. The name or names of the persons constituting the unit owners of that condominium unit.

3. The amount of unpaid assessments currently due or past due together with the date when each fell due.

4. The date of issuance of the memorandum.

The clerk in whose office such memorandum is filed shall record and index the memorandum as provided in subsection B, in the names of the persons identified in such memorandum as well as in the name of the unit owners' association. The cost of recording such memorandum shall be taxed against the person found liable in any judgment enforcing such lien.

D. No action to enforce any lien perfected under subsection C shall be brought or action to foreclose any lien perfected under subsection I shall be initiated after 36 months from the time when the memorandum of lien was recorded; however, the filing of a petition to enforce any such lien in any action in which such petition may be properly filed shall be regarded as the institution of an action under this section. Nothing in this subsection shall extend the time within which any such lien may be perfected.

E. The judgment in an action brought pursuant to this section shall include reimbursement for costs and attorney fees of the prevailing party. If the association prevails, it may also recover interest at the legal rate for the sums secured by the lien from the time each such sum became due and payable.

F. When payment or satisfaction is made of a debt secured by the lien perfected by subsection C, such lien shall be released in accordance with the provisions of § 55.1-339. Any lien that is not so released shall subject the lien creditor to the penalty set forth in subdivision B 1 of § 55.1-339. For the purposes of that section, the principal officer of the unit owners' association, or such other officer as the condominium instruments may specify, shall be deemed the duly authorized agent of the lien creditor.

G. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit actions at law to recover sums for which subsection A creates a lien, maintainable pursuant to § 55.1-1915.

H. Any unit owner or purchaser of a condominium unit, having executed a contract for the disposition of such condominium unit, shall be entitled upon request to a recordable statement setting forth the amount of unpaid assessments currently levied against that unit. Such request shall be in writing, directed to the principal officer of the unit owners' association or to such other officer as the condominium instruments may specify. Failure to furnish or make available such a statement within 10 days of the receipt of such request shall extinguish the lien created by subsection A as to the condominium unit involved. Such statement shall be binding on the unit owners' association, the executive board, and every unit owner. Payment of a fee not exceeding $10 may be required as a prerequisite to the issuance of such a statement if the condominium instruments so provide.

I. At any time after perfecting the lien pursuant to this section, the unit owners' association may sell the unit at public sale, subject to prior liens. For purposes of this section, the unit owners' association shall have the power both to sell and convey the unit and shall be deemed the unit owner's statutory agent for the purpose of transferring title to the unit. A nonjudicial foreclosure sale shall be conducted in compliance with the following:

1. The unit owners' association shall give notice to the unit owner prior to advertisement required by subdivision 4. The notice shall specify (i) the debt secured by the perfected lien; (ii) the action required to satisfy the debt secured by the perfected lien; (iii) the date, not less than 60 days from the date the notice is given to the unit owner, by which the debt secured by the lien must be satisfied; and (iv) that failure to satisfy the debt secured by the lien on or before the date specified in the notice may result in the sale of the unit. The notice shall further inform the unit owner of the right to bring a court action in the circuit court of the county or city where the condominium is located to assert the nonexistence of a debt or any other defense of the unit owner to the sale.

2. After expiration of the 60-day notice period provided in subdivision 1, the unit owners' association may appoint a trustee to conduct the sale. The appointment of the trustee shall be filed in the clerk's office of the circuit court in the county or city in which the condominium is located. The clerk in whose office such appointment is filed shall record and index the appointment as provided in subsection C, in the names of the persons identified therein as well as in the name of the unit owners' association. The unit owners' association, at its option, may from time to time remove the trustee and appoint a successor trustee.

3. If the unit owner meets the conditions specified in this subdivision prior to the date of the foreclosure sale, the unit owner shall have the right to have enforcement of the perfected lien discontinued prior to the sale of the unit. Those conditions are that the unit owner (a) satisfy the debt secured by lien that is the subject of the nonjudicial foreclosure sale and (b) pays all expenses and costs incurred in perfecting and enforcing the lien, including advertising costs and reasonable attorney fees.

4. In addition to the advertisement required by subdivision 5, the unit owners' association shall give written notice of the time, date, and place of any proposed sale in execution of the lien, and shall include the name, address, and telephone number of the trustee, by personal delivery or by mail to (i) the present owner of the condominium unit to be sold at his last known address as such owner and address appear in the records of the unit owners' association, (ii) any lienholder who holds a note against the condominium unit secured by a deed of trust recorded at least 30 days prior to the proposed sale and whose address is recorded with the deed of trust, and (iii) any assignee of such a note secured by a deed of trust provided the assignment and address of the assignee are likewise recorded at least 30 days prior to the proposed sale. Mailing a copy of the advertisement or the notice containing the same information to the owner by certified or registered mail no less than 14 days prior to such sale and to the lienholders and their assigns, at the addresses noted in the memorandum of lien, by ordinary mail no less than 14 days prior to such sale shall be a sufficient compliance with the requirement of notice.

5. The advertisement of sale by the unit owners' association shall be in a newspaper having a general circulation in the locality in which the condominium unit to be sold, or any portion of such unit, is located pursuant to the following provisions:

a. The unit owners' association shall advertise once a week for four successive weeks; however, if the condominium unit or some portion of such unit is located in a city or in a county immediately contiguous to a city, publication of the advertisement five different days, which may be consecutive days, shall be deemed adequate. The sale shall be held on any day following the day of the last advertisement that is no earlier than eight days following the first advertisement nor more than 30 days following the last advertisement.

b. Such advertisement shall be placed in that section of the newspaper where legal notices appear or where the type of property being sold is generally advertised for sale. The advertisement of sale, in addition to such other matters as the unit owners' association finds appropriate, shall set forth a description of the condominium unit to be sold, which description need not be as extensive as that contained in the deed of trust but shall identify the condominium unit by street address, if any, or, if none, shall give the general location of the condominium unit with reference to streets, routes, or known landmarks. Where available, tax map identification may be used but is not required. The advertisement shall also include the date, time, place, and terms of sale and the name of the unit owners' association. The advertisement shall set forth the name, address, and telephone number of the representative, agent, or attorney who may be able to respond to inquiries concerning the sale.

c. In addition to the advertisement required by subdivisions a and b, the unit owners' association may give such other further and different advertisement as the association finds appropriate.

6. In the event of postponement of a sale, which postponement shall be at the discretion of the unit owners' association, advertisement of such postponed sale shall be in the same manner as the original advertisement of sale.

7. Failure to comply with the requirements for advertisement contained in this section shall, upon petition, render a sale of the condominium unit voidable by the court.

8. In the event of a sale, the unit owners' association shall have the following powers and duties:

a. Written one-price bids may be made and shall be received by the trustee from the unit owners' association or any person for entry by announcement at the sale. Any person other than the trustee may bid at the foreclosure sale, including a person who has submitted a written one-price bid. Upon request to the trustee, any other bidder in attendance at a foreclosure sale shall be permitted to inspect written bids. Unless otherwise provided in the condominium instruments, the unit owners' association may bid to purchase the unit at a foreclosure sale. The unit owners' association may own, lease, encumber, exchange, sell, or convey the unit. Whenever the written bid of the unit owners' association is the highest bid submitted at the sale, such written bid shall be filed by the trustee with his account of sale required under subdivision 10 of this subsection and § 64.2-1309. The written bid submitted pursuant to this subsection may be prepared by the unit owners' association or its agent or attorney.

b. The unit owners' association may require of any bidder at any sale a cash deposit of as much as 10 percent of the sale price before his bid is received, which shall be refunded to him if the condominium unit is not sold to him. The deposit of the successful bidder shall be applied to his credit at settlement, or if such bidder fails to complete his purchase promptly, the deposit shall be applied to pay the costs and expenses of the sale, and the balance, if any, shall be retained by the unit owners' association in connection with that sale.

c. The unit owners' association shall receive and receipt for the proceeds of sale, no purchaser being required to see to the application of the proceeds, and apply the same in the following order: first, to the reasonable expenses of sale, including reasonable attorney fees; second, to the satisfaction of all taxes, levies, and assessments, with costs and interest; third, to the satisfaction of the lien for the unit owners' assessments; fourth, to the satisfaction in the order of priority of any remaining inferior claims of record; and fifth, to pay the residue of the proceeds to the unit owner or his assigns, provided, however, that the association as to such residue shall not be bound by any inheritance, devise, conveyance, assignment, or lien of or upon the unit owner's equity, without actual notice of such encumbrance prior to distribution.

9. The trustee shall deliver to the purchaser a trustee's deed conveying the unit with special warranty of title. The trustee shall not be required to take possession of the condominium unit prior to the sale or to deliver possession of the unit to the purchaser at the sale.

10. The trustee shall file an accounting of the sale with the commissioner of accounts pursuant to § 64.2-1309 and every account of a sale shall be recorded pursuant to § 64.2-1310. In addition, the accounting shall be made available for inspection and copying pursuant to § 55.1-1945 upon the written request of the prior unit owner, current unit owner, or any holder of a recorded lien against the unit at the time of the sale. The unit owners' association shall maintain a copy of the accounting for at least 12 months following the foreclosure sale.

11. If the sale of a unit is made pursuant to this subsection and the accounting is made by the trustee, the title of the purchaser at such sale shall not be disturbed unless within 12 months from the confirmation of the accounting by the commissioner of accounts, the sale is set aside by the court or an appeal is filed in the Court of Appeals or granted by the Supreme Court and an order is entered requiring such sale to be set aside.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.84; 1975, c. 415; 1991, c. 497; 1992, c. 72; 1997, cc. 760, 766; 2000, c. 906; 2004, cc. 778, 779, 786; 2019, c. 712; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 489.

In accordance with the provisions of § 15.2-979, the unit owners' association shall be given notice whenever a condominium unit becomes subject to a sale under a deed of trust. Upon receipt of such notice, the executive board, on behalf of the unit owners' association, shall exercise whatever due diligence it deems necessary with respect to the unit subject to a sale under a deed of trust to protect the interests of the unit owners' association.

2015, cc. 93, 410, § 55-79.84:01; 2019, c. 712.

A. The declarant of a condominium containing units that are required by this chapter to be registered with the Common Interest Community Board shall post a bond in favor of the unit owners' association with good and sufficient surety, in a sum equal to $1,000 per unit, except that such sum shall not be less than $10,000, nor more than $100,000. Such bond shall be filed with the Common Interest Community Board and shall be maintained for so long as the declarant owns more than 10 percent of the units in the condominium or, if the declarant owns less than 10 percent of the units in the condominium, until the declarant is current in the payment of assessments. However, the Board shall return a bond where the declarant owns one unit in a condominium containing less than 10 units, provided that such declarant is current in the payment of assessments.

B. No bond shall be accepted for filing unless it is with a surety company authorized to do business in the Commonwealth or by such other surety as is satisfactory to the Board, and such bond shall be conditioned upon the payment of all assessments levied against condominium units owned by the declarant. The Board may accept a letter of credit in lieu of the bond contemplated by this section.

The Board may promulgate reasonable regulations that govern the return of bonds submitted in accordance with this section.

1977, c. 428, § 55-79.84:1; 1981, c. 480; 1984, c. 601; 1985, c. 107; 1988, c. 15; 1993, cc. 667, 900; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2019, c. 712.

If the condominium instruments create any rights of first refusal or other restraints on free alienability of the condominium units, such rights and restraints are void unless the condominium instruments make provision for promptly furnishing to any unit owner or purchaser requesting such rights and restraints a recordable statement certifying to any waiver of, or failure or refusal to exercise, such rights and restraints, in all cases where such waiver, failure, or refusal does in fact occur. Failure or refusal to furnish promptly such a statement in such circumstances in accordance with the provisions of the condominium instruments make all such rights and restraints inapplicable to any disposition of a condominium unit in contemplation of which such statement was requested. Any such statement shall be binding on the unit owners' association, the executive board, and every unit owner. Payment of a fee not exceeding $25 may be required as a prerequisite to the issuance of such a statement if the condominium instruments so provide.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.85; 2019, c. 712.

Article 4. Administration of Chapter; Sale, Etc., of Condominium Units.

This chapter shall be administered by the Common Interest Community Board.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.86; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2019, c. 712.

A. The Common Interest Community Board shall prescribe reasonable regulations, which shall be adopted, amended, or repealed in compliance with law applicable to the administrative procedure of agencies of government. The regulations shall include provisions for advertising standards to assure full and fair disclosure, provisions for operating procedures, and other regulations as are necessary and proper to accomplish the purpose of this chapter.

B. The Common Interest Community Board by regulation or by an order, after reasonable notice and hearing, may require the filing of advertising material relating to condominiums prior to its distribution.

C. If it appears that a person has engaged or is about to engage in an act or practice constituting a violation of a provision of this chapter or Common Interest Community Board regulation or order, the Common Interest Community Board, with or without prior administrative proceedings, may bring an action in the circuit court of the county or city in which any portion of the condominium is located to enjoin the acts or practices and to enforce compliance with this chapter or any Common Interest Community Board regulation or order. Upon proper showing, injunctive relief or temporary restraining orders shall be granted. The Common Interest Community Board is not required to post a bond in any court proceedings or prove that no other adequate remedy at law exists.

D. With respect to any lawful process served upon the Common Interest Community Board pursuant to the appointment made in accordance with subdivision A 1 of § 55.1-1975, the Common Interest Community Board shall forthwith cause the same to be sent by registered or certified mail to any of the principals, officers, directors, partners, or trustees of the declarant listed in the application for registration at the last address listed in such application or the most recent annual report.

E. The Common Interest Community Board may intervene in any action involving the declarant. In any action by or against a declarant involving a condominium, the declarant shall promptly furnish the Common Interest Community Board notice of the action and copies of all pleadings.

F. The Common Interest Community Board may:

1. Accept registrations filed in other states or with the federal government;

2. Contract with similar agencies in the Commonwealth or other jurisdictions to perform investigative functions; and

3. Accept grants in aid from any governmental source.

G. The Common Interest Community Board shall cooperate with similar agencies in other jurisdictions to establish uniform filing procedures and forms, uniform public offering statements, advertising standards, regulations, and common administrative practices.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.98; 1981, c. 480; 2011, c. 605; 2019, c. 712.

A. Unless the method of offer or disposition is adopted for the purpose of evasion of this chapter, the provisions of §§ 55.1-1974 through 55.1-1979, subsections B and D of § 55.1-1982, and §§ 55.1-2308 and 55.1-2309 do not apply to:

1. Dispositions pursuant to court order;

2. Dispositions by any government or government agency;

3. Offers by the declarant on nonbinding reservation agreements;

4. Dispositions in a residential condominium in which there are three or fewer units, so long as the condominium instruments do not reserve to the declarant the right to create additional condominium units; or

5. A disposition of a unit by a sale at an auction where a current public offering statement or resale certificate was made available as part of an auction package for prospective purchasers prior to the auction sale.

B. In cases of dispositions in a condominium where all units are restricted to nonresidential use, the provisions of §§ 55.1-1974 through 55.1-1983 shall not apply, unless the method of offer or disposition is adopted for the purpose of evasion of this chapter.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.87; 1975, c. 415; 1984, c. 427; 1993, c. 667; 2007, c. 266; 2012, c. 325; 2015, c. 277; 2019, c. 712; 2023, cc. 387, 388.

A. Except as expressly authorized in this chapter or in the condominium instruments or as otherwise provided by law, no unit owners' association shall:

1. Condition or prohibit the rental of a unit to a tenant by a unit owner or make an assessment or impose a charge except as provided in § 55.1-1904;

2. Charge a rental fee, application fee, or other processing fee of any kind in excess of $50 during the term of any lease;

3. Charge an annual or monthly rental fee or any other fee not expressly authorized in § 55.1-1904;

4. Require the unit owner to use a lease or an addendum to the lease prepared by the unit owners' association;

5. Charge any deposit from the unit owner or the tenant of the unit owner;

6. Have the authority to evict a tenant of any unit owner or to require any unit owner to execute a power of attorney authorizing the unit owners' association to so evict; or

7. Refuse to recognize a person designated by the unit owner as the unit owner's authorized representative under the provisions of § 55.1-1962. Notwithstanding any other provision of this subdivision, the requirements of § 55.1-1953 and the condominium instruments shall be satisfied before any such representative may exercise a vote on behalf of a unit owner as a proxy.

B. The unit owners' association may require the unit owner to provide the unit owners' association with the names and contact information of the tenants and authorized occupants under such lease and of any authorized agent of the unit owner and vehicle information for such tenants or authorized occupants. The unit owners' association may require the unit owner to provide the unit owners' association with the tenant's acknowledgment of and consent to any rules and regulations of the unit owners' association.

C. The provisions of this section shall not apply to units owned by the unit owners' association.

2015, c. 277, § 55-79.87:1; 2016, c. 471; 2019, c. 712; 2022, cc. 65, 66.

Unless exempt by § 55.1-1972:

1. No declarant may offer or dispose of any interest in a condominium unit located in the Commonwealth, nor offer or dispose of in the Commonwealth any interest in a condominium unit located outside of the Commonwealth prior to the time the condominium including such unit is registered in accordance with this chapter.

2. No declarant may dispose of any interest in a condominium unit unless he delivers to the purchaser a current public offering statement by the time of such disposition and such disposition is expressly and without qualification or condition subject to cancellation by the purchaser within five calendar days from the contract date of the disposition or delivery of the current public offering statement, whichever is later. If the purchaser elects to cancel, he may do so by notice of such cancellation hand-delivered or sent by United States mail, return receipt requested, to the declarant. Such cancellation shall be without penalty, and any deposit made by the purchaser shall be promptly refunded in its entirety.

3. The purchaser's right to cancel the purchase contract pursuant to subdivision 2 shall be set forth on the first page of the purchase contract in boldface print of not less than 12-point type.

4. The prospective purchaser may cancel a nonbinding reservation agreement by written notice, hand-delivered or sent by United States mail, return receipt requested, to the declarant or to any sales agent of the declarant at any time prior to the formation of a contract for the sale or lease of a condominium unit or an interest in such unit. Such agreement shall not contain any provision for waiver or any other provision in derogation of the rights of the prospective purchaser as contemplated by this section, nor shall any such provision be a part of any ancillary agreement.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.88; 1975, c. 415; 1988, c. 15; 2014, c. 215; 2019, c. 712; 2020, c. 592.

A. The application for registration of the condominium shall be filed as prescribed by the Common Interest Community Board's regulations and shall contain the following documents and information:

1. An irrevocable appointment of the Common Interest Community Board to receive service of any lawful process in any noncriminal proceeding arising under this chapter against the applicant or his personal representative if nonresidents of the Commonwealth;

2. The states or jurisdictions in which an application for registration or similar document has been filed and any adverse order or judgment entered in connection with the condominium by the regulatory authorities in each jurisdiction or by any court;

3. The applicant's name and address; the form, date, and jurisdiction of organization; and the address of each of its offices in the Commonwealth;

4. The name, address, and principal occupation for the past five years of every officer of the applicant or person occupying a similar status or performing similar functions and the extent and nature of his interest in the applicant or the condominium, as of a specified date within 30 days of the filing of the application;

5. A statement, in a form acceptable to the Common Interest Community Board, of the condition of the title to the condominium project, including encumbrances, as of a specified date within 30 days of the date of application by a title opinion of a licensed attorney not a salaried employee, officer, or director of the applicant or owner, or by other evidence of title acceptable to the Common Interest Community Board;

6. Copies of the instruments that will be delivered to a purchaser to evidence his interest in the unit and of the contracts and other agreements that a purchaser will be required to agree to or sign;

7. Copies of any management agreements, employment contracts, or other contracts or agreements affecting the use, maintenance, or access of all or a part of the condominium;

8. A statement of the zoning and other governmental regulations affecting the use of the condominium, including the site plans and building permits and their status, and also of any existing tax and existing or proposed special taxes or assessments that affect the condominium;

9. A narrative description of the promotional plan for the disposition of the units in the condominium;

10. Plats and plans of the condominium that comply with the provisions of § 55.1-1920 other than the certification requirements, and that show all units and buildings containing units to be built anywhere within the submitted land other than within the boundaries of any convertible lands, except that the Common Interest Community Board may establish by regulation or order requirements in lieu of the provisions of § 55.1-1920 for plats and plans of a condominium located outside the Commonwealth;

11. The proposed public offering statement;

12. Any bonds required to be posted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter;

13. A current financial statement or other documentation to demonstrate the declarant's financial ability to complete all proposed improvements on the condominium; and

14. Any other information that the Common Interest Community Board's regulations require for the protection of purchasers.

B. If the declarant registers additional units to be offered for disposition in the same condominium, he may consolidate the subsequent registration with any earlier registration offering units in the condominium for disposition under the same promotional plan.

C. The declarant shall immediately report any material changes in the information contained in an application for registration.

D. Each application shall be accompanied by a fee in an amount established by the Common Interest Community Board pursuant to § 54.1-113. All fees shall be remitted by the Common Interest Community Board to the State Treasurer and shall be credited to the Common Interest Community Management Information Fund established pursuant to § 54.1-2354.2.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.89; 1975, c. 415; 1977, c. 428; 1988, c. 16; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2011, c. 605; 2019, c. 712.

A. A public offering statement shall disclose fully and accurately the characteristics of the condominium and the units being offered and shall make known to prospective purchasers all unusual and material circumstances or features affecting the condominium. The proposed public offering statement submitted to the Common Interest Community Board shall be in a form prescribed by its regulations and shall include the following:

1. The name and principal address of the declarant and the condominium;

2. A general narrative description of the condominium stating the total number of units in the offering, the total number of units planned to be sold and rented, and the total number of units that may be included in the condominium by reason of future expansion or merger of the project by the declarant;

3. Copies of the declaration and bylaws, with a brief narrative statement describing each and including information on declarant control; a projected budget for at least the first year of the condominium's operation, including projected common expense assessments for each unit; and provisions for reserves for capital expenditures and restraints on alienation;

4. Copies of any management contract, lease of recreational areas, or similar contract or agreement affecting the use, maintenance, or access of all or any part of the condominium with a brief narrative statement of the effect of each such agreement upon a purchaser, and a statement of the relationship, if any, between the declarant and the managing agent or firm;

5. A general description of the status of construction, zoning, site plan approval, issuance of building permits, or compliance with any other state or local statute or regulation affecting the condominium;

6. The significant terms of any encumbrances, easements, liens, and matters of title affecting the condominium;

7. The significant terms of any financing offered by the declarant to the purchaser of units in the condominium;

8. Provisions of any warranties provided by the declarant on the units and the common elements, other than the warranty prescribed by subsection B of § 55.1-1955;

9. A statement that, pursuant to subdivision 2 of § 55.1-1974, the purchaser may cancel the disposition within five calendar days of delivery of the current public offering statement or within five calendar days of the contract date of the disposition, whichever is later;

10. A statement of the declarant's obligation to complete improvements of the condominium that are planned but not yet begun or begun but not yet completed. Such statement shall include a description of the quality of the materials to be used, the size or capacity of the improvements when material, and the time by which the improvements shall be completed. Any limitations on the declarant's obligation to begin or complete any such improvements shall be expressly stated;

11. If the units in the condominium are being subjected to a time-share instrument pursuant to § 55.1-2208, the information required to be disclosed by § 55.1-2217;

12. A statement listing the facilities or amenities that are defined as common elements or limited common elements in the condominium instruments that are available to a purchaser for use. Such statement shall also include whether there are any fees or other charges for the use of such facilities or amenities that are not included as part of any assessment and the amount of such fees or charges, if any, a purchaser may be required to pay;

13. A statement of any limitation on the number of persons who may occupy a unit as a dwelling;

14. A statement setting forth any restrictions, limitation, or prohibition on the right of a unit owner to display the flag of the United States, including reasonable restrictions as to the size, place, and manner of placement or display of such flag; and

15. Additional information required by the Common Interest Community Board to assure full and fair disclosure to prospective purchasers.

B. The public offering statement shall not be used for any promotional purposes before registration of the condominium project and shall be used afterwards only if it is used in its entirety. No person may advertise or represent that the Common Interest Community Board approves or recommends the condominium or disposition of any unit in the condominium. No portion of the public offering statement may be underscored, italicized, or printed in larger or heavier or different color type than the remainder of the statement unless the Common Interest Community Board requires it.

C. The Common Interest Community Board may require the declarant to alter or amend the proposed public offering statement in order to assure full and fair disclosure to prospective purchasers, and no change in the substance of the promotional plan or plan of disposition or development of the condominium may be made after registration without notifying the Common Interest Community Board and without making appropriate amendment of the public offering statement. A public offering statement is not current unless all amendments are incorporated.

D. If an interest in a condominium is currently registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, a declarant satisfies all requirements relating to the preparation of a public offering statement in this chapter if he delivers to the purchaser and files with the Common Interest Community Board a copy of the public offering statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. An interest in a condominium is not a security under the provisions of the Securities Act (§ 13.1-501 et seq.).

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.90; 1977, c. 428; 1986, c. 324; 1996, cc. 281, 888; 1999, c. 560; 2006, c. 646; 2007, cc. 854, 910; 2011, c. 605; 2014, c. 215; 2019, c. 712.

Upon receipt of an application for registration, the Common Interest Community Board shall conduct an examination of the material submitted to determine that:

1. The declarant can convey or cause to be conveyed the units offered for disposition if the purchaser complies with the terms of the offer;

2. There is reasonable assurance that all proposed improvements will be completed as represented;

3. The advertising material and the general promotional plan are not false or misleading and comply with the standards prescribed by the Common Interest Community Board in its regulations and afford full and fair disclosure;

4. The declarant has not, or if a corporation its officers and principals have not, been convicted of a crime involving condominium unit dispositions or any aspect of the land sales business in the Commonwealth, United States, or any other state or foreign country within the past 10 years and has not been subject to any injunction or administrative order restraining a false or misleading promotional plan involving land dispositions;

5. The public offering statement requirements of this chapter have been satisfied; and

6. All other requirements of this chapter and the Common Interest Community Board's regulations have been satisfied.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.91; 1988, c. 15; 2019, c. 712.

A. Upon receipt of the application for registration, the Common Interest Community Board shall issue a notice of filing to the applicant within five business days. In the case of receipt of an application for a condominium that is a conversion condominium, the Common Interest Community Board shall also issue within five business days a notice of filing to the chief administrative officer of the county or city in which the proposed condominium is located, and the notice shall include the name and address of the applicant and the name and address or location of the proposed condominium. Within 60 days from the date of the notice of filing, the Common Interest Community Board shall enter an order registering the condominium or rejecting the registration. If no order of rejection is entered within 60 days from the date of notice of filing, the condominium shall be deemed registered unless the applicant has consented in writing to a delay.

B. If the Common Interest Community Board affirmatively determines, upon inquiry and examination, that the requirements of this chapter and the Common Interest Community Board's regulations have been met, it shall enter an order registering the condominium and shall designate the form of the public offering statement.

C. If the Common Interest Community Board determines upon inquiry and examination that any of the requirements of this chapter and the Common Interest Community Board's regulations have not been met, the Common Interest Community Board shall notify the applicant that the application for registration must be corrected in the particulars specified within 20 days. If the requirements are not met within the time allowed, the Common Interest Community Board shall enter an order rejecting the registration, and such order shall include the findings of fact upon which the order is based. The order rejecting the registration shall not become effective for 20 days after issuance of the order. During this 20-day period, the applicant may petition for reconsideration and shall be entitled to a hearing to correct the particulars specified in the Common Interest Community Board's notice. Such order of rejection shall not take effect, in any event, until such time as the hearing, once requested, is given to the applicant.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.92; 1985, c. 107; 1988, c. 15; 2006, c. 726; 2019, c. 712.

The declarant shall file a report in the form prescribed by the regulations of the Common Interest Community Board within 30 days of each anniversary date of the order registering the condominium. The report shall reflect any material changes in information contained in the original application for registration.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.93; 1975, c. 415; 1988, c. 15; 2012, cc. 481, 797; 2019, c. 712.

The unit owners' association shall file an annual report in a form and at such time as prescribed by regulations of the Common Interest Community Board. The filing of the annual report required by this section shall begin upon the termination of the declarant control period pursuant to § 55.1-1943. The annual report shall be accompanied by a fee in an amount established by the Common Interest Community Board, which shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Common Interest Community Management Information Fund established pursuant to § 54.1-2354.2.

1993, c. 958, § 55-79.93:1; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2009, c. 557; 2012, cc. 481, 797; 2019, cc. 391, 712.

A. In the event that all of the units in the condominium have been disposed of and that all periods for conversion or expansion have expired, the Common Interest Community Board shall issue an order terminating the registration of the condominium.

B. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the Common Interest Community Board may administratively terminate the registration of a condominium if:

1. The declarant has not filed an annual report in accordance with § 55.1-1979 for three or more consecutive years; or

2. The declarant's registration with the State Corporation Commission, if applicable, has not been active for five or more consecutive years.

2012, cc. 481, 797, § 55-79.93:2; 2019, c. 712.

A. For the purposes of this section:

"Affordable rent" means a monthly rent that does not exceed the greater of 30 percent of the annual gross income of the tenant household or 30 percent of the imputed income limit applicable to such unit size, as published by the Virginia Housing Development Authority for compliance with the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program.

"Certified nonprofit housing corporation" means a nonprofit organization exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that has been certified by a locality as actively engaged in producing or preserving affordable housing as determined by criteria established by the locality.

"Disabled" means a person suffering from a severe, chronic physical or mental impairment that results in substantial functional imitations.

"Elderly" means a person not less than 62 years of age.

B. Any declarant of a conversion condominium shall include in his public offering statement in addition to the requirements of § 55.1-1976 the following:

1. A specific statement of the amount of any initial or special condominium fee due from the purchaser on or before settlement of the purchase contract and the basis of such fee;

2. Information on the actual expenditures made on all repairs, maintenance, operation, or upkeep of the subject building within the last three years, set forth in a tabular format with the proposed budget of the condominium and cumulatively broken down on a per unit basis in proportion to the relative voting strengths allocated to the units by the bylaws. If such building has not been occupied for a period of three years, then the information shall be set forth for the maximum period such building has been occupied;

3. A description of any provisions made in the budget for reserves for capital expenditures and an explanation of the basis for such reserves, or, if no provision is made for such reserves, a statement to that effect;

4. A statement of the declarant as to the present condition of all structural components and major utility installations in the condominium, including the approximate dates of construction, installation, and major repairs and the expected useful life of each such item, together with the estimated cost of replacing each such item;

5. If any building included or that may be included in the condominium was substantially completed prior to July 1, 1978, a statement that each such building has been inspected for asbestos in accordance with standards in effect at the time of inspection, or that an asbestos inspection will be conducted, and whether asbestos requiring response actions has been found and, if found, that response actions have been or will be completed in accordance with applicable standards prior to the conveyance of any unit in such building. Any asbestos management program or response action undertaken by the building owner shall comply with the standards promulgated pursuant to § 2.2-1164.

C. In the case of a conversion condominium, the declarant shall give, at the time specified in subsection D, formal notice to each of the tenants of the building that the declarant has submitted or intends to submit to the provisions of this chapter. This notice shall advise each tenant of (i) the offering price of the unit he occupies; (ii) the projected common expense assessments against that unit for at least the first year of the condominium's operation; (iii) any relocation services or assistance, public or private, of which the declarant is aware; (iv) any measures taken or to be taken by the declarant to reduce the incidence of tenant dislocation; and (v) the details of the relocation plan, if any is provided by the declarant, to assist tenants in relocating. During the first 60 days after such notice is mailed or hand delivered, each of the tenants shall have the exclusive right to purchase the unit he occupies, but only if such unit is to be retained in the conversion condominium without substantial alteration in its physical layout. If the conversion condominium is subject to local ordinances that have been adopted pursuant to subsections G and H, any tenant who is disabled or elderly may assign the exclusive right to purchase his unit to a governmental agency, housing authority, or certified nonprofit housing corporation, which shall then offer the tenant a lease at an affordable rent, following the provisions of subsection G. The acquisition of such units by the governmental agency, housing authority, or certified nonprofit housing corporation shall not (a) exceed the greater of one unit or five percent of the total number of units in the condominium or (b) impede the condominium conversion process. In determining which, if any, units shall be acquired pursuant to this subsection, preference shall be given to elderly or disabled tenants.

The notice required in this subsection shall be hand delivered or sent by first-class mail, return receipt requested, and shall inform the tenants of the conversion to condominium. Such notice may also constitute the notice to terminate the tenancy as provided for in § 55.1-1410, except that, despite the provisions of § 55.1-1410, a tenancy from month-to-month may only be terminated upon 120 days' notice when such termination is in regard to the creation of a conversion condominium. If, however, a tenant so notified remains in possession of the unit he occupies after the expiration of the 120-day period with the permission of the declarant, in order to then terminate the tenancy, such declarant shall give the tenant a further notice as provided in § 55.1-1410. Until the expiration of the 120-day period, the declarant shall have no right of access to the unit except as provided by subsection A of § 55.1-1229 and except that, upon 45 days' written notice to the tenant, the declarant may enter the unit in order to make additional repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements, provided that (i) the making of the same does not constitute an actual or constructive eviction of the tenant and (ii) such entry is made either with the consent of the tenant or only at times when the tenant is absent from the unit. The declarant shall also provide general notice to the tenants of the condominium or proposed condominium at the time of application to the Common Interest Community Board in addition to the formal notice required by this subsection.

D. The declarant of a conversion condominium shall, in addition to the requirements of § 55.1-1975, include with the application for registration a copy of the formal notice set forth in subsection C and a certified statement that such notice, fully complying with the provisions of subsection C, shall be at the time of the registration of such condominium mailed or delivered to each of the tenants in the building for which registration is sought. The price and projected common expense assessments for each unit need not be filed with the Common Interest Community Board until such notice is mailed to the tenants.

E. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 55.1-1901, in the case of any conversion condominium created under the provisions of the Horizontal Property Act (§ 55.1-2000 et seq.) for which a final report has not been issued by the Common Interest Community Board pursuant to former § 55-79.21 prior to June 1, 1975, the provisions of subsections B and C shall apply and the declarant shall be required to furnish evidence of full compliance with subsections B and C prior to the issuance by the Common Interest Community Board of a final report for such conversion condominium.

F. Any locality may require by ordinance that the declarant of a conversion condominium file with that governing body all information that is required by the Common Interest Community Board pursuant to § 55.1-1975 and a copy of the formal notice required by subsection C. Such information shall be filed with that governing body when the application for registration is filed with the Common Interest Community Board, and such copy of the formal notice shall be filed with that governing body. There shall be no fees for such filings.

G. The governing body of any locality may enact an ordinance requiring that elderly or disabled tenants occupying as their residence, at the time of issuance of the general notice required by subsection C, apartments or units in a conversion condominium be offered leases or extensions of leases on the apartments or units they then occupied, or on other apartments or units of at least equal size and overall quality. The terms and conditions of such leases or extensions shall be as agreed upon by the lessor and the lessee, provided that the rent for such apartment or unit shall not be in excess of reasonable rent for comparable apartments or units in the same market area as such conversion condominium and such lease shall include or incorporate by reference the bylaws or rules and regulations, if any, of the association. No such ordinance shall require that such leases or extensions be offered on more than 20 percent of the apartments or units in such conversion condominium, nor shall any such ordinance require that such leases or extensions extend beyond three years from the date of such notice. Such leases or extensions shall not be required, however, in the case of any apartments or units that will in the course of the conversion be substantially altered in the physical layout, restricted exclusively to nonresidential use, or be converted in such a manner as to require relocation of the tenant in premises outside of the project being converted.

H. The governing body of any county utilizing the optional urban county executive form of government (§ 15.2-800 et seq.) or the optional county manager plan of government (§ 15.2-702 et seq.), or of any city or town adjoining any such county, may require by ordinance that the declarant of any residential condominium converted from multi-family rental use shall reimburse any tenant displaced by the conversion for amounts actually expended to relocate as a result of such dislocation. The reimbursement shall not be required to exceed the amount that the tenant would have been entitled to receive under §§ 25.1-407 and 25.1-415 if the real estate comprising the condominium had been condemned by the Department of Transportation.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.94; 1975, c. 415; 1980, cc. 727, 738; 1981, cc. 455, 503; 1982, cc. 273, 475, 663; 1983, c. 310; 1984, cc. 321, 601; 1985, c. 69; 1987, c. 412; 1988, c. 723; 1989, c. 398; 1991, c. 497; 1993, c. 634; 2007, cc. 602, 665; 2019, c. 712.

A. Any deposit made in regard to any disposition of a unit, including a nonbinding reservation agreement, shall be held in escrow until delivered at settlement. Such escrow funds shall be deposited in a separate account designated for this purpose that is federally insured and located in the Commonwealth, except where such deposits are being held by a real estate broker or attorney licensed under the laws of the Commonwealth, in which case such funds may be placed in that broker's or attorney's regular escrow account and need not be placed in a separate designated account. Such escrow funds shall not be subject to attachment by the creditors of either the purchaser or the declarant.

B. In lieu of escrowing deposits as provided in subsection A, the declarant of a condominium consisting of more than 50 units may:

1. Obtain and maintain a corporate surety bond issued by a surety authorized to do business in the Commonwealth, in the form and amount set forth below; or

2. Obtain and maintain an irrevocable letter of credit issued by a financial institution whose accounts are insured by the FDIC, in the form and amount set forth below.

The surety bond or letter of credit shall be maintained until (i) the granting of a deed to the unit, (ii) the purchaser's default under a purchase contract for the unit entitling the declarant to retain the deposit, or (iii) the refund of the deposit to the purchaser, whichever occurs first.

C. The surety bond shall be payable to the Commonwealth for the use and benefit of every person protected under the provisions of this chapter. The declarant shall file the bond with the Common Interest Community Board. The surety bond may be either in the form of an individual bond for each deposit accepted by the declarant or, if the total amount of the deposits accepted by the declarant under this chapter exceeds $10,000, it may be in the form of a blanket bond. If the bond is a blanket bond, the amount shall be as follows. If the amount of such deposits is:

1. $75,000 or less, the blanket bond shall be $75,000;

2. More than $75,000 but less than $200,000, the blanket bond shall be $200,000;

3. $200,000 or more but less than $500,000, the blanket bond shall be $500,000;

4. $500,000 or more but less than $1 million, the blanket bond shall be $1 million; and

5. $1 million or more, the blanket bond shall be 100 percent of the amount of such deposits.

D. The letter of credit shall be payable to the Commonwealth for use and benefit of every person protected under this chapter. The declarant shall file the letter of credit with the Common Interest Community Board. The letter of credit may be either in the form of an individual letter of credit for each deposit accepted by the declarant or, if the total amount of the deposits accepted by the declarant under this chapter exceeds $10,000, it may be in the form of a blanket letter of credit. If the letter of credit is a blanket letter of credit, the amount shall be as follows. If the amount of such deposits is:

1. $75,000 or less, the blanket letter of credit shall be $75,000;

2. More than $75,000 but less than $200,000, the blanket letter of credit shall be $200,000;

3. $200,000 or more but less than $500,000, the blanket letter of credit shall be $500,000;

4. $500,000 or more but less than $1 million, the blanket letter of credit shall be $1 million; and

5. $1 million or more, the blanket letter of credit shall be 100 percent of the amount of such deposits.

For the purposes of determining the amount of any blanket letter of credit that a declarant maintains in any calendar year, the total amount of deposits considered held by the declarant shall be determined as of May 31 in each calendar year and the amount of the letter of credit shall be in accordance with the amount of deposits held as of May 31.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.95; 1977, c. 91; 2007, c. 445; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2019, c. 712.

The declarant shall within 10 days of recordation of the condominium instruments as provided for in §§ 55.1-1907 and 55.1-1911 forward to each purchaser at his last known address by first-class mail, return receipt requested, an exact copy of the recorded declaration and bylaws.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.96; 2019, c. 712.

A. Whenever the Common Interest Community Board receives a written complaint that appears to state a valid claim, the Common Interest Community Board shall make necessary public or private investigations in accordance with law within or outside of the Commonwealth to determine whether any declarant or its agents, employees, or other representatives have violated or are about to violate this chapter or any Common Interest Community Board regulation or order, or to aid in the enforcement of this chapter or in the prescribing of Common Interest Community Board regulations and forms. The Common Interest Community Board may also in like manner and with like authority investigate written complaints against persons other than the declarant or its agents, employees, or other representatives.

B. For the purpose of any investigation or proceeding under this chapter, the Common Interest Community Board or any officer designated by regulation may administer oaths or affirmations and upon its own motion or upon request of any party shall subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, take evidence, and require the production of any matter that is relevant to the investigation, including the existence, description, nature, custody, condition, and location of any books, documents, or other tangible things and the identity and location of persons having knowledge of relevant facts or any other matter reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of material evidence.

C. Upon failure to obey a subpoena or to answer questions propounded by the investigating officer and upon reasonable notice to all persons affected by such failure, the Common Interest Community Board may apply to the Circuit Court of the County of Henrico for an order compelling compliance.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.99; 1993, c. 198; 2011, c. 605; 2019, c. 712.

A. The Common Interest Community Board may issue an order requiring a person to cease and desist from any of the unlawful practices enumerated in subdivisions 1 through 5 and to take such affirmative action as in the judgment of the Common Interest Community Board will carry out the purposes of this chapter if the Common Interest Community Board determines after notice and hearing that such person has:

1. Violated any provision of this chapter;

2. Directly or through an agent or employee knowingly engaged in any false, deceptive, or misleading advertising, promotional, or sales methods to offer or dispose of a unit;

3. Made any substantial change in the plan of disposition and development of the condominium subsequent to the order of registration without notifying the Common Interest Community Board;

4. Disposed of any units that have not been registered with the Common Interest Community Board; or

5. Violated any lawful order or regulation of the Common Interest Community Board.

B. If the Common Interest Community Board makes a finding of fact in writing that the public interest will be irreparably harmed by delay in issuing an order, it may issue a temporary order to cease and desist or to take such affirmative action as may be deemed appropriate by the Common Interest Community Board. Prior to issuing the temporary order, the Common Interest Community Board shall give notice of the proposal to issue a temporary order to the person. Every temporary order shall include in its terms a provision that upon request a hearing will be held promptly to determine whether it becomes permanent.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.100; 1975, c. 415; 2019, cc. 467, 712.

A. A registration may be revoked by the Common Interest Community Board after notice and hearing upon a written finding of fact in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) that the declarant has:

1. Failed to comply with the terms of a cease and desist order;

2. Been convicted in any court subsequent to the filing of the application for registration for a crime involving fraud, deception, false pretenses, misrepresentation, false advertising, or dishonest dealing in real estate transactions;

3. Disposed of, concealed, or diverted any funds or assets of any person so as to defeat the rights of unit purchasers;

4. Failed faithfully to perform any stipulation or agreement made with the Common Interest Community Board as an inducement to grant any registration, to reinstate any registration, or to approve any promotional plan or public offering statement; or

5. Made intentional misrepresentations or concealed material facts in an application for registration.

B. If the Common Interest Community Board finds after notice and a hearing that the developer has been guilty of a violation for which revocation could be ordered, it may issue a cease and desist order instead.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.101; 2019, c. 712.

Proceedings for judicial review shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.102; 1996, c. 573; 2019, c. 712.

Any person who willfully violates any provision of § 55.1-1972, 55.1-1974, 55.1-1975, 55.1-1976, 55.1-1979, 55.1-1982, or 55.1-1983 or any regulation adopted under or order issued pursuant to § 55.1-1971, or any person who willfully in an application for registration makes any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be fined not less than $1,000 or double the amount of gain from the transaction, whichever is the larger, but not more than $50,000, or he may be imprisoned for not more than six months, or both, for each offense.

1974, c. 416, § 55-79.103; 2019, c. 712.

Article 5. Disclosure Requirements; Authorized Fees [Repealed].

Repealed by Acts 2023, cc. 387, 388, cl. 2, effective July 1, 2023.

Chapter 20. Horizontal Property Act.

Article 1. General Provisions.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Apartment" means a dwelling that is an enclosed space consisting of one or more rooms occupying all or part of one or more floors in a building of one or more floors regardless of whether it is designed or used for residence, for office, for the operation of any industry or business, or for any other type of independent use, or combination of uses, provided that the dwelling has a direct exit to a thoroughfare or to a given common space leading to a thoroughfare. "Apartment" also includes such accessories as may be appurtenant to such dwelling.

"Condominium" means the ownership of a single unit in a multiple-unit structure with common elements in a condominium project.

"Condominium project" means a plan or project whereby four or more apartments, rooms, office spaces, or other units existing or proposed, whether the unit involves a single structure, attached to or detached from other units, or is in one or more multiple-unit structures, on contiguous parcels of real estate are offered or proposed to be offered for sale.

"Co-owner" means a person, firm, corporation, partnership, association, trust, or other legal entity, or any combination thereof, that owns an apartment within the building.

"Council of co-owners" means all of the co-owners acting as a group in accordance with the bylaws of the horizontal property regime.

"Developer" means a person that undertakes to develop a real estate condominium project.

"General common elements," unless otherwise provided in the master deed or lease, means and includes:

1. The land, whether leased or in fee simple, on which the building stands;

2. The foundations, main walls, roofs, halls, lobbies, stairways, and entrances and exits or communication ways;

3. The basements, flat roofs, yards, and gardens, except as otherwise provided or stipulated;

4. The premises for the lodging of janitors or persons in charge of the building, except as otherwise provided or stipulated;

5. The compartments or installations of central services, including power, light, gas, cold and hot water, refrigeration, reservoirs, water tanks, and pumps;

6. The elevators, garbage incinerators, and all other devices or installations existing for common use; and

7. All other elements of the property rationally of common use or necessary to its existence, upkeep, and safety.

"Limited common elements" means those common elements that are agreed upon by all of the co-owners to be reserved for the use of a certain number of apartments to the exclusion of the other apartments, including special corridors, stairways and elevators, and sanitary services common to the apartments of a particular floor.

"Majority of co-owners" means more than 50 percent of the votes of the co-owners computed in accordance with the bylaws of the horizontal property regime.

"Master deed" or "master lease" means the deed or lease recording the property of the horizontal property regime.

"Person" means an individual, firm, corporation, partnership, association, trust, or other legal entity or any combination thereof.

"Property" means the land, whether leased or in fee simple, the building, all improvements and structures on such land, and all easements, rights, and appurtenances belonging to such land.

"To record" means to record pursuant to the laws of the Commonwealth relating to the recordation of deeds.

1962, c. 627, § 2, § 55-79.2; 1966, c. 683; 1972, c. 450; 2009, c. 557; 2019, c. 712.

Property taxes assessed by the Commonwealth or by any locality shall be assessed on and collected on the individual apartments and not on the property as a whole, or on the common elements.

1962, c. 627, § 14, § 55-79.14; 1966, c. 683; 2019, c. 712.

The provisions of this chapter shall be in addition and supplemental to all other provisions of law, provided that wherever the application of the provisions of this chapter conflict with the application of such other provisions, this chapter shall prevail.

1962, c. 627, § 32, § 55-79.32; 2019, c. 712.

Article 2. Creation and Alteration of Horizontal Property Regimes.

A. A horizontal property regime is established when a developer, the sole owner, or the co-owners of one or more buildings record a master deed or lease, which includes the particulars enumerated in § 55.1-2008.

B. Pursuant to § 55.1-1901, this chapter is superseded by the Virginia Condominium Act (§ 55.1-1900 et seq.) as of July 1, 1974. No new developments may be established under the provisions of this chapter after that date.

1962, c. 627, § 3, § 55-79.3; 1966, c. 683; 2019, c. 712.

A. The common elements, both general and limited, shall remain undivided. No apartment owner, or any other person, shall bring any action or other proceeding for partition or division of the co-ownership of the common elements as provided under § 55.1-2007.

B. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed as a limitation on partition by the owners of one or more apartments in a horizontal property regime as to the individual ownership of such apartment or apartments without terminating the regime or as to the ownership of property outside the regime, provided that upon partition of any such individual apartment it shall be sold as an entity and shall not be partitioned in kind.

1966, c. 683, § 55-79.34; 2019, c. 712.

Article 3. Management of Horizontal Property Regimes.

Once the property is established as a horizontal property regime, an apartment in the building is a separate parcel of real property and may be individually conveyed and encumbered, independent of the other apartments in the building, and the corresponding individual titles and interests shall be recordable. A garage unit sold to a co-owner as a limited common element may be sold or transferred by him to another co-owner in the same horizontal property regime independently of and separately from his apartment.

1962, c. 627, § 4, § 55-79.4; 1966, c. 683; 1973, c. 375; 2019, c. 712.

Any apartment may be jointly or commonly owned by more than one person.

1962, c. 627, § 5, § 55-79.5; 2019, c. 712.

An apartment owner has an exclusive right to his apartment and has a common right to a share, with other co-owners, in the common elements of the property.

1962, c. 627, § 6, § 55-79.6; 2019, c. 712.

A master deed or lease shall be recorded in the same manner and subject to the same provisions of law as are other deeds, provided that no state or local recordation tax upon the value of the property transferred shall apply to any such deed recorded solely for the purpose of complying with the provisions of § 55.1-2003.

The master deed or lease required pursuant to § 55.1-2003 shall include the following particulars:

1. The description of the land, whether leased or in fee simple, and the building, expressing their respective areas;

2. The general description and the number of each apartment, expressing its area, location, and any other data necessary for its identification;

3. The description of the general common elements of the building; and

4. The provisions requiring the council of co-owners to maintain insurance on the horizontal property regime.

1962, c. 627, § 7, § 55-79.7; 1966, c. 683; 1973, c. 375; 2019, c. 712.

The deed of each individual apartment shall express the particulars prescribed under subdivisions 1 and 2 of § 55.1-2008 relative to the apartments concerned and shall also express all encumbrances on such apartments.

1962, c. 627, § 8, § 55-79.8; 2019, c. 712.

All of the co-owners or such lesser percentage as may be authorized in the master deed, or the sole owner of a building constituted into a horizontal property regime, may by deed waive this regime and regroup, amend the master deed, or merge the records of the filial estates with the principal property, provided that the filial estates are unencumbered, or if they are encumbered, that the creditors on whose behalf the encumbrances are recorded accept as security the undivided portions of the property owned by the debtors.

1962, c. 627, § 9, § 55-79.9; 1966, c. 683; 1973, c. 374; 2019, c. 712.

The merger provided for in § 55.1-2010 shall not bar the subsequent constitution of the property into a condominium whenever so desired, provided that the requirements of the Virginia Condominium Act (§ 55.1-1900 et seq.) are met.

1962, c. 627, § 10, § 55-79.10; 2019, c. 712.

The administration of every building established as a horizontal property regime shall be governed by bylaws approved and adopted by the council of co-owners. The bylaws may be amended from time to time by the council or the governing board provided for in the council's bylaws.

1962, c. 627, § 11, § 55-79.11; 1966, c. 683; 2019, c. 712.

The administrator, board of administration, or person appointed by the bylaws of the regime shall keep a book with a detailed account of the receipts and expenditures affecting the building and its administration and specifying the maintenance and repair expenses of the common elements and any other expenses incurred by or on behalf of the regime. Both the book and vouchers accrediting the entries made in the book shall be available for examination by all the co-owners during business hours that shall be set and announced for general knowledge. All books and records shall be kept in accordance with good accounting procedures and be audited at least once a year by an auditor outside of the organization.

1962, c. 627, § 12, § 55-79.12; 2019, c. 712.

All co-owners are bound to contribute pro rata toward the expenses of administration and of maintenance and repairs of the general common elements, and, in the appropriate case, of the limited common elements of the building, and toward any other expenses lawfully agreed upon by the council of co-owners.

If a co-owner fails to contribute his share as provided in this section, the manager or board of directors of the council of co-owners, or in a proper case, an aggrieved co-owner, may maintain an action at law on behalf of the council of co-owners to recover sums due for damages or in equity for injunctive relief.

No co-owner shall be exempt from contributing toward such expenses by waiver or nonuse of the use or enjoyment of the common elements, both general and limited, or by abandonment of the apartment belonging to him.

Such contributions may be determined and a lien, as the master deed may provide upon default in the payment of any such contribution, may be perfected by filing in the clerk's office in which the master deed is recorded a memorandum showing the name of the delinquent co-owner, the name of the council of co-owners as claimant of the lien, the amount of the claim, and a description of the property on which a lien is claimed verified by oath of the agent of the council of co-owners. The clerk shall record and index such lien as provided in § 43-4.1 and shall charge such fees as are provided by law. Such lien shall be released as provided in §§ 55.1-339 through 55.1-345 upon payment by the co-owner of his contributions.

1962, c. 627, § 13, § 55-79.13; 1966, c. 683; 1973, c. 375; 2019, c. 712.

Upon the sale or conveyance of an apartment, all unpaid assessments against a co-owner for his pro rata share in the expenses provided for in § 55.1-2014 shall first be paid out of the sale price or by the purchaser in priority over any other assessments or charges of whatever nature except the following:

1. Assessments, liens, and charges in favor of the Commonwealth or any locality for taxes past due and unpaid on the apartment; and

2. Payments due under mortgages duly recorded.

1962, c. 627, § 15, § 55-79.15; 2019, c. 712.

A. Subsequent to establishment of a horizontal property regime as provided in this chapter, and while the property remains subject to this chapter, no lien shall arise or be effective against the property as a whole or against the common elements. During such period, liens or encumbrances shall arise or be created and enforced only against each apartment and the percentage of undivided interest in the common areas and facilities appurtenant to such apartment in the same manner and under the same conditions in every respect as liens or encumbrances may arise or be created upon or against any other separate parcel of real property subject to individual ownership, provided that no labor performed or materials furnished with the consent or at the request of an apartment owner or such owner's agent, contractor, or subcontractor shall be the basis for the filing of a mechanic's lien against the apartment or any other property of any other apartment owner not expressly consenting to or requesting the same, except that such express consent shall be deemed to be given by the owner of any apartment in the case of emergency repairs to such apartment. Labor performed or materials furnished for the common elements and facilities, if duly authorized by the council of co-owners, the manager, or the board of directors in accordance with this chapter, the master deed, or the bylaws, shall be deemed to be performed or furnished with the express consent of each apartment owner and shall be the basis for the filing of a mechanic's lien against each of the apartments and shall be subject to the provisions of subsection B. Notice of such lien may be served on the manager or the board of directors of the council of co-owners.

B. If a lien is filed against two or more apartments and their respective percentage interest in the common elements, the apartment owners of the separate apartments may remove their apartments and their percentage interests in the common elements appurtenant to such apartments from the lien by payment of the fractional or proportional amounts attributable to each of the apartments affected, or they may file a written undertaking with surety approved by the court. Such individual payment, or amount of bond, shall be computed by reference to the percentage established pursuant to the bylaws of the horizontal property regime. After such partial payment, filing of bond, partial discharge, or release, or other satisfaction, the apartment and its percentage interest in the common elements shall be free and clear of such lien. Such partial payment, indemnity, satisfaction, or discharge shall not prevent the lienor from proceeding to enforce its rights against any apartment and its percentage interest in the common elements not so paid, indemnified, satisfied, or discharged.

1966, c. 683, § 55-79.35; 2019, c. 712.

The rules of property law known as the rule against perpetuities and the rule restricting unreasonable restraints on alienation shall not be applied to defeat any of the provisions of this chapter or of any provisions of any master deed or lease, bylaws, or other document executed in accordance with this chapter as to the horizontal property regime. This exemption shall not apply to estates in the individual apartments.

1966, c. 683, § 55-79.36; 2019, c. 712.

A. The liability of the owner of an apartment for pro rata expenses shall be limited to the amounts assessed from time to time in accordance with this chapter, the master deed or lease, or the bylaws.

B. The owner of an apartment shall not be personally liable with respect to the negligence of any other co-owner except insofar as the negligent co-owner is acting for the council of co-owners.

1966, c. 683, § 55-79.37; 2019, c. 712.

Each co-owner shall comply with the bylaws of the horizontal property regime and with the administrative rules and regulations adopted pursuant to such bylaws, as may be amended from time to time, and with the covenants, conditions, or restrictions set forth in the deed to the individual apartment. Failure to comply with any such bylaws, rules and regulations, or covenants, conditions, or restrictions is grounds for an action by the manager or board of directors of the council of co-owners, or in a proper case, an aggrieved owner, on behalf of the council of co-owners to recover sums due for damages and for injunctive relief.

1966, c. 683, § 55-79.38; 2019, c. 712.

Article 4. Protection of Purchasers.

Any deposit made with a reservation to purchase or a contract to purchase shall be held in escrow in a separate fund for such deposits designated as such until the deed for which a deposit was made is delivered to the depositor.

1973, c. 375, § 55-79.21:1; 2019, c. 712.

Chapter 21. Virginia Real Estate Cooperative Act.

Article 1. General Provisions.

As used in this chapter or in the declaration and bylaws, unless provided otherwise or unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Affiliate of a declarant" means any person that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with a declarant. A person "controls" a declarant if the person (i) is a general partner, officer, director, or employer of the declarant; (ii) directly or indirectly or acting in concert with one or more other persons, or through one or more subsidiaries, owns, controls, or holds with power to vote, or holds proxies representing, more than 20 percent of the voting interest in the declarant; (iii) controls in any manner the election of a majority of the directors of the declarant; or (iv) has contributed more than 20 percent of the capital of the declarant. A person "is controlled by" a declarant if the declarant (a) is a general partner, officer, director, or employer of the person; (b) directly or indirectly or acting in concert with one or more persons, or through one or more subsidiaries, owns, controls, or holds with power to vote, or holds proxies representing, more than 20 percent of the voting interest in the person; (c) controls in any manner the election of a majority of the directors of the person; or (d) has contributed more than 20 percent of the capital of the person. Control does not exist if the powers described in this definition are held solely as security for an obligation and are not exercised.

"Allocated interests" means the common expense liability and the ownership interest and votes in the association allocated to each cooperative interest.

"Association" or "proprietary lessees' association" means the proprietary lessees' association organized under § 55.1-2132.

"Capital components" means those items, whether or not a part of the common elements, for which the association has the obligation for repair, replacement, or restoration and for which the executive board determines funding is necessary.

"Common elements" means all portions of a cooperative other than the units of such cooperative.

"Common expenses" means any expenditures made by, or financial liabilities of, the association, together with any allocations to reserves.

"Common expense liability" means liability for common expenses allocated to each cooperative interest pursuant to § 55.1-2118.

"Conversion building" means a building that at any time before creation of the cooperative was occupied wholly or partially by persons other than purchasers and persons who occupy with the consent of purchasers.

"Cooperative" means real estate owned by an association, each of the members of which is entitled, by virtue of his ownership interest in the association, to exclusive possession of a unit.

"Cooperative interest" means an ownership interest in the association coupled with a possessory interest in a unit under a proprietary lease. For purposes of this chapter, a declarant is treated as the owner of any cooperative interests or potential cooperative interests to which allocated interests have been allocated pursuant to § 55.1-2118 until that cooperative interest has been created and conveyed to another person.

"Declarant" means any person or group of persons acting in concert that (i) as part of a common promotional plan, offers to dispose of its cooperative interest not previously disposed of; (ii) reserves or succeeds to any special declarant right; or (iii) applies for registration of a cooperative under Article 5 (§ 55.1-2173 et seq.).

"Declaration" means any instruments, however denominated, that create a cooperative and any amendments to those instruments.

"Development rights" means any right or combination of rights reserved by a declarant in the declaration to (i) add real estate to a cooperative; (ii) create units, common elements, or limited common elements within a cooperative; (iii) subdivide units or convert units into common elements; or (iv) withdraw real estate from a cooperative.

"Dispose" or "disposition" means a voluntary transfer to a purchaser of any legal or equitable interest in a cooperative interest, but does not include the transfer or release of a security interest.

"Executive board" means the body, regardless of name, designated in the declaration to act on behalf of the association.

"Identifying number" means a symbol or address that identifies only one unit in a cooperative.

"Leasehold cooperative" means a cooperative in which all or a portion of the real estate is subject to a lease the expiration or termination of which will terminate the cooperative or reduce its size.

"Limited common element" means a portion of the common elements allocated by the declaration or by operation of subdivision 2 or 4 of § 55.1-2113 for the exclusive use of at least one unit but fewer than all of the units.

"Master association" means an organization described in § 55.1-2130, whether or not it is also an association described in § 55.1-2132.

"Offering" means any advertisement, inducement, solicitation, or attempt to encourage any person to acquire any interest in a cooperative interest, other than as security for an obligation. An advertisement in a newspaper or other periodical of general circulation, or in any broadcast medium to the general public, of a cooperative not located in the Commonwealth is not an offering if the advertisement states that an offering may be made only in compliance with the law of the jurisdiction in which the cooperative is located.

"Person" means a natural person, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, joint venture, government, governmental subdivision or agency, or any other legal or commercial entity. In the case of a land trust, however, "person" means the beneficiary of the trust rather than the trust or the trustee.

"Proprietary lease" means an agreement with the association pursuant to which a proprietary lessee has a possessory interest in a unit.

"Proprietary lessee" means a person that owns a cooperative interest, other than as security for an obligation, and the declarant with respect to cooperative interests or potential cooperative interests to which allocated interests have been allocated pursuant to § 55.1-2118 until that cooperative interest has been created and conveyed to another person.

"Purchaser" means any person, other than a declarant or a person in the business of selling cooperative interests for his own account, that, by means of a voluntary transfer, acquires or contracts to acquire a cooperative interest other than as security for an obligation.

"Real estate" means any leasehold or other estate or interest in, over, or under land, including structures, fixtures, and other improvements and interests that, by custom, usage, or law, pass with a conveyance of land though not described in the contract of sale or instrument of conveyance. "Real estate" includes (i) parcels with or without upper or lower boundaries and (ii) spaces that may be filled with air or water.

"Residential purposes" means use for dwelling or recreational purposes, or both.

"Security interest" means an interest in real or personal property, created by contract or conveyance, that secures payment or performance of an obligation. "Security interest" includes a mortgage, deed of trust, trust deed, security deed, contract for deed, land sales contract, lease intended as security, assignment of lease or rents intended as security, pledge of an ownership interest in an association, and any other consensual lien or title retention contract intended as security for an obligation.

"Special declarant rights" means rights reserved for the benefit of a declarant to (i) complete improvements described in the public offering statement pursuant to subdivision A 2 of § 55.1-2155; (ii) exercise any development right pursuant to § 55.1-2120; (iii) maintain sales offices, management offices, signs advertising the cooperative, and models; (iv) use easements through the common elements for the purpose of making improvements within the cooperative or within real estate that may be added to the cooperative; (v) make the cooperative part of a larger cooperative or group of cooperatives; (vi) make the cooperative subject to a master association as specified in § 55.1-2130; or (vii) appoint or remove any officer of the association, any master association, or any executive board member during any period of declarant control.

"Time share" means a right to occupy a unit or any of several units during five or more separated time periods over a period of at least five years, including renewal options, whether or not coupled with an estate or interest in a cooperative or a specified portion of such estate or interest.

"Unit" means a physical portion of the cooperative designated for separate occupancy under a proprietary lease.

1982, c. 277, § 55-426; 2005, c. 436; 2019, c. 712.

A. This chapter applies to all cooperatives created within the Commonwealth after July 1, 1982. Unless the declaration provides that the entire chapter is applicable, such a cooperative is subject only to §§ 55.1-2104 and 55.1-2105 if the cooperative contains only units restricted to nonresidential use or contains no more than three units and is not subject to any development rights.

B. Except as provided in subsection C, §§ 55.1-2100, 55.1-2104, 55.1-2105, 55.1-2109, 55.1-2114, and 55.1-2131, subdivisions A 1 through 6 and 11 through 17 of § 55.1-2133, and §§ 55.1-2143, 55.1-2148, 55.1-2151, 55.1-2169, 55.1-2170, and 55.1-2309 apply to all cooperatives created in the Commonwealth before July 1, 1982. Those sections apply only with respect to events and circumstances occurring after July 1, 1982, and do not invalidate existing provisions of the cooperative documents of those cooperatives. With regard to any cooperative created before July 1, 1982, § 55.1-2104 applies only to real estate acquired by that cooperative's association on or after that date. For the purposes of this section, a cooperative was created before July 1, 1982, if the cooperative was conveyed to the association before that date.

C. If a cooperative created within the Commonwealth before July 1, 1982, contains no more than three units and is not subject to any development rights, it is subject only to §§ 55.1-2104 and 55.1-2105, unless the declaration is amended to make any or all of the sections enumerated in subsection B apply to that cooperative.

D. This chapter does not apply to cooperatives or cooperative interests located outside the Commonwealth, but the public offering statement provisions as given in §§ 55.1-2153 through 55.1-2160 apply to all contracts for the disposition of cooperative interests signed in the Commonwealth by any party, unless exempt under subsection B of § 55.1-2153. The Common Interest Community Board regulations provisions under Article 5 (§ 55.1-2173 et seq.) apply to any such offering in the Commonwealth.

E. This chapter does not apply to any cooperatives that receive federal funding pursuant to the public housing or § 8 program under the United States Housing Act of 1937, as amended.

F. This chapter does not apply to any cooperative that, when acquired by an association, is subject to a mortgage or deed of trust securing an indebtedness owed to any government or governmental authority to which the association has contractual obligations in addition to those set forth in such mortgage or deed of trust.

1982, c. 277, § 55-425; 1983, c. 312; 1986, cc. 368, 557; 2019, c. 712; 2023, cc. 387, 388.

Except as expressly provided in this chapter, provisions of this chapter shall not be varied by agreement, and rights conferred by this chapter shall not be waived. A declarant shall not act under a power of attorney, or use any other device, to evade the limitations or prohibitions of this chapter or the declaration.

1982, c. 277, § 55-427; 2019, c. 712.

A. A cooperative interest is real estate for all purposes. Unless waived by a proprietary lessee, a cooperative interest is subject to the provisions of Title 34 (§ 34-1 et seq.), regarding the homestead exemption.

B. Any portion of the common elements for which the declarant has reserved any development right shall be separately taxed and assessed against the declarant, and the declarant alone is liable for the payment of those taxes.

C. When the highest and best use of any parcel improved by a multi-unit cooperative apartment complex is achieved by sale of the cooperative apartment units as individual units, the fair market value of the parcel shall be determined by aggregating the fair market value of all taxable real estate that is part of the parcel, including each cooperative apartment unit and common elements. The fair market value of each such cooperative apartment unit shall be established by determining its fair market value for sale as an individual unit, determined in the same manner, mutatis mutandis, as the fair market value of condominium units. Tax bills shall be issued for each individual cooperative apartment unit.

No assessment of any parcel improved by a multi-unit cooperative apartment complex, whether the assessment was made before or after the adoption of this subsection, shall be held to be invalid because of the use of the method described in this subsection to determine the assessment.

D. Any duly authorized real estate assessor, board of assessors, or department of real estate assessments may require that all declarants, associations, master associations, and proprietary lessees' associations in the county or city subject to local taxation furnish to such assessor, board, or department on or before a time specified a statement listing all transfers of the cooperative apartment units over a specified period of time and a statement listing all owners and proprietary lessees of the cooperative apartment units as of a specified date. Each such statement shall be certified as to its accuracy by the declarant, association, master association, or proprietary lessees' association for which the statement is furnished or by a duly authorized agent of such declarant or association. Any statement required by this subsection shall be kept confidential in accordance with the provisions of § 58.1-3.

E. Subsections C and D apply to all cooperatives created in the Commonwealth, whether created before, on, or after July 1, 1982. However, subsections C and D do not apply to any multi-unit cooperative apartment complex the cooperative apartment units of which have been continually in use as such since December 31, 1967.

F. Any residential cooperative association the members of which are owners of cooperative interests in a cooperative under this chapter shall not be deemed to be a business for any state and local purposes, including liability for payment of sales, meals, hotel, motel, or gross receipts taxes and business licenses, to the extent that such residential cooperative association collects payments from residents of such cooperative.

G. Any tangible personal property owned by a residential cooperative association that would be considered household goods and personal effects if owned and used by an individual or by a family or household incident to maintaining an abode shall be considered household goods and personal effects owned and used by an individual or by a family or household incident to maintaining an abode for the purposes of § 58.1-3504 and any local ordinance authorized pursuant to § 58.1-3504.

1982, c. 277, § 55-428; 1988, c. 412; 2002, c. 34; 2003, c. 351; 2019, c. 712.

A. No zoning or other land use ordinance shall prohibit cooperatives as such by reason of their form of ownership. No cooperative shall be treated differently by any zoning or other land use ordinance that would permit a physically identical project or development under a different form of ownership.

B. Subdivision and site plan ordinances in any locality shall apply to any cooperative in the same manner as such ordinances would apply to a physically identical project or development under a different form of ownership. Nevertheless, the declarant need not apply for or obtain subdivision approval to record cooperative instruments against a portion of the land that may be submitted to the cooperative if the site plan approval for the land being submitted to the cooperative has first been obtained.

C. During development of a cooperative containing additional land or withdrawable land, phase lines created by the cooperative instruments shall not be considered property lines for purposes of subdivision. If the cooperative may no longer be expanded by the addition of additional land, the owner of the land not part of the cooperative shall subdivide such land prior to its conveyance, unless such land is subject to an approved site plan as provided in subsection B, or prior to modification of such approved site plan. In the event of any conveyance of land within phase lines of the cooperative, the cooperative and any lot created by such conveyance shall be deemed to comply with the local subdivision ordinance, provided that such land is subject to an approved site plan.

D. Localities may provide by ordinance that proposed cooperatives comprising conversion buildings and the use of such conversion buildings that do not conform to the zoning, land use, and site plan regulations of the respective county or city in which the property is located shall secure a special use permit, a special exception, or variance, as applicable, prior to such property's becoming a cooperative. The local authority shall grant a request for such a special use permit, special exception, or variance filed on or after July 1, 1982, if the applicant can demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the local authority that the nonconformities are not likely to be adversely affected by the proposed conversion. The local authority shall not unreasonably delay action on any such request. In the event of an approved conversion, a locality, sanitary district, or other political subdivision may impose such charges and fees as are lawfully imposed by such locality, sanitary district, or other political subdivision as a result of construction of new structures to the extent that such charges and fees, or portions of such charges and fees, imposed upon property subject to such conversions may be reasonably related to greater or additional services provided by the locality, sanitary district, or political subdivision as a result of the conversion.

E. Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit application of any provision of the Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq.), or any local ordinances regulating the design and construction of roads, sewer and water lines, stormwater management facilities, or other public infrastructure, that is not expressly applicable to cooperatives by reason of their form of ownership to a cooperative in a manner different from the manner in which such provision is applied to other buildings of similar physical form and nature of occupancy.

1982, c. 277, § 55-429; 2004, c. 242; 2019, c. 712.

A. If a unit is acquired by eminent domain, or if part of a unit is acquired by eminent domain leaving the proprietary lessee with a remnant that may not practically or lawfully be used for any purpose permitted by the declaration, the award for such unit shall include compensation to the proprietary lessee for the value of his cooperative interest. Upon acquisition, unless the order otherwise provides, that cooperative interest's allocated interests are automatically reallocated to the remaining cooperative interests in proportion to the respective allocated interests of those cooperative interests before the taking, and the association shall promptly prepare, execute, and record an amendment to the declaration reflecting the reallocations. Any remnant of a unit remaining after part of a unit is taken under this subsection is thereafter a common element.

B. Except as provided in subsection A, if part of a unit is acquired by eminent domain, the award for such unit shall compensate the proprietary lessee for the reduction in value of his cooperative interest. Unless the order provides otherwise, upon acquisition (i) that cooperative interest's allocated interests are reduced in proportion to the reduction in the size of the unit, or on any other basis specified in the declaration, and (ii) the portion of the allocated interests divested from the cooperative interest of which the partially acquired unit is a part is automatically reallocated to that cooperative interest and the remaining units in proportion to the respective allocated interests of those cooperative interests before the taking, with the cooperative interest of which the partially acquired unit is a part participating in the reallocation on the basis of its reduced allocated interests.

C. If part of the common elements is acquired by eminent domain, the portion of the award attributable to the common elements taken shall be paid to the association. Unless the declaration provides otherwise, any portion of the award attributable to the acquisition of a limited common element shall be equally divided among the proprietary lessees of the units to which that limited common element was allocated at the time of acquisition.

D. The court order shall be recorded in every county or city in which any portion of the cooperative is located.

1982, c. 277, § 55-430; 2019, c. 712.

The principles of law and equity, including the law of corporations and unincorporated associations, the law of real property, and the law relative to capacity to contract, principal and agent, eminent domain, estoppel, fraud, misrepresentation, duress, coercion, mistake, receivership, substantial performances, or other validating or invalidating cause supplement the provisions of this chapter, except to the extent inconsistent with this chapter.

1982, c. 277, § 55-431; 2019, c. 712.

This chapter, being a general act intended as a unified coverage of its subject matter, shall not be impliedly repealed by subsequent legislation if that construction can reasonably be avoided.

1982, c. 277, § 55-432; 2019, c. 712.

This chapter shall be applied and construed so as to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law with respect to cooperatives in the Commonwealth.

1982, c. 277, § 55-433; 2019, c. 712.

A. The court, upon finding as a matter of law that a contract or contract clause was unconscionable at the time the contract was made, may (i) refuse to enforce the contract, (ii) enforce the remainder of the contract without the unconscionable clause, or (iii) limit the application of any unconscionable clause in order to avoid an unconscionable result.

B. Whenever it is claimed, or appears to the court, that a contract or any contract clause is or may be unconscionable, the parties, in order to aid the court in making the determination, shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to present evidence as to:

1. The commercial setting of the negotiations;

2. Whether a party has knowingly taken advantage of the inability of the other party to reasonably protect his interests by reason of physical or mental infirmity, illiteracy, or inability to understand the language of the agreement or similar factors;

3. The effect and purpose of the contract or clause; and

4. If a sale, any gross disparity at the time of contracting between the amount charged for the cooperative interest and the value of the cooperative interest measured by the price at which similar cooperative interests were readily obtainable in similar transactions; however, a disparity between the contract price and the value of the cooperative interest measured by the price at which similar cooperative interests were readily obtainable in similar transactions does not, of itself, render the contract unconscionable.

1982, c. 277, § 55-434; 2019, c. 712.

Every contract or duty governed by this chapter imposes an obligation of good faith in its performance or enforcement.

1982, c. 277, § 55-435; 2019, c. 712.

A. The remedies provided by this chapter shall be liberally administered to the end that the aggrieved party is put in a position as good as its position had the other party fully performed. However, consequential, special, or punitive damages may not be awarded except as specifically provided in this chapter or by other rule of law.

B. Any right or obligation declared by this chapter is enforceable by judicial proceeding.

1982, c. 277, § 55-436; 2019, c. 712.

Article 2. Creation, Alteration, and Termination of Cooperatives.

A cooperative may be created pursuant to this chapter only by recording a declaration executed in the same manner as a deed and by conveying to the association the real estate subject to that declaration. The declaration shall be recorded in every county or city in which any portion of the cooperative is located, indexed in the grantee's index in the name of the cooperative and the association, and indexed in the grantor's index in the name of each person executing the declaration.

1982, c. 277, § 55-438; 2019, c. 712.

Except as otherwise provided by the declaration:

1. If walls, floors, or ceilings are designated as boundaries of a unit, all lath, furring, wallboard, plasterboard, plaster, paneling, tiles, wallpaper, paint, and finished flooring and any other materials constituting any part of the finished surfaces of such walls, floors, or ceilings are a part of the unit, and all other portions of the walls, floors, or ceilings are a part of the common elements.

2. If any chute, flue, duct, wire, conduit, bearing wall, bearing column, or other fixture lies partially within and partially outside of the designated boundaries of a unit, any portion of such fixture serving only that unit is a limited common element allocated solely to that unit, and any portion of such fixture serving more than one unit or any portion of the common elements is a part of the common elements.

3. Subject to the provisions of subdivision 2, all spaces, interior partitions, and other fixtures and improvements within the boundaries of a unit are a part of the unit.

4. Any shutters, awnings, window boxes, doorsteps, stoops, porches, balconies, or patios and all exterior doors and windows or other fixtures designed to serve a single unit, but located outside the unit's boundaries, are limited common elements allocated exclusively to that unit.

1982, c. 277, § 55-439; 2019, c. 712.

A. All provisions of the declaration and bylaws are severable.

B. The rule against perpetuities shall not be applied to defeat any provision of the declaration, bylaws, or rules and regulations adopted pursuant to subdivision A 1 of § 55.1-2133.

C. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of the declaration and the bylaws, the declaration prevails except to the extent that the declaration is inconsistent with this chapter.

D. Title to a cooperative interest is not rendered unmarketable or otherwise affected by reason of an insubstantial failure of the declaration to comply with this chapter. Whether a substantial failure impairs marketability is not affected by this chapter.

1982, c. 277, § 55-440; 2019, c. 712.

A description of a unit that sets forth the name of the cooperative, the recording data for the declaration, the county or city in which the cooperative is located, and the identifying number of the unit is a legally sufficient description of that unit and all rights, obligations, and interests appurtenant to that unit that were created by the declaration or bylaws.

1982, c. 277, § 55-441; 2019, c. 712.

A. The declaration shall contain:

1. The name of the cooperative, which shall include the word "cooperative" or be followed by the words "a cooperative," and the association;

2. The name of every county or city in which any part of the cooperative is situated;

3. A legally sufficient description of the real estate included in the cooperative;

4. A statement of the maximum number of units that the declarant reserves the right to create;

5. A description, which may be by plats or plans, of each unit created by the declaration, including the unit's identifying number, its size or number of rooms, and its location within a building if it is within a building containing more than one unit;

6. A description of any limited common elements, other than those specified in subdivisions 2 and 4 of § 55.1-2113;

7. A description of any real estate, except real estate subject to development rights, that may be allocated subsequently as limited common elements, other than limited common elements specified in subdivisions 2 and 4 of § 55.1-2113, together with a statement that they may be so allocated;

8. A description of any development rights and other special declarant rights reserved by the declarant, together with a legally sufficient description of the real estate to which each of those rights applies, and a time limit within which each of those rights are required to be exercised;

9. If any development right may be exercised with respect to different parcels of real estate at different times, a statement to that effect together with (i) either a statement fixing the boundaries of those portions and regulating the order in which those portions may be subjected to the exercise of each development right or a statement that no assurances are made in those regards and (ii) a statement as to whether, if any development right is exercised in any portion of the real estate subject to that development right, that development right is required to be exercised in all or in any other portion of the remainder of that real estate;

10. Any other conditions or limitations under which the rights described in subdivision 8 may be exercised or will lapse;

11. An allocation to each cooperative interest of the allocated interests in the manner described in § 55.1-2118;

12. Any restrictions on (i) use and occupancy of the units, (ii) alienation of the cooperative interests, and (iii) the amount for which a cooperative interest may be sold or the amount that may be received by a proprietary lessee upon sale of, condemnation of, or casualty loss to the unit or the cooperative or termination of the cooperative;

13. The recording data for recorded easements and licenses appurtenant to, or included in, the cooperative or to which any portion of the cooperative is or may become subject by virtue of a reservation in the declaration; and

14. All matters required by §§ 55.1-2117, 55.1-2118, 55.1-2119, 55.1-2125, and 55.1-2126 and subsection D of § 55.1-2134.

B. The declaration may contain any other matters the declarant deems appropriate.

1982, c. 277, § 55-442; 2019, c. 712.

A. The expiration or termination of any lease that may terminate the cooperative or reduce its size, or a memorandum of such lease, shall be recorded. The declaration shall state:

1. The recording data for the lease or a statement of where the complete lease may be inspected;

2. The date on which the lease is scheduled to expire;

3. A legally sufficient description of the real estate subject to the lease;

4. Any right of the proprietary lessees to redeem the reversion and how those rights may be exercised, or a statement that they do not have those rights;

5. Any right of the proprietary lessees to remove any improvements within a reasonable time after the expiration or termination of the lease, or a statement that they do not have those rights; and

6. Any rights of the proprietary lessees to renew the lease and the conditions, if any, of any renewal, or a statement that they do not have those rights.

B. Acquisition of the leasehold interest of any proprietary lessee by the owner of the reversion or remainder does not merge the leasehold and fee simple interests unless the leasehold interests of all proprietary lessees subject to that reversion or remainder are acquired.

C. If the expiration or termination of a lease decreases the number of units in a cooperative, the allocated interests shall be reallocated in accordance with subsection A of § 55.1-2118 as though those units had been taken by eminent domain. Reallocations shall be confirmed by an amendment to the declaration prepared, executed, and recorded by the association.

1982, c. 277, § 55-443; 2019, c. 712.

A. The declaration shall allocate an ownership interest in the association a fraction or percentage of the common expenses of the association and a portion of the votes in the association, or to each cooperative interest in the cooperative, and state the formulas used to establish those allocations. Those allocations shall not discriminate in favor of cooperative interests owned by the declarant or an affiliate of the declarant.

B. If units may be added to or withdrawn from the cooperative, the declaration shall state the formulas to be used to reallocate the allocated interests among all cooperative interests included in the cooperative after the addition or withdrawal.

C. The declaration may provide (i) that different allocations of votes shall be made to the cooperative interests on particular matters specified in the declaration, (ii) for cumulative voting only for the purpose of electing members of the executive board, and (iii) for class voting on specified issues affecting the class if necessary to protect valid interests of the class. No declarant shall utilize cumulative or class voting for the purpose of evading any limitation imposed on declarants by this chapter, nor shall cooperative interests constitute a class because they are owned by a declarant.

D. Except for minor variations due to rounding, the sum of the common expense liabilities allocated at any time to all the cooperative interests must equal one if stated as a fraction or 100 percent if stated as a percentage. In the event of a discrepancy between an allocated interest and the result derived from application of the pertinent formula, the allocated interest prevails.

E. Any purported conveyance, encumbrance, judicial sale, or other voluntary or involuntary transfer of the ownership interest in the association made without the possessory interest in the unit to which that interest is related is void.

1982, c. 277, § 55-444; 2019, c. 712.

A. Except for the limited common elements described in subdivisions 2 and 4 of § 55.1-2113, the declaration shall specify to which of the units each limited common element is allocated. That allocation may not be altered without the consent of the proprietary lessees whose units are affected.

B. Unless the declaration provides otherwise, a limited common element may be reallocated by an amendment to the declaration executed by the proprietary lessees between or among whose units the reallocation is made. The persons executing the amendment shall provide a copy to the association, which shall record it. The amendment shall be recorded in the names of the parties and the cooperative.

C. A common element not previously allocated as a limited common element shall not be so allocated except pursuant to provisions in the declaration made in accordance with subdivision A 7 of § 55.1-2116. The allocations shall be made by amendments to the declaration.

1982, c. 277, § 55-445; 2019, c. 712.

A. To exercise any development right reserved under subdivision A 8 of § 55.1-2116, the declarant shall prepare, execute, and record an amendment to the declaration as specified in § 55.1-2127. The amendment to the declaration must assign an identifying number to each new unit created and, except in the case of subdivision or conversion of units described in subsection B, reallocate the allocated interests among all cooperative interests. The amendment must describe any common elements and any limited common elements created by such amendment and, in the case of limited common elements, designate to which of the units each is allocated to the extent required by § 55.1-2119.

B. Development rights may be reserved within any real estate added to the cooperative if the amendment adding that real estate includes all matters required by § 55.1-2116 or 55.1-2117, as appropriate. This provision does not extend the time limit on the exercise of development rights imposed by the declaration pursuant to subdivision A 8 of § 55.1-2116.

C. Whenever a declarant exercises a development right to subdivide or convert a unit previously created into additional units, common elements, or both:

1. If the declarant converts the unit entirely to common elements, the amendment to the declaration must reallocate all the allocated interests of the cooperative interest of which that unit is a part among the other cooperative interests as if that unit had been taken by eminent domain.

2. If the declarant subdivides the unit into two or more units, whether or not any part of the unit is converted into common elements, the amendment to the declaration must reallocate all the allocated interests of the cooperative interest of which that unit is a part among the cooperative interests created by the subdivision in any reasonable manner prescribed by the declarant.

D. If the declaration provides, pursuant to subdivision A 8 of § 55.1-2116, that all of or a portion of the real estate is subject to the development right of withdrawal:

1. If all the real estate is subject to withdrawal, and the declaration does not describe separate portions of real estate subject to that right, none of the real estate may be withdrawn after a cooperative interest has been conveyed to a purchaser; and

2. If a portion or portions are subject to withdrawal, no portion may be withdrawn after a cooperative interest in that portion has been conveyed to a purchaser.

1982, c. 277, § 55-446; 2019, c. 712.

Subject to the provisions of the declaration and other provisions of law, a proprietary lessee:

1. May make any improvements or alterations to his unit that do not impair the structural integrity or the electrical or mechanical systems of any portion of the cooperative;

2. Shall not change the appearance of the common elements, or the exterior appearance of a unit or any other portion of the cooperative, other than the interior of the unit, without permission of the association;

3. After acquiring a cooperative interest of which an adjoining unit or an adjoining part of an adjoining unit is a part, may remove or alter any intervening partition or create apertures therein, even if the partition in whole or in part is a common element, if those acts do not impair the structural integrity or electrical or mechanical systems of any portion of the cooperative. Removal of partitions or creation of apertures under this subdivision is not an alteration of boundaries.

1982, c. 277, § 55-447; 2019, c. 712.

A. Subject to the provisions of the declaration and other provisions of law, the boundaries between adjoining units may be relocated by an amendment to the declaration upon application to the association by the proprietary lessees of those units. If the proprietary lessees of the adjoining units have specified a reallocation between their cooperative interests of their allocated interests, the application shall state the proposed reallocations. Unless the executive board determines within 30 days that the reallocations are unreasonable, the association shall prepare an amendment that identifies the units involved, states the reallocations, is executed by those proprietary lessees, contains words of conveyance between them, and upon recordation is indexed in the name of the grantor and the grantee.

B. The association shall prepare and record amendments to the declaration, including any plans necessary to show or describe the altered boundaries between adjoining units and their sizes and identifying numbers. All costs for such preparation and recordation shall be borne by the proprietary lessees involved.

1982, c. 277, § 55-448; 2019, c. 712.

A. If the declaration expressly so permits, a unit may be subdivided into two or more units. Subject to the provisions of the declaration and other provisions of law, upon application of a proprietary lessee to subdivide a unit, the association shall prepare, execute, and record an amendment to the declaration subdividing that unit. All costs for such preparation, execution, and recordation shall be borne by the proprietary lessees involved.

B. The amendment to the declaration must (i) be executed by the proprietary lessee of the unit to be subdivided, (ii) assign an identifying number to each unit created, and (iii) reallocate the allocated interests formerly allocated to the cooperative interest of which the subdivided unit is a part to the new cooperative interests in any reasonable manner prescribed by the proprietary lessee of the cooperative interest of which the subdivided unit is a part.

1982, c. 277, § 55-449; 2019, c. 712.

To the extent that any unit or common element encroaches on any other unit or common element, a valid easement for the encroachment exists. The easement does not relieve a proprietary lessee of liability in case of his willful misconduct or relieve a declarant or any other person of liability for failure to adhere to any representation in the public offering statement.

1982, c. 277, § 55-450; 2019, c. 712.

A declarant may maintain sales offices, management offices, and models in units or on common elements in the cooperative only if the declaration so provides and specifies the rights of a declarant with regard to the number, size, location, and relocation of such offices or models. Any sales office, management office, or model not designated a unit by the declaration is a common element, and if a declarant ceases to have an ownership interest in the association, he ceases to have any rights with regard to such offices or models, unless it is removed promptly from the cooperative in accordance with a right to remove reserved in the declaration. Subject to any limitations in the declaration, a declarant may maintain signs on the common elements advertising the cooperative. The provisions of this section are subject to the provisions of other state law and to local ordinances.

1982, c. 277, § 55-451; 2019, c. 712.

Subject to the provisions of the declaration, a declarant has an easement through the common elements as may be reasonably necessary for the purpose of discharging a declarant's obligations or exercising special declarant rights, whether arising under this chapter or reserved in the declaration.

1982, c. 277, § 55-452; 2019, c. 712.

A. Except in cases of amendments that may be executed by a declarant under § 55.1-2120, the association under § 55.1-2105, subsection C of § 55.1-2117, subsection C of § 55.1-2119, subsection A of § 55.1-2122, or § 55.1-2123, or certain proprietary lessees under subsection B of § 55.1-2119, subsection A of § 55.1-2122, subsection B of § 55.1-2123, or subsection B of § 55.1-2128 and except as limited by subsection D, the declaration may be amended only by vote or agreement of proprietary lessees of cooperative interests to which at least two-thirds of the votes in the association are allocated, or a larger percentage if the declaration so specifies. The declaration may specify a smaller percentage only if all of the units are restricted exclusively to nonresidential use.

B. No action to challenge the validity of an amendment adopted by the association pursuant to this section may be brought more than one year after the amendment is recorded.

C. Every amendment to the declaration must be recorded in every county or city in which any portion of the cooperative is located and is effective only upon recordation. An amendment shall be indexed in the grantee's index in the name of the cooperative and the association and in the grantor's index in the name of the parties executing the amendment.

D. The declaration may be amended to extend the time limit within which special declarant rights imposed by the declaration pursuant to subdivision A 8 of § 55.1-2116 may be exercised only by vote or agreement of proprietary lessees of cooperative interests to which at least two-thirds of the votes in the association are allocated to cooperative interests not owned by a declarant, or any larger percentage the declaration specifies. Except to the extent expressly permitted or required by this subsection or other provisions of this chapter, no amendment may create or increase special declarant rights, increase the number of units, or change the boundaries of any unit, the allocated interests of a cooperative interest, or the uses to which any unit is restricted, in the absence of unanimous consent of the proprietary lessees.

E. If the time limit specified in the declaration for the creation of cooperative interests or the exercise of special declarant rights has expired, with the approval of the persons entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes in the association, other than any votes allocated to cooperative interests owned by the declarant, or any larger percentage as the declaration specifies, the declaration may be amended to (i) revive and reinstate any or all of the expired rights to create additional cooperative interests and any or all of the expired special declarant rights and (ii) vest in any person, including the original declarant, any or all of the powers, rights, privileges, and authority to which a declarant is entitled under this chapter regarding the exercise of the revived and reinstated rights with respect to any parcel of real estate that is a common element or any additional real estate that such amendment permits to be added to the cooperative. In no event, however, shall any such amendment extend or renew a period of declarant control of the association or provide a new period of declarant control.

F. Amendments to the declaration required by this chapter to be recorded by the association shall be prepared, executed, recorded, and certified on behalf of the association by any officer of the association designated for that purpose or, in the absence of such designation, by the president of the association.

1982, c. 277, § 55-453; 2008, c. 628; 2009, c. 221; 2019, c. 712.

A. Except in the case of a taking of all the units by eminent domain, or in the case of foreclosure of a security interest against the entire cooperative that has priority over the declaration, cooperative ownership may be terminated only by agreement of proprietary lessees of cooperative interests to which at least four-fifths of the votes in the association are allocated or any larger percentage the declaration specifies. The declaration may specify a smaller percentage only if all of the units in the cooperative are restricted exclusively to nonresidential uses.

B. An agreement to terminate must be evidenced by the execution of a termination agreement or ratification of such agreement in the same manner as a deed by the requisite number of proprietary lessees. The termination agreement must specify a date after which the agreement will be void unless it is recorded before that date. A termination agreement and all such ratifications must be recorded in every county or city in which a portion of the cooperative is situated and is effective only upon recordation.

C. The association, on behalf of the proprietary lessees, may contract for the sale of real estate in the cooperative, but the contract is not binding until approved pursuant to subsections A and B. After such approval, the association has all powers necessary and appropriate to effect the sale. Until the sale has been concluded, and the proceeds of such sale are distributed, the association continues in existence with all powers it had before termination. Except to the extent that any provisions in the declaration limit the amount that may be received by a proprietary lessee upon termination, as set forth in subdivision A 12 of § 55.1-2116, proceeds of the sale must be distributed to holders of liens against the association and against the cooperative interests and to proprietary lessees, all as their interests may appear, in accordance with subsections D and E. Unless otherwise specified in the termination agreement, as long as the association holds title to the real estate, each proprietary lessee and his successors in interest have an exclusive right to occupancy of the portion of the real estate that formerly constituted his unit. During the period of such occupancy, each proprietary lessee and his successors in interest remain liable for all assessments and other obligations imposed on proprietary lessees by this chapter or the declaration.

D. Following termination of the cooperative, the proceeds of any sale of real estate, together with the assets of the association, are held by the association as trustee for proprietary lessees and holders of liens against the association and the cooperative interests, as their interests may appear. The declaration may provide that all creditors of the association have priority over any interests of proprietary lessees and creditors of proprietary lessees. Where the declaration provides such a priority, following termination, creditors of the association holding liens on the cooperative that were recorded or docketed before termination may enforce their liens in the same manner as any lienholder, and all other creditors of the association are to be treated as if they had perfected liens against the cooperative immediately before termination. Unless the declaration provides that all creditors of the association have such priority:

1. The lien of each creditor of the association that was perfected against the association before termination becomes a lien against each cooperative interest upon termination as of the date the lien was perfected;

2. All other creditors of the association are to be treated as if they had perfected liens against the cooperative interests immediately before termination;

3. The amounts of the liens of the association's creditors described in subdivisions 1 and 2 against each of the cooperative interests must be proportionate to the ratio that that cooperative interest's common expense liability bears to the common expense liability of all the cooperative interests;

4. The lien of each creditor of each proprietary lessee that was perfected before termination continues as a lien against that proprietary lessee's cooperative interest as of the date the lien was perfected; and

5. The assets of the association shall be distributed to all proprietary lessees and all lienholders against their cooperative interests as their interests may appear in the order described in subdivisions 1 through 4, and creditors of the association are not entitled to payment from any proprietary lessee in excess of the amount of the creditor's lien against that proprietary lessee's cooperative interest.

E. The respective interests of proprietary lessees referred to in subsections C and D are as follows:

1. Except as provided in subdivision 2, the respective interests of proprietary lessees are the fair market values of their cooperative interests immediately before the termination, as determined by one or more independent appraisers selected by the association. Appraisers selected shall hold a designation awarded by a major, nationwide testing or certifying professional appraisal society or association. The decision of the independent appraisers shall be distributed to the proprietary lessees and becomes final unless disapproved within 30 days after distribution by proprietary lessees of cooperative interests to which 25 percent of the votes in the association are allocated. The proportion of any proprietary lessee's interest to that of all proprietary lessees is determined by dividing the fair market value of that proprietary lessee's cooperative interest by the total fair market values of all the cooperative interests.

2. If any unit or any limited common element is destroyed to the extent that an appraisal of the fair market value of the unit or limited common element before destruction cannot be made, the interests of all proprietary lessees are their respective ownership interests in the association immediately before the termination.

1982, c. 277, § 55-454; 1983, c. 96; 2019, c. 712.

The declaration may require that all or a specified number or percentage of the lenders holding security interests encumbering the cooperative interests approve specified actions of the proprietary lessees or the association as a condition to the effectiveness of those actions, but no requirement for approval shall operate to (i) deny or delegate control over the general administrative affairs of the association by the proprietary lessees or the executive board; (ii) prevent the association or the executive board from commencing, intervening in, or settling any litigation or proceeding; or (iii) receive and distribute any insurance proceeds except pursuant to § 55.1-2145.

1982, c. 277, § 55-455; 2019, c. 712.

A. If the declaration provides that any of the powers described in § 55.1-2134 are to be exercised by or may be delegated to a for-profit or nonprofit corporation or unincorporated association that exercises those or other powers on behalf of one or more cooperatives or for the benefit of the proprietary lessees of one or more cooperatives, all provisions of this chapter applicable to associations apply to any such corporation or unincorporated association, except as modified by this section.

B. Unless a master association is acting in the capacity of an association described in § 55.1-2132, it may exercise the powers set forth in subdivision A 2 of § 55.1-2133 only to the extent expressly permitted in the declarations of the cooperatives that are part of the master association or expressly described in the delegations of power from those cooperatives to the master association.

C. If the declaration of any cooperative provides that the executive board may delegate certain powers to a master association, the members of the executive board have no liability for the acts or omissions of the master association with respect to the delegated powers.

D. The rights and responsibilities of proprietary lessees with respect to the association set forth in §§ 55.1-2134, 55.1-2140, 55.1-2141, 55.1-2142, and 55.1-2144 apply in the conduct of the affairs of a master association only to those persons who elect the board of a master association, whether or not those persons are otherwise proprietary lessees within the meaning of this chapter.

E. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection F of § 55.1-2134, with respect to the election of the executive board of an association by all proprietary lessees after the period of declarant control ends, and even if a master association is also an association as described in § 55.1-2132, the certificate of incorporation or other instrument creating the master association and the declaration of each cooperative, the powers of which are assigned by the declaration or delegated to the master association, may provide that the executive board of the master association must be elected after the period of declarant control in any of the following ways:

1. All proprietary lessees of all cooperatives subject to the master association may elect all members of that executive board.

2. All members of the executive boards of all cooperatives subject to the master association may elect all members of that executive board.

3. All proprietary lessees of each cooperative subject to the master association may elect specified members of that executive board.

4. All proprietary lessees of the executive board of each cooperative subject to the master association may elect specified members of that executive board.

1982, c. 277, § 55-456; 2019, c. 712.

A. Any two or more cooperatives, by agreement of the proprietary lessees as provided in subsection B, may be merged or consolidated into a single cooperative. In the event of a merger or consolidation, unless the agreement otherwise provides, the resultant cooperative is, for all purposes, the legal successor of all of the preexisting cooperatives. The operations and activities of all associations of the preexisting cooperatives shall be merged or consolidated into a single association, which shall hold all powers, rights, obligations, assets, and liabilities of all preexisting associations.

B. An agreement of two or more cooperatives to merge or consolidate pursuant to subsection A must be evidenced by an agreement prepared, executed, recorded, and certified by the president of the association of each of the preexisting cooperatives following approval by proprietary lessees of cooperative interests to which are allocated the percentage of votes in each cooperative required to terminate that cooperative. Any such agreement must be recorded in every county or city in which a portion of the cooperative is located and is not effective until recorded.

C. Every merger or consolidation agreement must provide for the reallocation of the allocated interests in the new association among the cooperative interests of the resultant cooperative either (i) by stating the reallocations or the formulas upon which they are based or (ii) by stating the percentage of overall allocated interest of the new cooperative that are allocated to all of the cooperative interests comprising each of the preexisting cooperatives and providing that the portion of the percentages allocated to each cooperative interest formerly comprising a part of the preexisting cooperative must be equal to the percentages of allocated interests allocated to that cooperative interest by the declaration of the preexisting cooperative.

1982, c. 277, § 55-457; 2019, c. 712.

Article 3. Management of Cooperatives.

An association must be organized no later than the date the first cooperative interest in the cooperative is conveyed. The membership of the association at all times shall consist exclusively of all the proprietary lessees or, following termination of the cooperative, of all former proprietary lessees entitled to distributions of proceeds under § 55.1-2128 or their heirs, successors, or assigns. The association shall be organized as a stock or nonstock corporation, trust, trustee, unincorporated association, or partnership.

1982, c. 277, § 55-458; 2019, c. 712.

A. Except as provided in subsection B, and subject to the provisions of the declaration, the association, even if unincorporated, may:

1. Adopt and amend bylaws and rules and regulations;

2. Adopt and amend budgets for revenues, expenditures, and reserves and collect assessments for common expenses from proprietary lessees;

3. Hire and discharge managing agents and other employees, agents, and independent contractors;

4. Institute, defend, or intervene in litigation or administrative proceedings in its own name on behalf of itself or two or more proprietary lessees on matters affecting the cooperative;

5. Make contracts and incur liabilities;

6. Regulate the use, maintenance, repair, replacement, and modification of common elements;

7. Cause additional improvements to be made as a part of the common elements;

8. Acquire, hold, encumber, and convey in its own name any right, title, or interest to real or personal property, but part of the cooperative may be conveyed, or all or part of the cooperative may be subjected to, a security interest only pursuant to § 55.1-2144;

9. Grant easements, leases, licenses, and concessions through or over the common elements;

10. Impose and receive any payments, fees, or charges for the use, rental, or operation of the common elements, other than limited common elements described in subdivisions 2 and 4 of § 55.1-2113, and for services provided to proprietary lessees;

11. Impose charges for late payment of assessments and, after notice and an opportunity to be heard, levy fines not to exceed $50 for each instance for violations of the declaration, bylaws, and rules and regulations of the association;

12. Impose reasonable charges for the preparation and recordation of amendments to the declaration, resale certificates required by § 55.1-2309, or statements of unpaid assessments;

13. Provide for the indemnification of its officers and executive board and maintain directors' and officers' liability insurance;

14. Assign its right to future income, including the right to receive common expense assessments, but only to the extent the declaration expressly so provides;

15. Exercise any other powers conferred by the declaration or bylaws;

16. Exercise all other powers that may be exercised in the Commonwealth by legal entities of the same type as the association; and

17. Exercise any other powers necessary and proper for the governance and operation of the association.

B. The declaration shall not impose limitations on the power of the association to deal with the declarant that are more restrictive than the limitations imposed on the power of the association to deal with other persons.

1982, c. 277, § 55-459; 2019, c. 712; 2023, cc. 387, 388.

A. As used in this section, "solar energy collection device" means any device manufactured and sold for the sole purpose of facilitating the collection and beneficial use of solar energy, including passive heating panels or building components and solar photovoltaic apparatus.

B. No association shall prohibit an owner from installing a solar energy collection device on that owner's property unless the recorded declaration for the association establishes such a prohibition. However, an association may establish reasonable restrictions concerning the size, place, and manner of placement of such solar energy collection devices on property designated and intended for individual ownership and use. Any resale certificate pursuant to § 55.1-2309 given to a purchaser shall contain a statement setting forth any restriction, limitation, or prohibition on the right of an owner to install or use solar energy collection devices on his property.

C. A restriction shall be deemed not to be reasonable if application of the restriction to a particular proposal (i) increases the cost of installation of the solar energy collection device by five percent over the projected cost of the initially proposed installation or (ii) reduces the energy production by the solar energy collection device by 10 percent below the projected energy production of the initially proposed installation. The owner shall provide documentation prepared by an independent solar panel design specialist, who is certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners and is licensed in Virginia, that is satisfactory to the association to show that the restriction is not reasonable according to the criteria established in this subsection.

D. The association may prohibit or restrict the installation of solar energy collection devices on the common elements or common area within the real estate development served by the association. An association may establish reasonable restrictions as to the number, size, place, and manner of placement or installation of any solar energy collection device installed on the common elements or common area.

2006, c. 939, §§ 67-700, 67-701; 2008, c. 881; 2009, c. 866; 2013, c. 357; 2014, c. 525; 2020, cc. 272, 795; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387; 2023, cc. 387, 388.

A. Except as provided in the declaration, the bylaws, subsection B, or other provisions of this chapter, the executive board may act in all instances on behalf of the association. In the performance of their duties, the officers and members of the executive board are required to exercise (i) the care required of fiduciaries of the proprietary lessees if appointed by the declarant and (ii) ordinary and reasonable care if elected by the proprietary lessees.

B. The executive board may not act on behalf of the association to amend the declaration; to terminate the cooperative; to elect members of the executive board, except as provided in the declaration pursuant to subsection F; or to determine the qualifications, powers, and duties or terms of office of executive board members. The executive board may fill vacancies in its membership for the unexpired portion of any term.

C. Within 30 days after adoption of any proposed budget for the cooperative, the executive board shall provide a summary of the budget to all the proprietary lessees and shall set a date for a meeting of the proprietary lessees to consider ratification of the budget. Such meeting shall be held not less than 14 nor more than 30 days after mailing of the summary. The meeting place, date, and time shall be provided with the budget summary. Unless at that meeting a majority of all the proprietary lessees or any larger vote specified in the declaration reject the budget, the budget is ratified, whether or not a quorum is present. In the event the proposed budget is rejected, the periodic budget last ratified by the proprietary lessees shall be continued until such time as the proprietary lessees ratify a subsequent budget proposed by the executive board.

D. Subject to subsection E, the declaration may provide for a period of declarant control of the association, during which period a declarant, or persons designated by him, may appoint and remove the officers and members of the executive board. Regardless of the period provided in the declaration, a period of declarant control terminates no later than the earlier of (i) 60 days after conveyance of 75 percent of the cooperative interests that may be created to proprietary lessees other than a declarant, (ii) two years after all declarants have ceased to offer cooperative interests for sale in the ordinary course of business, or (iii) two years after any development right to add new units was last exercised. A declarant may voluntarily surrender the right to appoint and remove officers and members of the executive board before termination of that period, but in that event he may require, for the duration of the period of declarant control, that specified actions of the association or executive board, as described in a recorded instrument executed by the declarant, be approved by the declarant before they become effective.

E. No later than 60 days after conveyance of 25 percent of the cooperative interests that may be created to proprietary lessees other than a declarant, at least one member and at least 25 percent of the members of the executive board must be elected by proprietary lessees other than the declarant. No later than 60 days after conveyance of 50 percent of the cooperative interests that may be created to proprietary lessees other than a declarant, at least one-third of the members of the executive board must be elected by proprietary lessees other than the declarant.

F. Unless the declaration provides for the selection of one or more independent members of the executive board, no later than the termination of any period of declarant control the proprietary lessees shall elect an executive board of at least three members, at least a majority of whom must be proprietary lessees. To the extent that the declaration so provides, the members of the executive board appointed by the declarant may continue to serve out their terms, and the declarant may continue to appoint a minority of the members of the executive board until all of the development rights reserved by the declarant have been exercised or have expired. In addition, the declaration may provide for the selection of one or more independent members of the executive board, who are neither proprietary lessees nor affiliated directly or indirectly in any way with the declarant, by a vote of two-thirds of the members of the executive board. The executive board shall elect the officers. The executive board members and officers shall take office upon election.

G. Notwithstanding any provision of the declaration or bylaws to the contrary, the proprietary lessees, by a two-thirds vote of all persons entitled to vote at any meeting of the proprietary lessees at which a quorum is present, may remove any member of the executive board with or without cause, other than a member appointed by the declarant.

1982, c. 277, § 55-460; 2004, c. 242; 2019, c. 712.

A. No special declarant rights created or reserved under this chapter may be transferred except by an instrument evidencing the transfer recorded in every county or city in which any portion of the cooperative is located. The instrument is not effective unless executed by the transferee.

B. Upon transfer of any special declarant right, the liability of a transferor declarant is as follows:

1. A transferor is not relieved of any obligation or liability arising before the transfer and remains liable for warranty obligations imposed upon him by this chapter. Lack of privity does not deprive any proprietary lessee of standing to maintain an action to enforce any obligation of the transferor.

2. If a successor to any special declarant right is an affiliate of a declarant, the transferor is jointly and severally liable with the successor for any obligations or liabilities of the successor relating to the cooperative.

3. If a transferor retains any special declarant rights, but transfers other special declarant rights to a successor who is not an affiliate of the declarant, the transferor is liable for any obligations or liabilities imposed on a declarant by this chapter or by the declaration relating to the retained special declarant rights and arising after the transfer.

4. A transferor has no liability for any act or omission or any breach of a contractual or warranty obligation arising from the exercise of a special declarant right by a successor declarant who is not an affiliate of the transferor.

C. Unless otherwise provided in a security agreement, in case of foreclosure of a security agreement, tax sale, judicial sale, sale by a trustee under a security agreement or sale under receivership proceedings or the Bankruptcy Code as codified in Title 11 of the United States Code, of any cooperative interests owned by a declarant or of real estate in a cooperative subject to development rights:

1. A person acquiring all the cooperative interests or real estate being foreclosed or sold shall succeed, but only upon his request, to all special declarant rights related to that property held by that declarant or only to any rights reserved in the declaration pursuant to § 55.1-2125 and held by that declarant to maintain models, sales offices, and signs.

2. The judgment or instrument conveying title shall provide for transfer of only the special declarant rights requested.

D. Upon foreclosure, tax sale, judicial sale, sale by a trustee under a security agreement, or sale under receivership proceedings or the Bankruptcy Code as codified in Title 11 of the United States Code, of all cooperative interests or real estate in a cooperative owned by a declarant:

1. The declarant ceases to have any special declarant rights, and

2. The period of declarant control as provided in subsection D of § 55.1-2134 terminates unless the judgment or instrument conveying title provides for transfer of all special declarant rights held by that declarant to a successor declarant.

E. The liabilities and obligations of a person who succeeds to special declarant rights are as follows:

1. A successor to any special declarant right who is an affiliate of a declarant is subject to all obligations and liabilities imposed on the transferor by this chapter or by the declaration.

2. A successor to any special declarant right, other than a successor described in subdivision 3 or 4, who is not an affiliate of a declarant is subject to all obligations and liabilities imposed by this chapter or the declaration:

a. On a declarant that relate to his exercise or non-exercise of special declarant rights; or

b. On his transferor, other than:

(1) Misrepresentations by any previous declarant;

(2) Warranty obligations on improvements made by any previous declarant or made before the cooperative was created;

(3) Breach of any fiduciary obligation by any previous declarant or his appointees to the executive board; or

(4) Any liability or obligation imposed on the transferor as a result of the transferor's acts or omissions after the transfer.

3. A successor to only a right reserved in the declaration to maintain models, sales offices, and signs pursuant to § 55.1-2125, if he is not an affiliate of a declarant, may not exercise any other special declarant right and is not subject to any liability or obligation as a declarant, except the obligation to provide a current public offering statement, any liability arising as a result of providing a public offering statement, and obligations under Article 5 (§ 55.1-2173 et seq.).

4. A successor to all special declarant rights held by his transferor who is not an affiliate of that declarant and who succeeded to those rights pursuant to a deed or other instrument of conveyance in lieu of foreclosure or a judgment or instrument conveying title to cooperative interests or real estate subject to development rights under subsection C may declare his intention in a recorded instrument to hold those rights solely for transfer to another person. After declaring such an intention in a recorded instrument, until transferring all special declarant rights to any person acquiring title to any cooperative interest or real estate subject to development rights owned by the successor, or until recording an instrument permitting exercise of all those rights, that successor may not exercise any of those rights other than any right held by his transferor to control the executive board in accordance with the provisions of subsection D of § 55.1-2134 for the duration of any period of declarant control, and any attempted exercise of those rights is void. So long as a successor declarant may not exercise special declarant rights under this subsection, he is not subject to any liability or obligation as a declarant other than liability for his acts and omissions under subsection D of § 55.1-2134.

F. Nothing in this section subjects any successor to a special declarant right to any claims against or other obligations of a transferor declarant, other than claims and obligations arising under this chapter or the declaration.

1982, c. 277, § 55-461; 2019, c. 712.

If entered into before the executive board elected by the proprietary lessees pursuant to subsection F of § 55.1-2134 takes office, (i) any management contract, employment contract, or lease of recreational or parking areas or facilities, (ii) any other contract or lease between the association and a declarant or an affiliate of a declarant, or (iii) any contract or lease that is not bona fide or was unconscionable to the proprietary lessees at the time entered into under the circumstances then prevailing may be terminated without penalty by the association at any time after the executive board elected by the proprietary lessees pursuant to subsection F of § 55.1-2134 takes office after giving at least 90 days' notice to the other party. However, a management contract that is not unconscionable between an association directly or indirectly providing assisted living or nursing services to proprietary lessees and a declarant or an affiliate of a declarant may not be terminated while a member of the executive board appointed by the declarant continues to serve unless such termination is approved by a vote of a majority of the members of the executive board and a majority vote of the proprietary lessees, other than the declarant.

This section does not apply to any proprietary lease or any lease the termination of which would terminate the cooperative or reduce its size, unless the real estate subject to that lease was included in the cooperative for the purpose of avoiding the right of the association to terminate a lease under this section. This section does not apply to any contract, incidental to the disposition of a cooperative interest, to provide to a proprietary lessee for the duration of such proprietary lessee's life, or for any term in excess of one year, nursing services, medical services, other health-related services, board and lodging, and care as necessary, or any combination of such services. The rule of property law known as the rule restricting unreasonable restraints on alienation shall not be applied to defeat any provision of the declaration, bylaws, or proprietary leases requiring that the proprietary lessees be parties to such contracts.

1982, c. 277, § 55-462; 1985, c. 83; 2004, c. 242; 2019, c. 712.

A. The bylaws of the association shall provide for:

1. The number of members of the executive board and the titles of the officers of the association;

2. Election by the executive board of a president, treasurer, secretary, and any other officers of the association the bylaws specify;

3. The qualifications, powers and duties, terms of office, and manner of electing and removing executive board members and officers and filling vacancies;

4. Which, if any, of its powers and responsibilities the executive board or officers may delegate to other persons or to a managing agent;

5. Which of its officers may prepare, execute, certify, and record amendments to the declaration on behalf of the association; and

6. The method of amending the bylaws.

B. Subject to the provisions of the declaration, the bylaws may provide for any other matters the association deems necessary and appropriate, including a provision for the arbitration of disputes or other means of alternative dispute resolution in accordance with subsection B of § 55.1-2169.

1982, c. 277, § 55-463; 1993, c. 849; 2019, c. 712.

A. Except to the extent otherwise provided by the declaration, by subsection B, or by subsection G of § 55.1-2145, the association is responsible for maintenance, repair, and replacement of the common elements, and each proprietary lessee is responsible for maintenance, repair, and replacement of his unit. Each proprietary lessee shall afford to the association and the other proprietary lessees, and to their agents or employees, access through his unit reasonably necessary for those purposes. If damage is inflicted on the common elements or on any unit through which access is taken, the proprietary lessee responsible for the damage, or the association if it is responsible, is liable for the prompt repair and all costs associated with such repair.

B. In addition to the liability that a declarant as a proprietary lessee has under this chapter, the declarant alone is liable for all expenses in connection with real estate subject to development rights. No other proprietary lessee and no other portion of the cooperative is subject to a claim for payment of those expenses. Unless the declaration provides otherwise, any income or proceeds from real estate subject to development rights inures to the declarant.

1982, c. 277, § 55-464; 2019, c. 712.

Associations shall post notification of all pesticide applications in or upon the common elements. Such notice shall consist of conspicuous signs placed in or upon the common elements where the pesticide will be applied at least 48 hours prior to the application.

1999, c. 65, § 55-464.1; 2019, c. 712.

A. Except to the extent that the declaration provides otherwise, no association shall prohibit any proprietary lessee from installing an electric vehicle charging station for the proprietary lessee's personal use within the boundaries of a unit or limited common element parking space appurtenant to the unit owned by the proprietary lessee.

B. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter or the declaration, the association may prohibit a proprietary lessee from installing an electric vehicle charging station if installation of the electric vehicle charging station is not technically feasible or practicable due to safety risks, structural issues, or engineering conditions.

C. The association may require as a condition of approving installation of an electric vehicle charging station that the proprietary lessee:

1. Provide detailed plans and drawings for installation of an electric vehicle charging station prepared by a licensed and registered electrical contractor or engineer familiar with the installation and core requirements of an electric vehicle charging station.

2. Comply with applicable building codes or recognized safety standards.

3. Comply with reasonable architectural standards adopted by the association that govern the dimensions, placement, or external appearance of the electric vehicle charging station.

4. Pay the costs of installation, maintenance, operation, and use of the electric vehicle charging station.

5. Indemnify and hold the association harmless from any claim made by a contractor or supplier pursuant to Title 43.

6. Pay the cost of removal of the electric vehicle charging station if the proprietary lessee decides there is no longer a need for the electric vehicle charging station.

7. Separately meter, at the proprietary lessee's sole expense, the utilities associated with such electric vehicle charging station and pay the cost of electricity and other associated utilities.

8. Engage the services of a licensed electrician or engineer familiar with the installation and core requirements of an electric vehicle charging station to install the electric vehicle charging station.

9. Obtain and maintain insurance covering claims and defenses of claims related to the installation, maintenance, operation, and use of the electric vehicle charging station and provide a certificate of insurance naming the association as an additional insured on the proprietary lessee's insurance policy for any claim related to the installation, maintenance, operation, or use of the electric vehicle charging station within 14 days after receiving the association's approval to install such charging station.

10. Reimburse the association for any increase in common expenses specifically attributable to the electric vehicle charging station installation, including the actual cost of any increased insurance premium amount, within 14 days' notice from the association.

D. The conditions imposed pursuant to this section on a proprietary lessee for installation of an electric vehicle charging station shall run with title to the unit to which the limited common element parking space is appurtenant.

E. Any proprietary lessee installing an electric vehicle charging station in a unit or on a limited common element parking space appurtenant to the unit owned by the proprietary lessee shall indemnify and hold the association harmless from all liability, including reasonable attorney fees incurred by the association resulting from a claim, arising out of the installation, maintenance, operation, or use of such electric charging station. An association may require the proprietary lessee to obtain and maintain insurance covering claims and defenses of claims related to the installation, maintenance, operation, or use of the electric vehicle charging station and require the association to be included as a named insured on such policy.

2020, c. 1012.

A meeting of the association must be held at least once each year. Special meetings of the association may be called by (i) the president, (ii) a majority of the executive board, or (iii) 20 percent, or any lower percentage if so specified in the bylaws, of the proprietary lessees. No less than 10 or more than 60 days in advance of any meeting, the secretary or other officer specified in the bylaws shall cause notice to be hand delivered or sent prepaid by United States mail to the mailing address of each unit or to any other mailing address designated in writing by the proprietary lessee. The notice of any meeting shall state the time and place of the meeting and the items on the agenda including the general nature of any proposed amendment to the declaration or bylaws, any budget changes, and any proposal to remove a director or officer.

1982, c. 277, § 55-465; 2019, c. 712.

A. Unless the bylaws provide otherwise, a quorum is present throughout any meeting of the association if persons entitled to cast 20 percent of the votes that may be cast for election of the executive board are present in person or by proxy at the beginning of the meeting.

B. Unless the bylaws specify a larger percentage, a quorum is deemed present throughout any meeting of the executive board if persons entitled to cast 50 percent of the votes on that board are present at the beginning of the meeting.

1982, c. 277, § 55-466; 2019, c. 712.

A. If only one of the multiple proprietary lessees of a unit is present at a meeting of the association, he is entitled to cast all the votes allocated to the cooperative interest of which that unit is a part. If more than one of the multiple proprietary lessees are present, the votes allocated to that cooperative interest may be cast only in accordance with the agreement of a majority in interest of the multiple proprietary lessees, unless the declaration expressly provides otherwise. There is majority agreement if any one of the multiple proprietary lessees casts the votes allocated to that cooperative interest without protest being made promptly to the person presiding over the meeting by any of the other proprietary lessees of the cooperative interest.

B. Votes allocated to a cooperative interest may be cast pursuant to a proxy duly executed by a proprietary lessee. If there is more than one proprietary lessee of a unit, each proprietary lessee of the unit may vote or register protest to the casting of votes by the other proprietary lessees of the unit through a duly executed proxy. A proprietary lessee may not revoke a proxy given pursuant to this section except by actual notice of revocation to the person presiding over a meeting of the association. A proxy is void if it is not dated or purports to be revocable without notice. A proxy terminates one year after its date, unless a shorter term is specified.

C. If the declaration requires that votes on specified matters affecting the cooperative be cast by lessees other than proprietary lessees of leased units: (i) the provisions of subsections A and B apply to lessees as if they were proprietary lessees; (ii) proprietary lessees who have leased their units to other persons may not cast votes on those specified matters; and (iii) lessees are entitled to notice of meetings, access to records, and other rights respecting those matters as if they were proprietary lessees. Proprietary lessees must also be given notice, in the manner provided in § 55.1-2140, of all meetings at which such lessees may be entitled to vote.

D. All votes allocated to a cooperative interest owned by the association shall be deemed present for quorum purposes at all duly called meetings of the association and shall be deemed cast in the same proportions as the votes cast by proprietary lessees, other than the association.

1982, c. 277, § 55-467; 2004, c. 242; 2019, c. 712.

Neither the association nor any proprietary lessee except the declarant is liable for that declarant's torts in connection with any part of the cooperative that that declarant has the responsibility to maintain. Otherwise, an action alleging wrongdoing by the association shall be brought against the association and not against any proprietary lessee. If such wrongdoing occurred during any period of declarant control, and the association gives the declarant reasonable notice of and an opportunity to defend against the action, the declarant who then controlled the association is liable to the association or to any proprietary lessee (i) for all tort losses not covered by insurance suffered by the association or that proprietary lessee and (ii) for all costs that the association would not have incurred but for a breach of contract or other wrongful act or omission. Whenever the declarant is liable to the association under this section, the declarant is also liable for all litigation expenses, including reasonable attorney fees, incurred by the association. Any statute of limitation affecting the association's right of action under this section is tolled until the period of declarant control terminates.

A proprietary lessee is not precluded from bringing an action contemplated by this section because he is a proprietary lessee or a member or officer of the association. Liens resulting from judgments against the association are governed by § 55.1-2151.

1982, c. 277, § 55-468; 2019, c. 712.

A. Part of the cooperative may be conveyed, and all or part of the cooperative may be subjected to a security interest, by the association if persons entitled to cast at least 80 percent of the votes in the association, including a simple majority of the votes allocated to cooperative interests not owned by a declarant, or any larger percentage the declaration specifies, agree to that action. If fewer than all the units or limited common elements are to be conveyed or subjected to a security interest, then all the proprietary lessees of those units, or the units to which those limited common elements are allocated, must agree in order to convey those units or limited common elements or subject them to a security interest. The declaration may specify a smaller percentage only if all of the units are restricted exclusively to nonresidential uses. Proceeds of the sale are an asset of the association.

B. An agreement to convey a part of the cooperative or subject it to a security interest must be evidenced by the execution of an agreement, or ratifications of such an agreement, in the same manner as a deed, by the requisite number of proprietary lessees. The agreement must specify a date after which the agreement will be void unless recorded before that date. The agreement and such ratifications must be recorded in every county or city in which a portion of the cooperative is situated and is effective only upon recordation.

C. The association, on behalf of the proprietary lessees, may contract to convey a part of the cooperative or subject it to a security interest, but the contract is not enforceable against the association until approved pursuant to subsections A and B. After such approval, the association has all powers necessary and appropriate to effect the conveyance or encumbrance including the power to execute deeds or other instruments.

D. Any purported conveyance, encumbrance, or other voluntary transfer of the cooperative, unless made pursuant to this section or pursuant to subsection C of § 55.1-2128, is void.

E. A conveyance or encumbrance of the cooperative pursuant to this section does not deprive any unit of its rights of access and support.

1982, c. 277, § 55-469; 2019, c. 712.

A. Commencing not later than the time of the first conveyance of a cooperative interest to a person other than a declarant, the association shall maintain to the extent reasonably available:

1. Property insurance on the common elements and units insuring against all risks of direct physical loss commonly insured against or, in the case of a conversion building, against fire and extended coverage perils. The total amount of insurance after application of any deductibles shall be not less than 80 percent of the actual cash value of the insured property at the time the insurance is purchased and at each renewal date, exclusive of land, excavations, foundations, and other items normally excluded from property policies; and

2. Liability insurance, including medical payments insurance, in an amount determined by the executive board but not less than any amount specified in the declaration, covering all occurrences commonly insured against for death, bodily injury, and property damage arising out of or in connection with the use, ownership, or maintenance of the common elements and units.

B. If the insurance described in subsection A is not reasonably available, the association shall notify all proprietary lessees by hand delivery or by United States mail, sent prepaid. The declaration may require the association to carry any other insurance, and the association may carry any other insurance it deems appropriate to protect the association or the proprietary lessees.

C. Insurance policies carried pursuant to subsection A must provide that:

1. Each proprietary lessee is an insured person under the policy with respect to liability arising out of his interest in the common elements or membership in the association;

2. The insurer waives its right to subrogation under the policy against any proprietary lessee or member of his household;

3. No act or omission by any proprietary lessee, unless acting within the scope of his authority on behalf of the association, will void the policy or be a condition to recovery under the policy; and

4. If, at the time of a loss under the policy, there is other insurance in the name of a proprietary lessee covering the same risk covered by the policy, the association's policy provides primary insurance.

D. Any loss covered by the property policy under subdivision A 1 must be adjusted with the association, but the insurance proceeds for that loss are payable to any insurance trustee designated for that purpose, or otherwise to the association, and not to any mortgagee or beneficiary under a deed of trust. The insurance trustee or the association shall hold any insurance proceeds in trust for the association, proprietary lessees, and lien holders as their interests may appear. Subject to the provisions of subsection G, the proceeds must be disbursed first for the repair or restoration of the damaged property. The association, proprietary lessees, and lien holders are not entitled to receive payment of any portion of the proceeds unless there is a surplus of proceeds after the property has been completely repaired or restored, or the cooperative is terminated.

E. An insurance policy issued to the association does not prevent a proprietary lessee from obtaining insurance for his own benefit.

F. An insurer that has issued an insurance policy under this section shall issue certificates or memoranda of insurance to the association and, upon written request, to any proprietary lessee or holder of a security interest. The insurer issuing the policy may not cancel or refuse to renew it until 30 days after notice of the proposed cancellation or nonrenewal has been mailed to the association, each proprietary lessee, and each holder of a security interest to whom a certificate or memorandum of insurance has been issued at their respective last known address.

G. Any portion of the cooperative for which insurance is required under this section that is damaged or destroyed shall be repaired or replaced promptly by the association unless (i) the cooperative is terminated; (ii) repair or replacement would be illegal under any state or local health or safety statute or ordinance; or (iii) 80 percent of the proprietary lessees, including every proprietary lessee of a unit or assigned limited common element that will not be rebuilt, vote not to rebuild. The cost of repair or replacement in excess of insurance proceeds and reserves is a common expense. If the entire cooperative is not repaired or replaced, (a) the insurance proceeds attributable to the damaged common elements must be used to restore the damaged area to a condition compatible with the remainder of the cooperative and (b) except to the extent that other persons will be distributees, the insurance proceeds attributable to units and limited common elements that are not rebuilt must be distributed to the proprietary lessees of those units and the proprietary lessees of the units to which those limited common elements were allocated, or to lien holders, as their interests may appear, and the remainder of the proceeds must be distributed to all the proprietary lessees or lien holders, as their interests may appear, in proportion to the common expense liabilities of all the cooperative interests. If the proprietary lessees vote not to rebuild any unit, the allocated interests of the cooperative interest of which that unit is a part are automatically reallocated upon the vote as if the unit had been condemned under subsection A of § 55.1-2105, and the association shall promptly prepare, execute, and record an amendment to the declaration reflecting the reallocations. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, § 55.1-2128 governs the distribution of insurance proceeds if the cooperative is terminated.

H. The provisions of this section may be varied or waived in the case of a cooperative whose units are all restricted to nonresidential use.

1982, c. 277, § 55-470; 2019, c. 712.

A. Until the association makes a common expense assessment, the declarant shall pay all common expenses. After any assessment has been made by the association, assessments must be made at least annually, based on a budget adopted at least annually by the association.

B. Except for assessments under subsections C, D, E, and F, all common expenses shall be assessed against all the cooperative interests in accordance with the allocations set forth in the declaration pursuant to subsection A of § 55.1-2118.

Any past-due common expense assessment or installment bears interest at the rate established by the association not exceeding 18 percent per year.

C. To the extent required by the declaration:

1. Any common expense associated with the maintenance, repair, or replacement of a limited common element must be assessed equally against the cooperative interests for the units to which that limited common element is assigned, or in any other proportion that the declaration provides;

2. Any common expense or portion benefiting fewer than all of the units must be assessed exclusively against the cooperative interests for the units benefited; and

3. The costs of insurance must be assessed in proportion to risk, and the costs of utilities must be assessed in proportion to usage.

D. Assessments to pay a judgment against the association may be made only against the cooperative interests in the cooperative at the time the judgment was entered, in proportion to their common expense liabilities.

E. If any common expense is caused by the negligence or other misconduct of any proprietary lessee, or of his family members, tenants, or other invitees, the association may assess that expense exclusively against his cooperative interest.

F. Notwithstanding any other provision in this section, in any cooperative where permanent residency is, in general, restricted to individuals age 55 and over, and the primary purpose of the association is to provide services and amenities to the residents of the cooperative that are consistent with the services and amenities typically provided to residents of full service senior housing communities in the United States, the declaration may provide, or may be amended to provide by vote or agreement of proprietary lessees of cooperative interests to which at least two-thirds of the votes in the association are allocated, or any larger percentage if so specified in the declaration, that:

1. Common expenses may be assessed against all cooperative interests in accordance with the standards in general use from time to time among full-service senior housing communities in the United States for the purpose of fairly and equitably establishing the fees and charges imposed on their residents to pay for all common expenses of such senior housing communities, including the expenses of providing services and amenities, such standards to be determined by the executive board of the association, acting reasonably;

2. Common expenses may be assessed against any cooperative interest that has been created pursuant to the declaration but as to which construction of the unit appurtenant to such cooperative interest has not been completed, provided that nothing contained in this subdivision shall relieve the declarant of its obligations under subsection B of § 55.1-2138; and

3. Common expenses may be assessed against any cooperative interest as to which the unit appurtenant to such cooperative interest has been completed until the unit is initially permanently occupied, provided, however, that all such cooperative interests shall pay all direct expenses of the association related to such cooperative interests and any common expenses that directly benefit such cooperative interest, in each case, determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in the declaration or the association's bylaws, provided, however, that if neither the declaration nor the bylaws contain such provisions, then such expenses shall be paid in accordance with the allocations set forth in the declaration pursuant to subsection A of § 55.1-2118.

G. If common expense liabilities are reallocated, common expense assessments and any installment not yet due shall be recalculated in accordance with the reallocated common expense liabilities.

1982, c. 277, § 55-471; 2008, c. 627; 2019, c. 712.

A. Except to the extent provided in the declaration, the board of directors shall, prior to the commencement of the fiscal year, make available to lot owners either (i) the annual budget of the association or (ii) a summary of such annual budget.

B. Except to the extent otherwise provided in the declaration, the executive board shall:

1. Conduct at least once every five years a study to determine the necessity and amount of reserves required to repair, replace, and restore the capital components as defined in § 55.1-2100;

2. Review the results of that study at least annually to determine if reserves are sufficient; and

3. Make any adjustments the executive board deems necessary to maintain reserves, as appropriate.

C. To the extent that the reserve study conducted in accordance with this section indicates a need to budget for reserves, the association budget shall include:

1. The current estimated replacement cost, estimated remaining life, and estimated useful life of the capital components as defined in § 55.1-2100;

2. As of the beginning of the fiscal year for which the budget is prepared, the current amount of accumulated cash reserves set aside to repair, replace, or restore the capital components and the amount of the expected contribution to the reserve fund for that fiscal year;

3. A statement describing the procedures used for estimation and accumulation of cash reserves pursuant to this section and the extent to which the association is funding its reserve obligations consistent with the study currently in effect; and

4. A statement of the amount of reserves recommended in the study and the amount of current cash for replacement reserves.

2005, c. 436, § 55-471.1; 2019, cc. 33, 44, 712.

A. The association has a lien on a cooperative interest for any assessment levied against that cooperative interest or fines imposed against its owner from the time the assessment or fines become due. Unless the declaration otherwise provides, fees, charges, late charges, fines, and interest charged pursuant to subdivisions A 11 and 12 of § 55.1-2133 are enforceable as assessments under this section. If an assessment is payable in installments, the full amount of the assessment is a lien from the time the first installment becomes due. Upon nonpayment of the assessment, the proprietary lessee may be evicted in the same manner as provided by law in the case of an unlawful holdover by a commercial tenant, and the lien may be foreclosed as provided by this section. The association's lien may be foreclosed (i) by judicial sale in like manner as a mortgage on real estate or (ii) by power of sale as provided in subsection I.

B. A lien under this section is prior to all other liens and encumbrances on a cooperative interest except (i) liens and encumbrances on the cooperative that the association creates, assumes, or takes subject to; (ii) any first security interest encumbering only the cooperative interest of a proprietary lessee and perfected before the date on which the assessment sought to be enforced became delinquent; and (iii) liens for real estate taxes and other governmental assessments or charges against the cooperative or the cooperative interest. The lien is also prior to the security interests described in clause (ii) to the extent of the common expense assessments based on the periodic budget adopted by the association pursuant to subsection A of § 55.1-2133 that would have become due in the absence of acceleration during the six months immediately preceding institution of an action to enforce the lien. This subsection does not affect the priority of mechanics' or materialmen's liens or the priority of liens for other assessments made by the association. The lien under this section is not subject to homestead or other exemptions.

C. Unless the declaration otherwise provides, if two or more associations have liens for assessments created at any time on the same property, those liens have equal priority.

D. Recording of the declaration constitutes record notice and perfection of the lien. No further recordation or filing of any claim of lien for assessment under this section is required.

E. A lien for unpaid assessments is extinguished unless proceedings to enforce the lien are instituted within three years after the full amount of the assessment becomes due.

F. This section does not prohibit actions to recover sums for which subsection A creates a lien or prohibit an association from taking a transfer in lieu of foreclosure.

G. A judgment in any action brought under this section shall include costs and reasonable attorney fees for the prevailing party.

H. Upon written request, the association shall furnish to a proprietary lessee a statement setting forth the amount of unpaid assessments against his cooperative interest. The statement shall be in recordable form. The statement shall be furnished within 10 business days after receipt of the request and is binding on the association, the executive board, and every proprietary lessee.

I. The association, upon nonpayment of assessments and compliance with this subsection, may sell the cooperative interest. Sale may be at a public sale or by private negotiation and at any time and place, but every aspect of the sale, including the method, advertising, time, place, and terms, must be reasonable. The association shall give to the proprietary lessee and any sublessees of the proprietary lessee reasonable written notice of the time and place of any public sale or, if a private sale is intended, of the intention of entering into a contract to sell and of the time after which a private disposition may be made. The same notice must also be sent to any other person who has a recorded interest in the cooperative interest that would be cut off by the sale, but only if the interest was on record seven weeks before the date specified in the notice as the date of any public sale or seven weeks before the date specified in the notice as the date after which a private sale may be made. The notices required by this subsection may be sent to any address reasonable in the circumstances. Sale may not be held until five weeks after the sending of the notice. The association may buy at any public sale and, if the sale is conducted by a fiduciary or other person not related to the association, at a private sale.

J. The proceeds of a sale under subsection I shall be applied in the following order:

1. The reasonable expenses of sale;

2. The reasonable expenses of securing possession before sale; holding, maintaining, and preparing the cooperative interest for sale, including payment of taxes and other governmental charges, premiums on hazard and liability insurance, and, to the extent provided for by agreement between the association and the proprietary lessee, reasonable attorney fees and other legal expenses incurred by the association;

3. Satisfaction in the order of priority of any prior claims of record;

4. Satisfaction of the association's lien;

5. Satisfaction in the order of priority of any subordinate claim of record; and

6. Remittance of any excess to the proprietary lessee. Unless otherwise agreed, the proprietary lessee is liable for any deficiency.

K. If a cooperative interest is sold under subsection I, a good faith purchaser for value acquires the proprietary lessee's interest in the cooperative interest free of the association's debt that gave rise to the lien under which the sale occurred and any subordinate interest, even though the association or other person conducting the sale failed to comply with the requirements of this section. The person conducting the sale under subsection I shall execute a conveyance to the purchaser sufficient to convey the cooperative interest that states that the conveyance is executed by him, after a foreclosure by power of sale of the association's lien and that he has power to make the sale. Signature and title or authority of the person signing the conveyance as grantor and a recital of the facts of nonpayment of the assessment and of the giving of the notices required by subsection I are sufficient proof of the facts recited and of his authority to sign. Further proof of authority is not required even though the association is named as grantee in the conveyance.

L. At any time before the association has disposed of the cooperative interest or entered into a contract for its disposition under the power of sale, the proprietary lessee or the holder of any subordinate security interest may cure the proprietary lessee's default and prevent sale or other disposition by tendering the performance due under the security agreement, including any amounts due because of exercise of a right to accelerate, plus the reasonable expenses of proceeding to foreclosure incurred to the time of tender, including reasonable attorney fees of the creditor.

1982, c. 277, § 55-472; 1990, c. 831; 2019, c. 712.

A. Regardless of whether his cooperative interest is subject to the claims of the association's creditors, no property of a proprietary lessee other than his cooperative interest is subject to those claims.

B. If the association receives notice of an impending foreclosure on all or any portion of the association's real estate, the association shall promptly transmit a copy of that notice to each proprietary lessee of a unit located within the real estate to be foreclosed. Failure of the association to transmit the notice does not affect the validity of the foreclosure.

1982, c. 277, § 55-473; 2019, c. 712.

Unless approved by persons entitled to cast at least 80 percent of the votes in the association, including a simple majority of the votes allocated to cooperative interests not owned by a declarant or any larger percentage the declaration specifies, (i) the association shall not assume or take subject to any debt, inclusive of any principal and interest accrued thereon, incurred in the original acquisition, development, or construction of or the conversion of the cooperative in excess of the amounts disclosed in the public offering statement pursuant to § 55.1-2155 or 55.1-2156, nor shall the cooperative or any proprietary lessee's interest be encumbered by a security interest for any greater amount incurred for such purposes, and (ii) the declarant shall not amend the public offering statement to change the amounts disclosed after conveyance of the first unit to a proprietary lessee. However, the amounts disclosed shall not be subject to adjustment such that the association or the proprietary lessees are subjected to the construction or market risks of the declarant.

2004, c. 242, § 55-473.1; 2019, c. 712.

The association shall keep financial records sufficiently detailed to enable the association to comply with § 55.1-2309. All financial and other records shall be made reasonably available for examination by any proprietary lessee and his authorized agents.

1982, c. 277, § 55-474; 2019, c. 712; 2023, cc. 387, 388.

With respect to a third person dealing with the association in the association's capacity as a trustee, the existence of trust powers and their proper exercise by the association may be assumed without inquiry. A third person is not bound to inquire whether the association has power to act as trustee or is properly exercising trust powers. A third person, without actual knowledge that the association is exceeding or improperly exercising its powers, is fully protected in dealing with the association as if it possessed and properly exercised the powers it purports to exercise. A third person is not bound to assure the proper application of trust assets paid or delivered to the association in its capacity as trustee.

1982, c. 277, § 55-475; 2019, c. 712.

Article 4. Protection of Cooperative Purchasers.

A. This article applies to all cooperative interests subject to this chapter, except as provided in subsection B or as modified or waived by agreement of purchasers of cooperative interests in a cooperative in which all units are restricted to nonresidential use.

B. Neither a public offering statement nor a resale certificate need be prepared or delivered in the case of:

1. A gratuitous disposition of a cooperative interest;

2. A disposition pursuant to court order;

3. A disposition by a government or governmental agency;

4. A disposition by foreclosure or transfer in lieu of foreclosure;

5. A disposition to a person in the business of selling cooperative interests who intends to offer those cooperative interests to purchasers; or

6. A disposition that may be canceled at any time and for any reason by the purchaser without penalty.

1982, c. 277, § 55-476; 2019, c. 712.

A. Except as provided in subsection B, a declarant, prior to the offering of any cooperative interest to the public, shall prepare a public offering statement conforming to the requirements of §§ 55.1-2155, 55.1-2156, 55.1-2157, and 55.1-2158.

B. A declarant may transfer responsibility for preparation of all or a part of the public offering statement to a successor declarant or to a person in the business of selling cooperative interests who intends to offer cooperative interests in the cooperative for his own account. In the event of any such transfer, the transferor shall provide the transferee with any information necessary to enable the transferee to fulfill the requirements of subsection A.

C. Any declarant or other person in the business of selling cooperative interests who offers a cooperative interest for his own account to a purchaser shall deliver a public offering statement in the manner prescribed in subsection A of § 55.1-2160. The person who prepared all or a part of the public offering statement is liable under §§ 55.1-2160, 55.1-2169, 55.1-2178, and 55.1-2179 for any false or misleading statement set forth in such public offering statement or for any omission of material fact from such public offering statement with respect to that portion of the public offering statement that he prepared. If a declarant did not prepare any part of a public offering statement that he delivers, he is not liable for any false or misleading statement set forth in such public offering statement or for any omission of material fact from such public offering statement unless he had actual knowledge of the statement or omission or, in the exercise of reasonable care, should have known of the statement or omission.

D. If a unit is part of a cooperative and is part of any other real estate regime in connection with the sale of which the delivery of a public offering statement is required under the laws of the Commonwealth, a single public offering statement, conforming to the requirements of §§ 55.1-2155, 55.1-2156, 55.1-2157, and 55.1-2158 as those requirements relate to each regime in which the unit is located and to any other requirements imposed under the laws of the Commonwealth, may be prepared and delivered in lieu of providing two or more public offering statements.

1982, c. 277, § 55-477; 2019, c. 712.

A. Except as provided in subsection B, a public offering statement shall contain or fully and accurately disclose:

1. The name and principal address of the declarant and of the cooperative;

2. A general description of the cooperative, including to the extent possible the types, number, declarant's schedule of commencement, and completion of construction of buildings and amenities that the declarant anticipates including in the cooperative;

3. The number of units in the cooperative;

4. Copies and a brief narrative description of the significant features of the declaration and any other recorded covenants, conditions, restrictions, and reservations affecting the cooperative; the bylaws and any rules or regulations of the association; copies of any contracts and leases to be signed by purchasers at closing; and a brief narrative description of any contracts or leases that will or may be subject to cancellation by the association under § 55.1-2136;

5. Any current balance sheet and a projected budget for the association, either within or as an exhibit to the public offering statement, for one year after the date of the first conveyance to a purchaser, and thereafter the current budget of the association, a statement of who prepared the budget, and a statement of the budget's assumptions concerning occupancy and inflation factors. The budget shall include:

a. A description of provisions made in the budget for reserves for repairs and replacement;

b. A statement of any other reserves;

c. The projected common expense assessment by category of expenditures for the association;

d. The projected monthly common expense assessment for each type of unit; and

e. The projected debt, inclusive of principal and any accrued interest, loan fees, and other similar charges, assumed or to be assumed by the association and an estimate of the payments necessary to service such debt.

6. Any services not reflected in the budget that the declarant provides, or expenses that he pays and that he expects may become at any subsequent time a common expense of the association, and the projected common expense assessment attributable to each of those services or expenses for the association and for each type of unit;

7. Any initial or special fee due from the purchaser at closing, together with a description of the purpose and method of calculating the fee;

8. A description of any liens, defects, or encumbrances on or affecting the title to the cooperative;

9. A description of any financing offered or arranged by the declarant;

10. The terms and significant limitations of any warranties provided by the declarant, including statutory warranties and limitations on the enforcement of such warranties or on damages;

11. A statement that:

a. Within 10 days after receipt of a public offering statement a purchaser, before conveyance, may cancel any contract for purchase of a cooperative interest from a declarant; and

b. If a declarant fails to provide a public offering statement to a purchaser before conveying a cooperative interest, that purchaser may recover from the declarant 10 percent of the sales price of the cooperative interest, plus 10 percent of the share, proportionate to his common expense liability, of the indebtedness of the association secured by mortgages or deeds of trust encumbering the cooperative;

12. A statement of any unsatisfied judgments or pending actions against the association and the status of any pending actions material to the cooperative of which a declarant has actual knowledge;

13. A statement that any deposit made in connection with the purchase of a cooperative interest will be held in an escrow account until closing and will be returned to the purchaser if the purchaser cancels the contract pursuant to § 55.1-2160, together with the name and address of the escrow agent;

14. Any restrictions on (i) use and occupancy of the units; (ii) alienation of the cooperative interests; (iii) the amount for which a cooperative interest may be sold; or (iv) the amount that may be received by a proprietary lessee upon sale, condemnation, or casualty loss to the unit or the cooperative or termination of the cooperative;

15. A description of the insurance coverage provided for the benefit of proprietary lessees;

16. Any current or expected fees or charges to be paid by proprietary lessees for the use of the common elements and other facilities related to the cooperative;

17. The extent to which financial arrangements have been provided for completion of all improvements labeled "MUST BE BUILT" pursuant to § 55.1-2171;

18. A brief narrative description of any zoning and other land use requirements affecting the cooperative;

19. A specified or maximum amount, if any, of acquisition, development, or construction debt, inclusive of principal and any accrued interest, loan fees, and other similar charges, assumed or to be assumed by the association and whether there will be a security interest encumbering the cooperative to secure repayment;

20. All unusual and material circumstances, features, and characteristics of the cooperative and the units;

21. Whether the proprietary lessees will be entitled, for federal, state, and local income tax purposes, to a pass-through of deductions for payments made by the association for real estate taxes and interest paid the holder of a security interest encumbering the cooperative; and

22. A statement as to the effect on every proprietary lessee if the association fails to pay real estate taxes or payments due the holder of a security interest encumbering the cooperative.

B. If a cooperative composed of not more than three units is not subject to any development rights, and no power is reserved to a declarant to make the cooperative part of a larger cooperative, a group of cooperatives, or other real estate, a public offering statement may include the information otherwise required by subdivisions A 9 and 10 and 15 through 19 and the narrative descriptions of documents required by subdivision A 4.

C. A declarant promptly shall amend the public offering statement to report any material change in the information required by this section.

D. The declarant shall provide a copy of the public offering statement and all amendments to the association, and the association shall maintain them in its records.

1982, c. 277, § 55-478; 2004, c. 242; 2005, c. 436; 2019, c. 712.

If the declaration provides that a cooperative is subject to any development rights, the public offering statement shall disclose, in addition to the information required by § 55.1-2155:

1. The maximum number of units and the maximum number of units per acre that may be created;

2. A statement of how many or what percentage of the units that may be created will be restricted exclusively to residential use, or a statement that no representations are made regarding use restrictions;

3. If any of the units that may be built within real estate subject to development rights are not to be restricted exclusively to residential use, a statement, with respect to each portion of that real estate, of the maximum percentage of the real estate areas and the maximum percentage of the floor areas of all units that may be created therein that are not restricted exclusively to residential use;

4. A brief narrative description of any development rights reserved by a declarant and of any conditions relating to or limitations upon the exercise of development rights;

5. A statement of the maximum extent to which each cooperative interest's allocated interests may be changed by the exercise of any development right described in subdivision 4;

6. A statement of the extent to which any buildings may be erected or other improvements that may be made pursuant to any development right in any part of the cooperative will be compatible with existing buildings and improvements in the cooperative in terms of architectural style, quality of construction, and size, or a statement that no assurances are made in those regards;

7. General descriptions of all other improvements that may be made, and limited common elements that may be created within any part of the cooperative pursuant to any development right reserved by the declarant, or a statement that no assurances are made in that regard;

8. A statement of any limitations as to the locations of any building or other improvement that may be made within any part of the cooperative pursuant to any development right reserved by the declarant, or a statement that no assurances are made in that regard;

9. A statement that any limited common elements created pursuant to any development right reserved by the declarant will be of the same general types and sizes as the limited common elements within other parts of the cooperative, a statement of the types and sizes planned, or a statement that no assurances are made in that regard;

10. A statement that the proportion of limited common elements to units created pursuant to any development right reserved by the declarant will be approximately equal to the proportion existing within other parts of the cooperative, a statement of any other assurances in that regard, or a statement that no assurances are made in that regard;

11. A statement that all restrictions in the declaration affecting use and occupancy of units and alienation of cooperative interests will apply to any units and cooperative interests created pursuant to any development right reserved by the declarant, a statement of any differentiations that may be made as to those units and cooperative interests, or a statement that no assurances are made in that regard;

12. A specified or maximum amount, if any, of acquisition, development, or construction debt, inclusive of principal and any accrued interest, loan fees, and other similar charges, assumed or to be assumed by the association for each phase of the development and whether there will be a security interest encumbering the cooperative to secure repayment. If no such amount can be specified, a statement that no amount may be assumed unless approved by persons entitled to cast at least 80 percent of the votes in the association, including a simple majority of the votes allocated to cooperative interests not owned by a declarant, or any larger percentage the declaration specifies; and

13. A statement of the extent to which any assurances made pursuant to this section apply or do not apply in the event that any development right is not exercised by the declarant.

1982, c. 277, § 55-479; 2004, c. 242; 2019, c. 712.

If the declaration provides that ownership of cooperative interests or occupancy of any units is or may be in time-shares, the public offering statement shall disclose, in addition to the information required by § 55.1-2155:

1. The number and identity of units in which time-shares may be created;

2. The total number of time-shares that may be created;

3. The minimum duration of any time-shares that may be created; and

4. The extent to which the creation of time-shares will or may affect the enforceability of the association's lien for assessments provided in § 55.1-2149.

1982, c. 277, § 55-480; 2019, c. 712.

A. In addition to the information required by § 55.1-2155, the public offering statement of a cooperative containing any conversion building shall contain:

1. A statement by the declarant, based on a report prepared by an independent, registered architect or engineer, describing the present condition of all structural components and mechanical and electrical installations material to the use and enjoyment of the building;

2. A statement by the declarant of the expected useful life of each item reported on in subdivision 1, or a statement that no representations are made in that regard; and

3. A list of any outstanding notices of uncured violations of building code or other municipal regulations, together with the estimated cost of curing those violations.

B. This section applies only to buildings containing units that may be occupied for residential use.

1982, c. 277, § 55-481; 2019, c. 712.

If an interest in a cooperative is currently registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States, a declarant satisfies all requirements relating to the preparation of a public offering statement of this chapter if he delivers to the purchaser and files with the agency a copy of the public offering statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A cooperative interest is not a security under the provisions of the Securities Act, §§ 13.1-501 through 13.1-527.3.

1982, c. 277, § 55-482; 2019, c. 712.

A. A person required to deliver a public offering statement pursuant to subsection C of § 55.1-2154 shall provide a purchaser with a copy of the public offering statement and all amendments to the public offering statement before conveyance of that cooperative interest and not later than the date of any contract of sale. The purchaser may cancel the contract within 10 days after signing the contract.

B. If a purchaser elects to cancel a contract pursuant to subsection A, he may do so by hand delivering notice of such cancellation to the offeror or by mailing notice of such cancellation by prepaid United States mail to the offeror or to his agent for service of process. Cancellation is without penalty, and all payments made by the purchaser before cancellation shall be refunded promptly.

C. If a person required to deliver a public offering statement pursuant to subsection C of § 55.1-2154 fails to provide to a purchaser to whom a cooperative interest is conveyed that public offering statement and all amendments as required by subsection A, the purchaser, in addition to any rights to damages or other relief, is entitled to receive from that person an amount equal to 10 percent of the sales price of the cooperative interest, plus 10 percent of the share, proportionate to his common expense liability, of the indebtedness of the association secured by mortgages or deeds of trust encumbering the cooperative. Execution of a purchase agreement for a cooperative interest that makes reference to the public offering statement and in which the purchaser acknowledges receipt of the public offering statement shall be sufficient proof that the declarant has fully satisfied this requirement.

1982, c. 277, § 55-483; 2019, c. 712.

A. Any deposit made in connection with the purchase or reservation of a cooperative interest from a person required to deliver a public offering statement pursuant to subsection C of § 55.1-2154 shall be placed in escrow and held either in the Commonwealth or in the state in which the unit that is a part of that cooperative interest is located in an account designated solely for that purpose by a title insurance company, attorney, or real estate broker licensed under the laws of the Commonwealth, an independent bonded escrow company, or an institution whose accounts are insured by a governmental agency or instrumentality until (i) delivered to the declarant at closing, (ii) delivered to the declarant because of the purchaser's default under a contract to purchase the cooperative interest, or (iii) refunded to the purchaser.

B. Any deposit made in connection with the purchase of a cooperative interest from a person not required to deliver a public offering statement shall be placed in escrow in the same manner as prescribed in subsection A. Upon receipt of the resale certificate called for in § 55.1-2309, should the purchaser elect to void the contract, the seller may deduct the actual charges by the association for preparation of the certificate. Otherwise, the deposit shall be promptly returned to the purchaser.

1982, c. 277, § 55-485; 2019, c. 712; 2023, cc. 387, 388.

A. In the case of a sale of a cooperative interest where delivery of a public offering statement is required pursuant to subsection C of § 55.1-2154, a seller shall, before conveying a cooperative interest, record or furnish to the purchaser releases of all liens affecting the unit that is a part of that cooperative interest and any limited common element assigned to such unit, except liens solely against the unit and any limited common element assigned to such unit, that the purchaser expressly agrees to take subject to or assume. Releases of liens shall be made pursuant to §§ 55.1-339 through 55.1-345. This subsection does not apply to any real estate that a declarant has the right to withdraw.

B. Before conveying real estate to the association, the declarant shall have that real estate released from (i) all liens the foreclosure of which would deprive proprietary lessees of any right of access to or easement of support of their units and (ii) all other liens on such real estate unless the public offering statement describes certain real estate that may be conveyed subject to liens in specified amounts.

1982, c. 277, § 55-486; 2004, c. 242; 2019, c. 712.

A. For the purposes of this section:

"Disabled" means suffering from a severe, chronic physical or mental impairment that results in substantial functional limitations.

"Elderly" means not less than 62 years of age.

B. A declarant of a cooperative containing conversion buildings shall give each of the tenants of a conversion building formal notice of the conversion at the time the cooperative is registered by the Common Interest Community Board. This notice shall advise each tenant of (i) the offering price of the cooperative interests for the unit he occupies; (ii) the projected common expense assessments against that cooperative interest for at least the first year of the cooperative's operation; (iii) any relocation services, public or private, of which the declarant is aware; (iv) any measure taken or to be taken by the declarant to reduce the incidence of tenant dislocation; and (v) the details of the relocation plan, if any is provided by the declarant, to assist tenants in relocating. No tenant or subtenant may be required to vacate upon less than 120 days' notice, except by reason of nonpayment of rent, waste, or conduct that disturbs other tenants' peaceful enjoyment of the premises, and the terms of the tenancy may not be altered during that period. Until the expiration of the 120-day period, the declarant shall have no right of access to the unit except as provided in this section and in subsection A of § 55.1-1229 except that, upon 45 days' written notice to the tenant, the declarant may enter the unit in order to make additional repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements, provided that (a) the making of the same does not constitute an actual or constructive eviction of the tenant and (b) such entry is made either with the consent of the tenant or only at times when the tenant is absent from the unit. Failure to give notice as required by this section is a defense to an action for possession. The declarant shall also provide general notice to the tenants of the cooperative or proposed cooperative at the time of application to the Common Interest Community Board, in addition to the formal notice required by this subsection.

C. For 60 days after delivery or mailing of the formal notice described in subsection B, the person required to give the notice shall offer to convey the cooperative interest for each unit or proposed unit occupied for residential use to the tenant who leases the unit associated with that cooperative interest. A specific statement of the purchase price and the amount of any initial or special cooperative fee due from the purchaser on or before settlement of the purchase contract and the basis of such fee shall be given to the tenant. If a tenant fails to purchase the cooperative interest during that 60-day period, the offeror shall not offer to dispose of an interest in that cooperative interest during the following 180 days at a price or on terms more favorable to the offeree than the price or terms offered to the tenant. This subsection does not apply to any cooperative interest in a conversion building if the unit that is part of that cooperative interest will be restricted exclusively to nonresidential use or the boundaries of the converted unit do not substantially conform to the dimensions of the residential unit before conversion.

D. If a seller, in violation of subsection C, conveys a cooperative interest to a purchaser for value who has no knowledge of the violation, that conveyance extinguishes any right a tenant may have under subsection C to purchase that cooperative interest if the deed states that the seller has complied with subsection C but does not affect the right of a tenant to recover damages from the seller for a violation of subsection C.

E. If a notice of conversion specifies a date by which a unit or proposed unit must be vacated, and otherwise complies with the provisions of §§ 55.1-1202 and 55.1-1225, the notice also constitutes a notice to vacate as specified by §§ 55.1-1410, 55.1-1202, and 55.1-1225. The details of the relocation plan, if any is provided by the declarant for assisting tenants in relocating, shall also be provided to the tenant.

F. Any locality may require by ordinance that the declarant of a conversion cooperative file with that governing body all information required by the Common Interest Community Board pursuant to § 55.1-2176 and a copy of the formal notice required by subsection B. Such information shall be filed with that governing body when the application for registration is filed with the Common Interest Community Board, and such copy of the formal notice shall be filed with that governing body whenever it is sent to tenants. No fee shall be imposed for such filings with a governing body.

G. The governing body of any county utilizing the urban county executive form of optional government (§§ 15.2-800 through 15.2-858) or the county manager plan of optional government (§§ 15.2-702 through 15.2-749), or of any city or town adjoining any such county, may require by ordinance that the declarant of any residential cooperative containing conversion buildings converted from multi-family rental use shall reimburse any tenant displaced by the conversion for amounts actually expended to relocate as a result of such dislocation. The reimbursement shall not be required to exceed the amount that the tenant would have been entitled to receive under §§ 25.1-407 and 25.1-415 if the real estate comprising the condominium had been condemned by the Department of Highways and Transportation.

H. Any locality may require by ordinance that elderly or disabled tenants, occupying as their residence up to 20 percent of the apartments or units in a cooperative containing conversion buildings at the time of issuance of the general notice required by subsection B, be offered leases or extensions of leases on the apartments or units they occupy or on other apartments or units of at least equal size and overall quality for up to three years beyond the date of such notice.

The terms and conditions of such leases or extensions of leases shall be as agreed upon by the lessor and the lessee, provided that the rent for such apartment or unit shall not be in excess of reasonable rent for comparable apartments or units in the same market area as such conversion building.

Such leases or extensions shall not be required, however, in the case of any apartments or units that will, in the course of the conversion, be substantially altered in physical layout, restricted exclusively to nonresidential use, or be converted in such a manner as to require relocation of the tenant in premises outside of the project being converted.

I. Nothing in this section permits termination of a lease by a declarant in violation of its terms.

1982, c. 277, § 55-487; 1983, c. 310; 1984, c. 321; 1985, c. 69; 1993, c. 634; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2019, c. 712.

A. Express warranties made by any seller to a purchaser of a cooperative interest, if relied upon by the purchaser, are created as follows:

1. Any affirmation of fact or promise that relates to the unit, its use, or rights appurtenant to such unit, area improvements to the cooperative that would directly benefit the unit, or the right to use or have the benefit of facilities not located in the cooperative creates an express warranty that the unit and related rights and uses will conform to the affirmation or promise;

2. Any model or description of the physical characteristics of the cooperative, including plans and specifications of or for improvements, creates an express warranty that the cooperative will conform to the model or description;

3. Any description of the quantity or extent of the real estate comprising the cooperative, including plats or surveys, creates an express warranty that the cooperative will conform to the description, subject to customary tolerances; and

4. A provision that a buyer of a cooperative interest may put a unit that is part of that cooperative interest only to a specified use is an express warranty that the specified use is lawful.

B. Neither formal words, such as "warranty" or "guarantee," nor a specific intention to make a warranty is necessary to create an express warranty of quality, but a statement purporting to be merely an opinion or commendation of the real estate or its value does not create a warranty.

C. Any conveyance of a cooperative interest transfers to the purchaser all express warranties of quality made by previous sellers.

1982, c. 277, § 55-488; 2019, c. 712.

A. A declarant and any person in the business of selling cooperative interests for his own account warrant that a unit will be in at least as good condition at the earlier of the time of the conveyance of a cooperative interest or delivery of possession as it was at the time of contracting, reasonable wear and tear excepted.

B. A declarant and any person in the business of selling cooperative interests for his own account impliedly warrant that a unit and the common elements in the cooperative are suitable for the ordinary uses of real estate of its type and that any improvements made or contracted for by him or made by any person before the creation of the cooperative will be:

1. Free from defective materials; and

2. Constructed in accordance with applicable law, according to sound engineering and construction standards, and in a workmanlike manner.

C. In addition, a declarant and any person in the business of selling cooperative interests for his own account warrant to a purchaser of a cooperative interest for a unit that may be used for residential use that an existing use, continuation of which is contemplated by the parties, does not violate applicable law at the earlier of the time of conveyance or delivery of possession.

D. Warranties imposed by this section may be excluded or modified as specified in § 55.1-2167.

E. For purposes of this section, improvements made or contracted for by an affiliate of a declarant are made or contracted for by the declarant.

F. Any conveyance of a cooperative interest transfers to the purchaser all of the declarant's implied warranties of quality.

1982, c. 277, § 55-489; 2019, c. 712.

A. Except as limited by subsection B with respect to a purchaser of a cooperative interest for a unit that may be used for residential use, implied warranties of quality (i) may be excluded or modified by agreement of the parties and (ii) are excluded by expression of disclaimer, such as "as is," "with all faults," or other language that in common understanding calls the buyer's attention to the exclusion of warranties.

B. With respect to a purchaser of a cooperative interest for a unit that may be occupied for residential use, no general disclaimer of implied warranties of quality is effective, nor shall any disclaimer of implied warranties of quality be effective as to defects in materials or construction as to any unit, brought to the attention of the declarant within two years from the date of the first conveyance of the cooperative interest associated with such unit, or as to any such defect in the common elements brought to the attention within two years (i) after that common element has been completed or, if later, (ii) after the first cooperative interest has been conveyed in the cooperative. The first conveyance of a cooperative interest associated with a unit situated in real estate subject to development rights shall be treated as the first conveyance of a cooperative interest in the cooperative for the purposes of the preceding sentence as to any such defects in the common elements within that real estate. A declarant, and any person in the business of selling cooperative interests for his own account, may disclaim liability in an instrument signed by the purchaser for a specified defect or specified failure to comply with applicable law, if the defect or failure entered into became a part of the basis of the bargain.

1982, c. 277, § 55-490; 2019, c. 712.

A. A judicial proceeding for breach of any obligation arising under § 55.1-2165 or 55.1-2166 must be commenced within six years after the cause of action accrues, but the parties may agree to reduce the period of limitation to not less than two years. With respect to a unit that may be occupied for residential use, an agreement to reduce the period of limitation must be evidenced by a separate instrument executed by the purchaser of the cooperative interest for that unit.

B. Subject to subsection C, a cause of action for breach of warranty of quality, regardless of the purchaser's lack of knowledge of the breach, accrues:

1. As to a unit, at the time the purchaser to whom the warranty is first made enters into possession if a possessory interest was conveyed, or at the time of acceptance of the instrument of conveyance if a nonpossessory interest was conveyed; and

2. As to each common element, at the time the common element is completed or, if later, (i) as to a common element that may be added to the cooperative or portion of the cooperative, at the time the first cooperative interest for a unit in such cooperative interest is conveyed to a bona fide purchaser, or (ii) as to a common element within any other portion of the cooperative, at the first time a cooperative interest in the cooperative is conveyed to a bona fide purchaser.

C. If a warranty of quality explicitly extends to future performance or duration of any improvement or component of the cooperative, the cause of action accrues at the time the breach is discovered or at the end of the period for which the warranty explicitly extends, whichever is earlier.

1982, c. 277, § 55-491; 2019, c. 712.

A. If a declarant or any other person subject to this chapter fails to comply with any provision of this chapter or any provision of the declaration or bylaws, any person or class of persons adversely affected by the failure to comply has a claim for appropriate relief. Punitive damages may be awarded for a willful failure to comply with this chapter. The court, in an appropriate case, may award reasonable attorney fees.

B. A declaration may provide for the arbitration of disputes or other means of alternative dispute resolution. Any such arbitration held in accordance with this subsection shall be consistent with the provisions of this chapter and Chapter 21 (§ 8.01-577 et seq.) of Title 8.01. The place of any such arbitration or alternative dispute resolution shall be held in the county or city in which the development is located or as mutually agreed by the parties.

1982, c. 277, § 55-492; 1993, c. 849; 2019, c. 712.

No promotional material may be displayed or delivered to prospective purchasers that describes or portrays improvements that are not in existence, unless the description or portrayal of the improvement in the promotional material is conspicuously labeled or identified either as "MUST BE BUILT" or "NEED NOT BE BUILT."

1982, c. 277, § 55-493; 2019, c. 712.

A. The declarant shall complete all improvements depicted on any site plan or other graphic representation included in the public offering statement or in any promotional material distributed by or for the declarant unless that improvement is labeled "NEED NOT BE BUILT."

B. The declarant is subject to liability for the prompt repair and restoration, to a condition compatible with the remainder of the cooperative, of any portion of the cooperative affected by the exercise of rights reserved pursuant to or created by §§ 55.1-2120, 55.1-2121, 55.1-2122, 55.1-2123, 55.1-2125, and 55.1-2126.

1982, c. 277, § 55-494; 2019, c. 712.

In the case of a sale of a cooperative interest where delivery of a public offering statement is required, a contract of sale may be executed, but no interest in that cooperative interest may be conveyed, except pursuant to subsection B of § 55.1-2176, until the declaration is recorded and the unit that is a part of that cooperative interest is substantially completed, as evidenced by a recorded certificate of substantial completion executed by an independent, registered architect, surveyor, or engineer or by issuance of a certificate of occupancy authorized by law.

1982, c. 277, § 55-495; 2019, c. 712.

Article 5. Administration and Registration of Cooperatives.

This chapter shall be administered by the Common Interest Community Board.

1982, c. 277, § 55-496; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2019, c. 712.

A. The Common Interest Community Board may adopt, amend, and repeal regulations and issue orders consistent with and in furtherance of the objectives of this chapter, but the Common Interest Community Board shall not intervene in the internal activities of an association except to the extent necessary to prevent or cure violations of this chapter. The Common Interest Community Board may prescribe forms and procedures for submitting information to the Common Interest Community Board.

B. If it appears that any person has engaged, is engaging, or is about to engage in any act or practice in violation of this chapter or any of the Common Interest Community Board's regulations or orders, the Common Interest Community Board without prior administrative proceedings may bring an action in the appropriate court to enjoin that act or practice or for other appropriate relief. The Common Interest Community Board is not required to post a bond or prove that no adequate remedy at law exists.

C. The Common Interest Community Board may intervene in any action involving the powers or responsibilities of a declarant in connection with any cooperative for which an application for registration is on file.

D. The Common Interest Community Board may accept grants-in-aid from any governmental source and may contract with agencies charged with similar functions in this or other jurisdictions in furtherance of the objectives of this chapter.

E. The Common Interest Community Board may cooperate with agencies performing similar functions in this and other jurisdictions to develop uniform filing procedures and forms, uniform disclosure standards, and uniform administrative practices and may develop information that may be useful in the discharge of the agency's duties.

F. In issuing any cease and desist order or order rejecting or revoking registration of a cooperative, the Common Interest Community Board shall state the basis for the adverse determination and the underlying facts.

G. The Common Interest Community Board, in its sound discretion, may require bonding, escrow of portions of sales proceeds, or other safeguards it may prescribe by its regulations to guarantee completion of all improvements labeled "MUST BE BUILT" pursuant to § 55.1-2171.

1982, c. 277, § 55-502; 2019, c. 712.

A declarant shall not offer or dispose of a cooperative interest intended for residential use unless the cooperative and the cooperative interest are registered with the Common Interest Community Board. A cooperative consisting of no more than three units that is not subject to development rights is exempt from the requirements of this section.

1982, c. 277, § 55-497; 2019, c. 712.

A. An application for registration must contain the information and be accompanied by any reasonable fees required by the Common Interest Community Board's regulations. A declarant promptly shall file amendments to report any factual or expected material change in any document or information contained in his application.

B. If a declarant files with the Common Interest Community Board a declaration or proposed declaration, or an amendment or proposed amendment to a declaration, creating units for which he proposes to convey cooperative interests before the units are substantially completed in the manner required by § 55.1-2172, the declarant shall also file with the Common Interest Community Board:

1. A verified statement showing all costs involved in completing the buildings containing those units;

2. A verified estimate of the time of completion of construction of the buildings containing those units;

3. Satisfactory evidence of sufficient funds to cover all costs to complete the buildings containing those units;

4. A copy of the executed construction contract and any other contracts for the completion of the buildings containing those units;

5. A 100 percent payment and performance bond covering the entire cost of construction of the buildings containing those units;

6. Plans for the units;

7. If purchasers' funds are to be utilized for the construction of the cooperative, an executed copy of the escrow agreement with an escrow company or financial institution authorized to do business within the state that provides:

a. That disbursements of purchasers' funds may be made from time to time to pay for construction of the cooperative, architectural, and engineering costs, finance and legal fees, and other costs for the completion of the cooperative in proportion to the value of the work completed by the contractor as certified by an independent, registered architect or engineer, on bills submitted and approved by the lender of construction funds or the escrow agent;

b. That disbursement of the balance of purchasers' funds remaining after completion of the cooperative shall be made only when the escrow agent or lender receives satisfactory evidence that the period for filing mechanic's and materialman's liens has expired, or that the right to claim those liens has been waived, or that adequate provision has been made for satisfaction of any claimed mechanic's or materialman's lien; and

c. Any other restriction relative to the retention and disbursement of purchasers' funds required by the Common Interest Community Board; and

8. Any other materials or information the agency may require by its regulations.

The Common Interest Community Board shall not register the units described in the declaration or the amendment unless the Common Interest Community Board determines, on the basis of the material submitted by the declarant and any other information available to the Common Interest Community Board, that there is a reasonable basis to expect that the cooperative interests to be conveyed will be completed by the declarant following conveyance.

1982, c. 277, § 55-498; 2019, c. 712.

A. The Common Interest Community Board shall acknowledge receipt of an application for registration within five business days after receiving it. Within 60 days after receiving the application, the Common Interest Community Board shall determine whether:

1. The application and the proposed public offering statement satisfy the requirements of this chapter and the Common Interest Community Board's regulations;

2. The declaration and bylaws comply with this chapter; and

3. It is likely that the improvements the declarant has undertaken to make can be completed as represented.

B. If the Common Interest Community Board makes a favorable determination, it shall issue promptly an order registering the cooperative. Otherwise, unless the declarant has consented in writing to a delay, the Common Interest Community Board shall issue promptly an order rejecting registration.

1982, c. 277, § 55-499; 2019, c. 712.

If the Common Interest Community Board determines, after notice and hearing, that any person has disseminated or caused to be disseminated orally or in writing any false or misleading promotional materials in connection with a cooperative or that any person has otherwise violated any provision of this chapter or the Common Interest Community Board's regulations or orders, the Common Interest Community Board may issue an order to cease and desist from that conduct or to take such affirmative action as may be appropriate to the Common Interest Community Board.

1982, c. 277, § 55-500; 2019, cc. 467, 712.

A. The Common Interest Community Board, after providing notice stating the deficiency complained of and holding a hearing, may issue an order revoking the registration of a cooperative upon determination that a declarant or any officer or principal of a declarant has:

1. Failed to comply with a cease and desist order issued by the Common Interest Community Board affecting that cooperative;

2. Concealed, diverted, or disposed of any funds or assets of any person in a manner impairing rights of purchasers of cooperative interests in that cooperative;

3. Failed to perform any stipulation or agreement made to induce the Common Interest Community Board to issue an order relating to that cooperative;

4. Intentionally misrepresented or failed to disclose a material fact in the application for registration; or

5. Failed to meet any of the conditions described in §§ 55.1-2176 and 55.1-2177 necessary to qualify for registration.

B. Without the consent of the Common Interest Community Board, a declarant shall not convey, cause to be conveyed, or contract for the conveyance of any cooperative interest while an order revoking the registration of the cooperative is in effect.

C. In appropriate cases, the Common Interest Community Board may issue a cease and desist order in lieu of an order of revocation.

1982, c. 277, § 55-501; 2019, c. 712.

A. The Common Interest Community Board may initiate public or private investigations within or outside the Commonwealth to determine whether any representation in any document or information filed with the Common Interest Community Board is false or misleading or whether any person has engaged, is engaging, or is about to engage in any unlawful act or practice.

B. In the course of any investigation or hearing, the Common Interest Community Board may subpoena witnesses and documents, administer oaths and affirmations, and adduce evidence. If a person fails to comply with a subpoena or to answer questions propounded during the investigation or hearing, the Common Interest Community Board may apply to the appropriate court for a contempt order or for injunctive or other appropriate relief to secure compliance.

1982, c. 277, § 55-503; 2019, c. 712.

A. A declarant, within 30 days after the anniversary date of the order of registration, shall file annually a report to bring up to date the material contained in the application for registration and the public offering statement. This provision does not relieve the declarant of the obligation to file amendments pursuant to subsection B.

B. A declarant shall file promptly amendments to the public offering statement with the Common Interest Community Board.

C. If an annual report reveals that a declarant owns or controls cooperative interests representing less than 25 percent of the voting power in the association and that a declarant has no power to increase the number of units in the cooperative or to cause a merger or confederation of the cooperative with other cooperatives, the Common Interest Community Board shall issue an order relieving the declarant of any further obligation to file annual reports. After such order is issued, so long as the declarant is offering any cooperative interests for sale, the Common Interest Community Board has jurisdiction over the declarant's activities but has no other authority to regulate the cooperative.

1982, c. 277, § 55-504; 2019, c. 712.

A. The association shall file an annual report in a form and at such time as prescribed by regulations of the Common Interest Community Board. The filing of the annual report required by this section shall commence upon the termination of any declarant control period reserved pursuant to § 55.1-2134. The annual report shall be accompanied by a fee in an amount established by the Common Interest Community Board, which shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Common Interest Community Management Information Fund established pursuant to § 54.1-2354.2.

B. The agency may accept copies of forms submitted to other state agencies to satisfy the requirements of this section if such forms contain substantially the same information required by the Common Interest Community Board.

1993, c. 958, § 55-504.1; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2009, c. 557; 2012, cc. 481, 797; 2019, cc. 391, 712.

A. The Common Interest Community Board at any time may require a declarant to alter or supplement the form or substance of a public offering statement to assure adequate and accurate disclosure to prospective purchasers.

B. The public offering statement shall not be used for any promotional purpose before registration and shall be used afterwards only if it is used in its entirety. No person shall advertise or represent that the Common Interest Community Board has approved or recommended the cooperative, the disclosure statement, or any of the documents contained in the application for registration.

C. In the case of a cooperative situated wholly outside of the Commonwealth, no application for registration or proposed public offering statement filed with the Common Interest Community Board that has been approved by an agency in the state where the cooperative is located and substantially complies with the requirements of this chapter shall be rejected by the Common Interest Community Board on the grounds of noncompliance with any different or additional requirements imposed by this chapter or by the Common Interest Community Board's regulations. However, the Common Interest Community Board may require additional documents or information in particular cases to assure adequate and accurate disclosure to prospective purchasers.

1982, c. 277, § 55-505; 2019, c. 712.

Any person who willfully violates § 55.1-2155, 55.1-2158, 55.1-2159, 55.1-2162, 55.1-2164, 55.1-2176, or 55.1-2181 or any regulation adopted under, or order issued pursuant to, § 55.1-2174, or any person who willfully in an application for registration makes any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact, is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be (i) fined not less than $1,000 or double the amount of gain from the transaction, whichever is larger, but not more than $50,000 or (ii) imprisoned for not more than six months, or both, for each offense.

1982, c. 277, § 55-506; 2019, c. 712.

Chapter 22. Virginia Real Estate Time-Share Act.

Article 1. General Provisions.

As used in this chapter, or in a time-share instrument, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Additional land" means all land that a time-share developer has identified as land that may be added to a time-share project.

"Affiliate" means a person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the person specified.

"Alternative purchase" means anything valued in excess of $100 that is offered to a potential purchaser by the developer during the developer's sales presentation and that is purchased by such potential purchaser for more than $100, even though the purchaser did not purchase a time-share. An alternative purchase is not a time-share. A membership camping contract as defined in § 59.1-313 is not an alternative purchase. An alternative purchase shall be registered with the Board unless it is otherwise registered as a travel service under the Virginia Travel Club Act (§ 59.1-445 et seq.) and shall include vacation packages, however denominated, and exit programs, however denominated.

"Association" means the association organized under the provisions of § 55.1-2209.

"Board" means the Common Interest Community Board.

"Board of directors" means an executive and administrative entity, by whatever name denominated, designated in a time-share instrument as the governing body of the time-share estate owners' association.

"Common elements" means the real estate, improvements on such real estate, and the personalty situated within the time-share project that are subject to the time-share program. "Common elements" does not include the units and the time-shares.

"Consumer documents" means the aggregate of the following documents: the reverter deed, the note, the deed of trust, and any document that is to be provided to consumers in connection with an offering.

"Contact information" means any information that can be used to contact an owner, including the owner's name, address, telephone number, email address, or user identity on any electronic networking service.

"Contract," "sales contract," "purchase contract," "contract of purchase," or "contract to purchase," which shall be interchangeable throughout this chapter, means any legally binding instrument executed by the developer and a purchaser by which the developer is obligated to sell and the purchaser is obligated to purchase either a time-share and its incidental benefits or an alternative purchase registered under this chapter.

"Conversion time-share project" means a real estate improvement that, prior to the disposition of any time-share, was wholly or partially occupied by persons as their permanent residence or on a transient pay-as-you-go basis other than those who have contracted for the purchase of a time-share and those who occupy with the consent of such purchasers.

"Cost of ownership" means all of the owner's expenses related to a resale time-share due between the date of a resale transfer contract and the transfer of the resale time-share.

"Deed" means the instrument by which title to a time-share estate is transferred from one person to another person.

"Deed of trust" means the instrument conveying the time-share estate that is given as security for the payment of the note.

"Default" means either a failure to have made any payment in full and on time or a violation of a performance obligation required by a consumer document for a period of no less than 60 days.

"Developer" means any person or group of persons acting in concert that (i) offers to dispose of a time-share or its interest in a time-share unit for which there has not been a previous disposition or (ii) applies for registration of the time-share program.

"Developer control period" means a period of time during which the developer or a managing agent selected by the developer manages and controls the time-share project and the common elements and units it comprises.

"Development right" means any right reserved by the developer to create additional units that may be dedicated to the time-share program.

"Dispose" or "disposition" means a transfer of a legal or equitable interest in a time-share, other than a transfer or release of security for a debt.

"Exchange agent" or "exchange company" means a person that exchanges or offers to exchange time-shares in an exchange program with other time-shares.

"Exchange program" means any opportunity or procedure for the assignment or exchange of time-shares among owners in other time-share programs as evidenced by a past or present written agreement executed between an exchange company and the developer or the time-share estate association; however, an "exchange program" shall not be either an incidental benefit or an opportunity or procedure by which a time-share owner can exchange his time-share for another time-share within either the same time-share project or another time-share project owned in part by the developer.

"Guest" means (i) a person who is on the project, additional land, or development at the request of an owner, developer, association, or managing agent or (ii) a person otherwise legally entitled to be on such project, additional land, or development. "Guest" includes family members of owners; time-share exchange participants; merchants, purveyors, or vendors; and employees of such merchants, purveyors, and vendors; the developer; or the association.

"Incidental benefit" means anything valued in excess of $100 provided by the developer that is acquired by a purchaser upon acquisition of a time-share and includes exchange rights, travel insurance, bonus weeks, upgrade entitlements, travel coupons, referral awards, and golf and tennis packages. An incidental benefit is not a time-share or an exchange program. An incidental benefit shall not be registered with the Board.

"Inherent risks of project activity" means those dangers or conditions that are an integral part of a project activity, including certain hazards, such as surface and subsurface conditions; natural conditions of land, vegetation, and waters; the behavior of wild or domestic animals; and ordinary dangers of structures or equipment ordinarily used in association or time-share project operations. "Inherent risks of project activity" also includes the potential of a participant to act in a negligent manner that may contribute to injury to the participant or others, including failing to follow instructions given by the project professional or failing to exercise reasonable caution while engaging in the project activity.

"Lead dealer" means a person that sells or otherwise provides to any other person contact information concerning five or more owners to be used for a resale service. "Lead dealer" does not mean developers, managing entities, or exchange companies to the extent that such entities are providing other persons with personal contact information about time-share owners in their own time-share programs or members of their own exchange program.

"Lien holder" means either a person that holds an interest in an encumbrance that is not released of record as to a purchaser or such person's successor in interest that acquires title to the time-share project at foreclosure, by deed in lieu of foreclosure, or by any other instrument however denominated.

"Managing agent" means a person that undertakes the duties, responsibilities, and obligations of the management of a time-share project.

"Managing entity" means the managing agent or, if there is no managing agent, the time-share owners' association in a time-share estate project and the developer in a time-share use project.

"Material change" means a change in any information or document disclosed in or attached to the public offering statement that renders inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading any information or document in such a way as to affect substantially a purchaser's rights or obligations, but does not include a change (i) in the real estate tax assessment or rate, utility charges or deposits, maintenance fees, association dues, assessments, special assessments, or any recurring time-share expense item, provided that such change is made known (a) immediately to the prospective purchaser by a written addendum in the public offering statement and (b) to the Board by filing with the developer's annual report copies of the updated changes occurring over the immediately preceding 12 months; (ii) that is an aspect or result of the orderly development of the time-share project in accordance with the time-share instrument; (iii) resulting from new, updated, or amended information contained in the annual report prepared and distributed pursuant to § 55.1-2213; (iv) correcting spelling, grammar, omissions, or other similar errors not affecting the substance of the public offering statement; or (v) occurring in the issuance of an exchange company's updated annual report or disclosure document, provided that, upon its receipt by the developer, it shall be distributed in lieu of all others in order to satisfy § 55.1-2217.

"Note" means the instrument that evidences the debt occasioned by the deferred purchase of a time-share.

"Offering" or "offer" means any act that originates in the Commonwealth to sell, solicit, induce, or advertise, whether by radio, television, telephone, newspaper, magazine, or mail, during which a person is given an opportunity to acquire a time-share.

"Participant" means any person, other than a project professional, that engages in a project activity.

"Person" means one or more natural persons, corporations, partnerships, associations, trustees of a trust, limited liability companies, or other entities, or any combination thereof, capable of holding title to real property.

"Possibility of reverter" means a provision contained in a reverter deed by which the time-share estate automatically reverts or transfers back to the developer upon satisfaction of the requirements imposed by § 55.1-2222.

"Product" means each time-share program and all alternative purchases.

"Project activity" means any activity carried out or conducted on a common element, within a time-share unit or elsewhere in the project, additional land, or development, that allows owners, their guests, and members of the general public to view, observe, participate, or enjoy activities. "Project activity" includes swimming pools, spas, sporting venues, and cultural, historical, or harvest-your-own activities; other amenities and events; or natural activities and attractions for recreational, entertainment, educational, or social purposes. Such activity is a project activity whether or not the participant paid to participate in the activity.

"Project professional" means any person that is engaged in the business of providing one or more project activities, whether or not for compensation. For the purposes of this definition, the developer, association, and managing entity shall each be deemed a project professional.

"Public offering statement" means the statement required by § 55.1-2217.

"Purchaser" means any person other than a developer or lender that owns or acquires a product or that otherwise enters into a contract for the purchase of a product.

"Resale purchase contract" means an agreement negotiated by a reseller by which an owner or a reseller agrees to sell, and a subsequent purchaser agrees to buy, a resale time-share.

"Resale service" means engaging, directly or indirectly, for compensation, in any of the following either in person or by any medium of communication: (i) selling or offering to sell or list for sale for the owner a resale time-share, (ii) buying or offering to buy a resale time-share for transfer to a subsequent purchaser, (iii) transferring a resale time-share acquired from an owner to a subsequent purchaser or offering to assist in such transfer, (iv) invalidating or offering to invalidate for an owner the title of a resale time-share, or (v) advertising or soliciting to advertise or promote the transfer or invalidation of a resale time-share. Resale service does not include an individual's selling or offering to sell his own time-share unit.

"Resale time-share" means a time-share, wherever located, that has previously been sold to an owner who is a natural person for personal, family, or household use and that is transferred, or is intended to be transferred, through a resale service.

"Resale transfer contract" means an agreement between a reseller and the owner by which the reseller agrees to transfer or assist in the transfer of the owner's resale time-share.

"Reseller" means any person who, directly or indirectly, engages in a resale service.

"Reverter deed" means the deed from a developer to a grantee that contains a possibility of reverter.

"Sales person" means a person who sells or offers to sell time-share interests in a time-share program.

"Situs" means the place outside the Commonwealth where a developer's time-share project is located.

"Subsequent purchaser" means the purchaser or transferee of a resale time-share.

"Time-share" means either a time-share estate or a time-share use plus its incidental benefits.

"Time-share estate" means a right to occupy a time-share unit or any of several time-share units during five or more separated time periods over a period of at least five years, including renewal options, coupled with a freehold estate or an estate for years in one or more time-share units or a specified portion of such time-share units.

"Time-share estate occupancy expense" means all costs and expenses incurred in (i) the formation, organization, operation, and administration, including capital contributions thereto, of the association and both its board of directors and its members and (ii) all owners' use and occupancy of the time-share estate project, including without limitation its completed and occupied time-share estate units and common elements available for use. Such costs and expenses include maintenance and housekeeping charges; repairs; refurbishing costs; insurance premiums, including the premium for comprehensive general liability insurance required by subdivision 8 of § 55.1-2209; taxes; properly allocated labor, operational, and overhead costs; general and administrative expenses; the managing agent's fee; utility charges and deposits; the cost of periodic repair and replacement of walls and window treatments and furnishings, including furniture and appliances; filing fees and annual registration charges of the State Corporation Commission and the Board; attorney fees and accountant charges; and reserves for any of the foregoing.

"Time-share estate subject to reverter" means a time-share estate (i) entitling the holder thereof to occupy units not more than four weeks in any one-year period and (ii) for which the down payment is not more than 20 percent of the total purchase price of the time-share estate.

"Time-share expense" means (i) expenditures, fees, charges, or liabilities incurred with respect to the operation, maintenance, administration, or insuring of the time-shares, units, and common elements comprising the entire time-share project, whether or not incurred for the repair, renovation, upgrade, refurbishing, or capital improvements, and (ii) any allocations of reserves.

"Time-share instrument" or "project instrument" means any document, however denominated, that creates the time-share project and program and that may contain restrictions or covenants regulating the use, occupancy, or disposition of time-shares in a project.

"Time-share owner" or "owner" means a person that is an owner or co-owner of a time-share other than as security for an obligation.

"Time-share program" or "program" means any arrangement of time-shares in one or more time-share projects by which the use, occupancy, or possession of real property has been made subject to either a time-share estate or time-share use in which such use, occupancy, or possession circulates among owners of the time-shares according to a fixed or floating time schedule on a periodic basis occurring over any period of time in excess of five years.

"Time-share project" or "project" means all of the real property subject to a time-share program created by the execution of a time-share instrument.

"Time-share unit" or "unit" means the real property or real property improvement in a project that is divided into time-shares and designated for separate occupancy and use.

"Time-share use" means a right to occupy a time-share unit or any of several time-share units during five or more separated time periods over a period of at least five years, including renewal options, not coupled with a freehold estate or an estate for years in a time-share project or a specified portion of such time-share project.

"Transfer" means a voluntary conveyance of a resale time-share to a person other than the developer, association, or managing entity of the time-share program of which the resale time-share is a part or to a person taking ownership by gift, foreclosure, or deed in lieu of foreclosure.

1981, c. 462, § 55-362; 1985, c. 517; 1986, c. 359; 1991, c. 704; 1994, c. 580; 1998, c. 460; 2001, c. 543; 2004, c. 143; 2007, c. 267; 2008, cc. 376, 851, 871; 2012, c. 751; 2019, c. 712; 2020, c. 1011.

A. This chapter shall have exclusive jurisdiction and shall apply to any product offering or disposition made within the Commonwealth after July 1, 1985, in a time-share project located within the Commonwealth. Sections 55.1-2200, 55.1-2201, 55.1-2202, 55.1-2203, 55.1-2204, 55.1-2206, 55.1-2210, 55.1-2211, 55.1-2213, 55.1-2215, 55.1-2216, 55.1-2220, 55.1-2227, 55.1-2229, 55.1-2230, 55.1-2232, 55.1-2233, 55.1-2237, and 55.1-2252 shall apply to a time-share project within the Commonwealth that was created prior to July 1, 1985.

B. This chapter shall not affect rights or obligations created by preexisting provisions of any time-share instrument that transfers an estate or interest in real property.

C. This chapter shall apply to any product offering or disposition in a time-share project located outside the Commonwealth and offered for sale in the Commonwealth with the exception that Articles 2 (§ 55.1-2207 et seq.), 3 (§ 55.1-2217 et seq.), and 4 (§ 55.1-2235 et seq.) shall apply only to the extent permitted by the laws of the situs.

D. This chapter shall apply to any product offering or disposition in a time-share program, and offered for sale in the Commonwealth, created under a situs time-sharing law in which the time-share interests in the time-share program are either direct or indirect beneficial interests in a trust created pursuant to the situs time-sharing law or other applicable law of the situs.

Code 1950, § 55-361; 1981, c. 462; 1983, c. 59; 1985, c. 517, § 55-361.1; 1986, c. 359; 1989, c. 637; 1991, c. 704; 1994, c. 580; 2019, c. 712; 2020, c. 1011.

The Common Interest Community Board shall administer this chapter.

1985, c. 517, § 55-362.1; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2019, c. 712.

A. A document transferring or encumbering a time-share estate shall not be rejected for recordation within the Commonwealth because of the nature or duration of that estate or interest, provided that the document complies with all other recordation requirements.

B. Each time-share estate constitutes for purposes of title a separate estate or interest in a unit.

C. For purposes of local real property taxation, each time-share unit, other than a unit operated for time-share use, shall be valued in the same manner as if such unit were owned by a single taxpayer. The total cumulative purchase price paid by the time-share owners for a unit shall not be utilized by the commissioner of revenue or other local assessing officer as a factor in determining the assessed value of such unit. A unit operated as a time-share use, however, may be assessed the same as other income-producing and investment property. The commissioner of revenue or other local assessing officer shall list in the land book a time-share unit in the name of the association.

1981, c. 462, § 55-363; 1985, c. 517; 1994, c. 580; 2019, c. 712.

A zoning, subdivision, or other ordinance or regulation shall not impose any requirement upon a time-share project that it would not otherwise impose upon a similar project under a different form of ownership.

1981, c. 462, § 55-364; 2019, c. 712.

A developer in its offering or disposition of a time-share may use interchangeably any term recognized in the industry, including "time-share," "time-share interest," "interval ownership," "interval ownership interest," "vacation ownership," "vacation ownership interest," and "product." A developer shall not use the term "incidental benefit" or "alternative purchase" except in the proper context.

1994, c. 580, § 55-364.1; 2019, c. 712.

All provisions of the time-share instruments shall be deemed severable, and any unlawful provision of such instrument shall be void.

Code 1950, § 55-365; 1981, c. 462; 1985, c. 517, § 55-365.1; 2019, c. 712.

Article 2. Creation, Termination, and Management.

A time-share project shall be permitted on any land or improvement on such land lying within the Commonwealth unless prohibited by zoning then in effect or by the express language of any legally enforceable covenant, condition, or restriction, however denominated, contained in the governing documents of record for such land, including condominium instruments under the Condominium Act (§ 55.1-1900 et seq.), a time-share instrument under this chapter, a declaration under the Virginia Real Estate Cooperative Act (§ 55.1-2100 et seq.), or a master deed under the Horizontal Property Act (§ 55.1-2000 et seq.). This chapter shall not be construed to affect the validity of any provision of any time-share program or any expansion of such a program or time-share instrument recorded or in existence prior to July 1, 1981.

1981, c. 462, § 55-366; 1994, c. 580; 1998, c. 460; 2019, c. 712.

A. In order to create a time-share program for a time-share estate project, the developer shall execute a time-share instrument prepared and executed in accordance with this chapter and record it in the clerk's office where such time-share project is located. The time-share instrument shall contain the following:

1. The name of the time-share project, which shall include or be followed by a qualifying adjective or term outlined in § 55.1-2205;

2. The name of the locality and the state or situs in which the time-share project is situated;

3. The legal description, street address, or other description sufficient to identify the time-share project;

4. A legally sufficient description of the real estate constituting the time-share project;

5. A statement of the form of time-share program, i.e., whether it is a time-share estate or time-share use;

6. Identification of time periods by letter, name, number, or combination thereof;

7. Identification of time-shares and, where applicable, the method by which additional time-shares may be created or withdrawn;

8. The formula, fraction, or percentage of the common expenses and any voting rights assigned to each time-share;

9. Any restrictions on the use, occupancy, enjoyment, alteration, or alienation of time-shares;

10. The ownership interest, if any, in personal property available to time-share owners;

11. The program by which the managing entity, if any, will provide management of the project;

12. The period for which units are designated and committed to the time-share program and the property classification of the units at the expiration of such period;

13. Any provision for amending the time-share instrument;

14. A description of the events, including condemnation and damage or destruction, upon which the time-share program may or shall be terminated before the expiration of its full term and the consequences of such termination, including the manner in which the time-share project or the proceeds from the disposition of such project shall be held or distributed among owners;

15. A statement of whether or not the developer reserves the right to add to or delete any incidental benefit; and

16. Such other matters as the developer deems appropriate.

B. In order to create a time-share program for a time-share use project, the developer shall (i) execute and record a time-share instrument as required by subsection A or (ii) execute a time-share instrument that takes the form of and is a part of the contract that contains the information required by subsection A.

C. If the developer explicitly reserves the right to develop additional time-shares, the time-share instrument shall also contain the following:

1. A legally sufficient description of all land that may be added to the time-share project, which shall be referred to as "additional land";

2. A statement outlining the order in which portions of the additional land may be subjected to the exercise of each development right or a statement that no assurances are made in that regard;

3. A statement of the time limit upon which the option to develop shall expire, together with a statement of the circumstances, if any, that will terminate that option prior to the expiration of the specified time limit;

4. A statement of the maximum number of units that may be added to the time-share project, if known, or, if the maximum number of units that may be added to the time-share project is not known, a statement to that effect; and

5. A statement of the property classification of the additional land if the developer fails to exercise the development rights as reserved in the time-share instrument.

2023, cc. 52, 53.

In addition to the requirements of § 55.1-2208, the time-share instrument for a time-share estate project shall outline or prescribe reasonable arrangements for the management and operation of the time-share estate program and for the maintenance, repair, and furnishing of units it comprises, which shall include provisions for the following:

1. Creation of an association, the members of which shall be the time-share estate owners. The association may be formed pursuant to the Virginia Nonstock Corporation Act (§ 13.1-801 et seq.); however, the association shall be formed prior to the time the project and program are registered with the Board. Nothing shall affect the validity of the association, once formed, and the rights applicable to it as granted by this chapter, notwithstanding the time when such association was formed;

2. Payment of costs and expenses of operating the time-share estate program and owning and maintaining the units it comprises;

3. Employment and termination of employment of the managing agent for the project. Any agreement pertaining to the employment of the managing agent and executed during the developer control period shall be voidable by the association at any time after termination of the developer control period for the time-share project, and any provision in such agreement to the contrary is hereby declared to be void;

4. Termination of leases and contracts for goods and services for the time-share estate project that are entered into during the developer control period. Any such lease or contract shall become voidable at the option of the association upon termination of the developer control period for the entire time-share project, or sooner if the provisions of such lease or contract so state;

5. Preparation and dissemination to time-share estate owners of the annual report required by § 55.1-2213;

6. Adoption of standards and rules of conduct for the use, enjoyment, and occupancy of units by the time-share estate owners;

7. Collection of regular assessments, fees or dues, or special assessments from time-share estate owners to defray all time-share expenses;

8. Comprehensive general liability insurance for death, bodily injury, and property damage arising out of, or in connection with, the use and enjoyment of the project by time-share estate owners, their guests, and other users. The costs associated with securing and maintaining such insurance shall be a time-share expense. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to obligate the managing entity to secure insurance on the conduct of the time-share estate owners, their guests, and other users or the personal effects or property of such owners, guests, and users;

9. Methods for providing compensation or alternate use periods or monetary compensation to a time-share estate owner if his contracted-for unit cannot be made available for the period to which the owner is entitled by schedule or by confirmed reservation;

10. Procedures for imposing a monetary penalty or suspension of a time-share estate owner's rights and privileges in the time-share estate program or time-share project for failure of such owner to comply with provisions of the time-share instrument or the rules and regulations of the association with respect to the use and enjoyment of the units and the time-share project. Under these procedures, a time-share estate owner shall be given reasonable notice and reasonable opportunity to be heard and explain the charges against him in person or in writing to the board of directors of the association before a decision to impose discipline is rendered; and

11. Employment of attorneys, accountants, and other professional persons as necessary to assist in the management of the time-share estate program and the units it comprises.

1981, c. 462, § 55-368; 1985, c. 517; 1989, c. 637; 1991, c. 704; 1994, c. 580; 1998, c. 460; 2019, c. 712.

A. The time-share instrument for a time-share estate program shall provide for a developer control period. All costs associated with the control, management, and operation of the time-share estate project during the developer control period shall belong to the developer, except for time-share estate occupancy expenses that shall, if required by the developer in the time-share instrument, be allocated only to and paid by time-share estate owners other than the developer. Nothing shall preclude the developer, during the developer control period and at any time after the lapse of a purchaser's right of cancellation and without regard to the recordation of the deed, provided that the deed has been delivered to the purchaser or the purchaser's agent, from collecting an annual or specially assessed charge from each time-share estate owner for the payment of the time-share estate occupancy expenses by way of a maintenance fee. However, any such funds received and not spent, or any other funds received and allocated to the benefit of the association, shall be transferred to the association by the developer at the termination of the developer control period.

B. Except to the extent that the purchase contract or time-share instrument expressly provides otherwise, fee simple title to the common elements shall be transferred to the time-share estate owners' association, free of charge, no later than at such time as the developer (i) transfers to purchasers legal or equitable ownership of at least 90 percent of the time-share estates, excluding any reacquisitions by the developer; (ii) is no longer the beneficiary on deeds of trust secured on at least 20 percent of the time-share estates; or (iii) has completed all of the promised common elements and facilities that the time-share estate project comprises, whichever occurs last. The developer may make such transfer when the period has ended for a phase or portion of the time-share estate project. The transfer required of the developer by this subsection shall not exonerate the developer from the responsibility of completion of the promised and incomplete common elements once the transfer occurs. Upon transfer of the time-share project or portion to the association, the developer control period for such project or portion of such project shall terminate.

1981, c. 462, § 55-369; 1985, c. 517; 1989, c. 637; 1991, c. 704; 1993, c. 842; 1994, c. 580; 1998, c. 460; 2001, c. 543; 2008, c. 376; 2013, cc. 259, 327; 2019, c. 712.

A. The board of directors of the association shall have the authority to adopt regular annual assessments and to levy periodic special assessments against each of the time-share estate unit owners and to collect the same from such owners according to law if the purpose in so doing is determined by the board of directors to be in the best interest of the time-share project or time-share program and the proceeds are used to either pay common expenses or fund a reserve. In addition, the board of directors of the association shall have the authority to collect, on behalf of the developer or on its own account, the maintenance fee imposed by the developer pursuant to § 55.1-2210. The authority hereby granted and conferred upon the association shall exist notwithstanding any covenants and restrictions of record applicable to the project stated to the contrary, and any such covenants and restrictions are hereby declared void.

B. The developer may provide that it not be obligated to pay all or a portion of any assessment, dues, or other charges of the association, however denominated, passed, or adopted, pursuant to subsection A, if such developer so provides, in bold type, in the time-share instrument for the time-share estate project. If no such provision exists, the developer shall be responsible to pay the same assessment, dues, or other charges that a time-share estate owner is obligated to pay for each of its unsold time-shares existing at the end of the fiscal year of the association and no more if the board of directors of the association so determines. In no event shall either a time-share expense or the dues, assessment, or charges of the association discriminate against the developer.

C. The association shall have a lien on every time-share estate within its project for unpaid and past due regular or special assessments levied against that estate in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and for all unpaid and past due maintenance fees. The exemption created by § 34-4 shall not be claimed against the debt or lien of the association created by this section.

The association, in order to perfect the lien given by this subsection, shall file, before the expiration of four years from the time such special or regular assessment or maintenance fee became due, in the clerk's office of the county or city in which the project is situated, a memorandum verified by the oath of any officer of the association or its managing agent and containing the following information:

1. The name and location of the project;

2. The name and address of each owner of the time-share on which the lien exists and a description of the unit in which the time-share is situated;

3. The amount of past due special or regular assessments or past due maintenance fees applicable to the time-share, together with the date when each became due;

4. The amount of any other charges owing occasioned by the failure of the owner to pay the assessments or maintenance fees, including late charges, interest, postage and handling, attorney fees, recording costs, and release fees;

5. The name, address, and telephone number of the association's trustee, if known at the time, who will be called upon by the association to foreclose on the lien upon the owner's failure to pay as provided in this subsection; and

6. The date of issuance of the memorandum.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, or any other provision of law requiring documents to be recorded in the deed books of the clerk's office of any court, from July 1, 1981, all memoranda of liens arising under this subsection shall be recorded in the deed books in such clerk's office. Any such memorandum shall be indexed in the general index to deeds, and such general index shall identify the lien as a lien for time-share estate regular or special assessments or maintenance fees.

The clerk in whose office such memorandum is filed as provided in this subsection shall record and index such memorandum as provided in this subsection, in the names of the persons identified in such memorandum as well as in the name of the time-share estates owners' association. The cost of recording such memorandum shall be taxed against the owner of the time-share on which the lien is placed. The filing with the clerk of one memorandum on which is listed two or more delinquent time-share estate unit owners is permitted in order to perfect the lien hereby allowed, and the cost of filing in this event shall be the clerk's fee as prescribed in subdivision A 2 of § 17.1-275.

D. At any time after perfecting the lien pursuant to this section, the association may sell the time-share estate at a public sale, subject to prior liens. For purposes of this section, the association shall have the power both to sell and convey the time-share estate and shall be deemed the time-share estate owner's statutory agent for the purpose of transferring title to the time-share estate. A nonjudicial foreclosure sale shall be conducted by a trustee and in accordance with the following:

1. The association shall give notice to the time-share estate owner, prior to advertisement, as required by subdivision 4. The notice shall specify (i) the debt secured by the perfected lien; (ii) the action required to satisfy the debt secured by the perfected lien; (iii) the date, not less than 60 days from the date the notice is given to the time-share estate owner, by which the debt secured by the lien shall be satisfied; and (iv) that failure to satisfy the debt secured by the lien on or before the date specified in the notice may result in the sale of the time-share estate. The notice shall further inform the time-share estate owner of the right to bring a court action in the circuit court of the county or city where the time-share project is located to assert the nonexistence of a debt or any other defenses of the time-share estate owner to the sale.

2. After expiration of the 60-day notice period provided in subdivision 1, the association may appoint a trustee to conduct the sale. The appointment of the trustee shall be filed in the clerk's office of the circuit court in the county or city in which the time-share project is located. It shall be the duty of the clerk in whose office such appointment is filed to record and index the same, as provided in this subsection, in the names of the persons identified therein as well as in the name of the association. The association, at its option, may from time to time remove the trustee and appoint a successor trustee.

3. If, prior to the date of the foreclosure sale, the time-share estate owner (i) satisfies the debt secured by lien that is the subject of the nonjudicial foreclosure sale and (ii) pays all expenses and costs incurred in perfecting and enforcing the lien, including advertising costs and reasonable attorney fees, the time-share estate owner shall have the right to have enforcement of the perfected lien discontinued prior to the sale of the time-share estate.

4. In addition to the advertisement required by subdivision 5, the association shall give written notice of the time, date, and place of any proposed sale in execution of the lien, including the name, address, and telephone number of the trustee, by personal delivery or by mail to (i) the present owner of the time-share estate to be sold at his last known address as such owner and address appear in the records of the association, (ii) any lienholder that holds a note against the time-share estate secured by a deed of trust recorded at least 30 days prior to the proposed sale and whose address is recorded with the deed of trust, and (iii) any assignee of such a note secured by a deed of trust, provided that the assignment and address of the assignee are likewise recorded at least 30 days prior to the proposed sale. Mailing a copy of the advertisement or the notice containing the same information to the owner by certified or registered mail no less than 14 days prior to such sale and to the lienholders and their assigns, at the addresses noted in the memorandum of lien, by regular mail no less than 14 days prior to such sale shall be a sufficient compliance with the requirement of notice.

5. The advertisement of sale by the association shall be in a newspaper having a general circulation in the county or city wherein the time-share estate to be sold and the time-share project, or any portion of such project, lies pursuant to the following provisions:

a. The association shall advertise once a week for four successive weeks; however, if the time-share estate and the time-share project or some portion of such project is located in a city or in a county immediately contiguous to a city, publication of the advertisement five different days, which may be consecutive days, shall be deemed adequate. The sale shall be held on any day following the day of the last advertisement that is no earlier than eight days following the first advertisement nor more than 30 days following the last advertisement.

b. Such advertisement shall be placed in that section of the newspaper where legal notices appear or where the type of time-share estate being sold is generally advertised for sale. The advertisement of sale, in addition to such other matters as the association finds appropriate, shall set forth:

(1) A description of the time-share estate to be sold, which description need not be as extensive as that contained in the deed of trust, but shall identify the time-share project by street address, if any, or, if none, shall give the general location of such time-share project with reference to streets, routes, or known landmarks with further identification of the time-share estate to be sold. Where available, tax map identification may be used. The advertisement shall also include the date, time, place, and terms of sale and the name of the association. It shall set forth the name, address, and telephone number of the representative, agent, or attorney who is authorized to respond to inquiries concerning the sale; or

(2) In lieu of the requirements of subdivision (1), the advertisement shall set forth the date, time, place, and terms of sale and the name of the association; the street address of the time-share estate to be sold, if any, or, if none, the general location of the time-share project; and the name, address, and telephone number of the representative, agent, or attorney who is authorized to respond to inquiries and give additional information concerning the time-share estate to be sold, including providing in hard copy or electronic form a description of the time-share estate to be sold by street address, if any, or, if none, by the general location of the time-share project with reference to streets, routes, or known landmarks, and, where available, tax map identification. The advertisement under this subdivision (2) shall also include a website address where the information contained in subdivision (1) is displayed for the time-share estate to be sold.

c. In addition to the advertisement required by subdivisions 5 a and b, the association may give such other further and different advertisement as the association finds appropriate.

6. In the event of postponement of the sale, which postponement shall be at the discretion of the association, advertisement of the postponed sale shall be in the same manner as the original advertisement of sale.

7. Failure to comply with the requirements for advertisement contained in this section shall, upon petition, render a sale of the property voidable by the court. Such petition shall be filed within 60 days of the sale or the right to do so shall lapse.

8. In the event of a sale, the association shall have the following powers and duties:

a. The association may sell two or more time-share estates at the sale. Written one-price bids may be made and shall be received by the trustee from the association or any person for entry by announcement at the sale. Any person other than the trustee may bid at the foreclosure sale, including a person that has submitted a written one-price bid. Upon request to the trustee, any other bidder in attendance at a foreclosure sale shall be permitted to inspect written bids. Unless otherwise provided in the time-share instrument, the association may bid to purchase the time-share estate at a foreclosure sale. The association may own, lease, encumber, exchange, sell, or convey the time-share estate. Whenever the written bid of the association is the highest bid submitted at the sale, such written bid shall be filed by the trustee with his account of sale required under subdivision 10 of this subsection and § 64.2-1309. The written bid submitted pursuant to this subsection may be prepared by the association, its agent, or its attorney.

b. The association may require of any bidder at any sale a cash deposit of as much as one-third of the sale price before his bid is received, which shall be refunded to him if the time-share estate is not sold to him through action of the trustee. The deposit of the successful bidder shall be applied to his credit at settlement; if such bidder fails to complete his purchase promptly, the deposit shall be applied to pay the costs and expenses of the sale, and the balance, if any, shall be retained by the association in connection with that sale.

c. The association shall receive and receipt for the proceeds of sale, no purchaser being required to see to the application of the proceeds, and shall apply such proceeds in the following order: first, to the reasonable expenses of sale, including reasonable attorney fees; second, to the satisfaction of all taxes, levies, and assessments, with costs and interest; third, to the satisfaction of the lien for the time-share estate owners' assessments; fourth, to the satisfaction in the order of priority of any remaining inferior claims of record; and fifth, to pay the residue of the proceeds to the time-share estate owner or his assigns, provided, however, that the association as to such residue shall not be bound by any inheritance, devise, conveyance, assignment, or lien of or upon the unit owner's equity, without actual notice thereof prior to distribution.

9. The trustee shall deliver to the purchaser a trustee's deed conveying the time-share estate with special warranty of title. The trustee shall not be required to take possession of the time-share estate prior to the sale of such estate or deliver possession of the time-share estate to the purchaser at the sale.

10. If the sale of a time-share estate is made pursuant to this subsection and the accounting is made by the trustee, the title of the purchaser at such sale shall not be disturbed unless, within six months from the date of foreclosure, the sale is set aside by the court or an appeal is filed in the Court of Appeals or granted by the Supreme Court and an order is entered requiring such sale to be set aside.

When payment or satisfaction is made of a debt secured by the lien perfected by this subsection, such lien shall be released in accordance with the provisions of § 55.1-339. For the purposes of § 55.1-339, any officer of the time-share estate owners' association or its managing agent shall be deemed the duly authorized agent of the lien creditor.

E. The commissioner of accounts to whom an account of sale is returned in connection with the foreclosure of either a lien under subsection C or a purchase money deed of trust taken back by the developer in the sale of a time-share in order to satisfy § 64.2-1309 shall be entitled to a fee, not to exceed $70, on each foreclosure of a lien under subsection C and not to exceed $125 on each foreclosure of a purchase money deed of trust taken back by the developer.

F. Any time-share owner within the project having executed a contract for the disposition of the time-share shall be entitled, upon request, to a recordable statement setting forth the amount of unpaid regular or special assessments or maintenance fees currently levied against that time-share. Such request shall be in writing, directed to the president of the time-share estate owners' association, and delivered to the principal office of the association. Failure of the association to furnish or make available such statement within 20 days from the actual receipt of such written request shall extinguish the lien created by subsection C as to the time-share involved. Payment of a fee reflecting the reasonable cost of materials and labor, not to exceed the actual cost of such materials and labor, may be required as a prerequisite to the issuance of such a statement.

1981, c. 462, § 55-370; 1985, c. 517; 1989, c. 637; 1991, c. 704; 1993, c. 842; 1994, cc. 432, 580; 1998, c. 460; 2001, c. 543; 2006, c. 653; 2007, c. 267; 2012, c. 406; 2013, cc. 259, 327; 2019, c. 712; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 489.

A. Subject to the provisions of subsection B, all books and records, or copies of such books and records, kept by or on behalf of the association shall be maintained so that such books and records, or copies of such books and records, are reasonably available for inspection after written request by a member in good standing or his authorized agent. The association may charge such member or his agent a reasonable fee for copying the requested information. No books or records shall be removed from their location by the examining member or his agent. The right of inspection shall exist without reference to the duration of membership and may be exercised only during reasonable business hours and at a mutually convenient time and location, under the supervision of the custodian, and upon 15 days' written notice.

For purposes of this subsection, the requested books and records shall be considered "reasonably available" if copies of such books and records are delivered to the requesting member or his agent within seven business days of the date the association receives the written request. However, the requesting member or his agent shall be permitted to inspect the books and records wherever located at any reasonable time, under reasonable conditions, and under the supervision of the custodian of the records. The custodian shall supply copies of the records where requested and upon payment of the copying fee.

The association shall provide members of the association with the location of the books and records, along with the name and address of the custodian, by any reasonable method, which may include posting in a reasonable location at the situs of the time-share project or in the annual report required by § 55.1-2213.

B. Books and records kept by or on behalf of an association may be withheld from inspection to the extent that they concern:

1. Personnel records;

2. An individual's medical records;

3. Records relating to business transactions that are currently in negotiation;

4. Privileged communications with legal counsel;

5. Complaints against an individual member of the association;

6. Agreements containing confidentiality requirements;

7. Pending litigation;

8. The name, address, phone number, electronic mail address, or other personal information of time-share owners or members of the association, unless such owner or member first approves of the disclosure in writing;

9. Disclosure of information in violation of law; or

10. Meeting minutes or other records of an executive session of the board of directors held in accordance with subsection D.

The association shall be under no obligation to provide requested records to the extent that they are matters of public record or are otherwise readily obtainable from another source.

C. The association shall maintain among its records a complete, up-to-date list of the names and addresses of all current members in good standing who are owners of time-share estates in the time-share project. The association shall not publish such list or provide a copy of it to any time-share owner or to any third party except the board of directors or the developer. However, the association shall mail to those persons named on the list materials provided by any member in good standing, upon written request of that member, if the purpose of the mailing is to advance legitimate association business. The use of any proxies solicited in this manner shall comply with the provisions of the time-share instrument and this chapter. A mailing requested for the purpose of advancing legitimate association business shall occur within 45 days after receipt of a request from a member in good standing. The board of directors of the association shall be responsible for determining the appropriateness of any mailing requested pursuant to this subsection whose decision in this regard shall be final. The association shall be paid in advance for the association's actual costs in performing the mailing, including postage, supplies, reasonable labor, and attorney fees.

D. Meetings of the board of directors shall be open to all members of record who are eligible to vote and who are in good standing. Minutes shall be recorded and shall be available as provided in subsection A. The board of directors may convene in closed session to consider personnel matters; consult with legal counsel; discuss and consider contracts, potential or pending litigation, and matters involving violations of the time-share instrument or rules and regulations adopted pursuant to such instrument for which a member, his family members, tenants, or guests, or other invitees are responsible; or discuss and consider the personal liability of members to the association upon the affirmative vote in open meeting to assemble in closed session. The motion shall state specifically the purpose for the closed session. Reference to the motion and the stated purpose for the closed session shall be included in the minutes. The board of directors shall restrict the consideration of matters during the closed portions of meetings only to those purposes specifically exempted and stated in the motion. No contract, motion, or other action adopted, passed, or agreed to in closed session shall become effective unless the board of directors, following the closed session, reconvenes in an open meeting and takes a vote on such contract, motion, or other action, which shall have its substance reasonably identified in the open meeting. The requirements of this section shall not require the disclosure of information in violation of law.

E. Notwithstanding any provisions of the Virginia Nonstock Corporation Act (§ 13.1-801 et seq.) to the contrary:

1. The bylaws of the association may prescribe different quorum requirements for meetings of its members; and

2. A director of the association may be removed from the office pursuant to any procedure provided in its articles of incorporation and, if none is provided, may be removed at a meeting called expressly for that purpose, with or without cause, by such vote as would suffice for his election.

F. Whenever this chapter requires communication between the board of directors and a member of the association by mail, any electronic means may be used in the alternative, including email, provided that such electronic communication is personal and only between such board and such member.

G. Filings with the board may be made by any electronic means, provided that such board is willing to accept such format.

2006, c. 653, § 55-370.01; 2007, c. 267; 2019, c. 712.

A. Commencing with the time-share estate program and within 180 days after the close of each fiscal year thereafter, an annual report shall be prepared and distributed to all time-share estate owners. Such annual report shall be prepared and distributed for each time-share estate project registered with the Board. During the developer control period, the annual report shall be prepared and distributed to all time-share purchasers by the developer or its designated managing entity. After the developer control period, such annual report shall be prepared and distributed by the association.

B. The annual report shall contain the following:

1. The full legal name of the time-share project and its address;

2. The full legal name of the association;

3. A list of the names and mailing addresses of the members of the association's board of directors and the name of the person who prepared the report;

4. The managing entity's name, address, and contact person, if any, for the project;

5. A statement of whether or not the developer control period has terminated for the time-share estate project;

6. Financial statements of the association audited by an independent certified public accounting firm of the association that contain at least the following:

a. A balance sheet as of the end of the fiscal year;

b. An income statement as of the end of the fiscal year; and

c. A statement of the net changes in the financial position of the association for the fiscal year just ended;

7. A statement of the time-share estates occupancy expenses, the regular assessment, and any special assessments or other charges due for the current year from each time-share estate owner;

8. A copy of the current budget reflecting the anticipated time-share estate occupancy expenses along with:

a. A statement as to who prepared the budget;

b. A statement of the budgetary assumptions concerning occupancy factors;

c. A description of any provision made in the budget for reserves for repairs and replacement;

d. A statement of any other reserves;

e. The projected financial liability for each time-share estate owner, including a statement of (i) the nature of all charges, assessments, maintenance fees, and other expenses that may be assessed; (ii) the current amounts assessed; and (iii) the method and formula for changing any such assessments; and

f. A statement of any services not reflected in the budget that the developer provides, or expenses that it pays, that the association expects may become a time-share expense at any subsequent time, and the projected time-share expense assessment attributable to each of those services or expenses for the association and for each time-share; and

9. A statement of the location of the books and records of the association along with the name and contact address of the custodian of such books and records.

C. In lieu of the annual report required by subsection A, during the first 12 months of the time-share program, the developer or the association shall prepare a budget that shall contain the information contained in subdivision B 8.

1985, c. 517, § 55-370.1; 1991, c. 704; 1994, c. 580; 1998, c. 460; 2014, c. 533; 2019, c. 712.

In addition to the requirements of § 55.1-2208, the time-share instrument for a time-share use program shall prescribe and outline reasonable arrangements for the management and operation of the time-share use program and for the maintenance, repair, and furnishing of time-share use units it comprises. Such arrangements shall include provisions for the following:

1. Standards and procedures for upkeep, repair, and interior furnishing of time-share use units, for the replacements of such furnishings, and for providing maid, cleaning, linen, and similar services to the units during use and occupancy periods;

2. Adoption of standards and rules of conduct governing the use, enjoyment, and occupancy of time-share use units by owners;

3. Payment by the developer of the costs and expenses of operating the time-share use program and owning and maintaining the time-share use units it comprises;

4. Selection of a managing agent to act for and on behalf of the developer should the developer elect not to undertake the duties, responsibilities, and obligations of the management of the time-share use program;

5. Procedures for establishing the rights of time-share use owners to occupancy, use, and enjoyment of time-share use units by prearrangement or under a first-reserved, first-served priority system;

6. Procedures for imposing and collecting regular or special assessments, maintenance fees, or use fees from time-share use owners as necessary to defray all time-share expenses and in providing materials and services to the units, as required of the developer in this chapter;

7. Comprehensive general liability insurance for death, bodily injury, and property damage arising out of, or in connection with, the occupancy, use, and enjoyment of time-share use units by time-share use owners, their guests, and other users. The costs associated with securing and maintaining such insurance shall be a time-share expense. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to obligate the developer to secure insurance on the conduct of the time-share use owners, their guests, and other users or the personal effects or property of such owners, guests, and users;

8. Methods for providing compensating or alternate use periods or monetary compensation to a time-share use owner if a time-share use unit cannot be made available for the period to which the owner is entitled by schedule or by a confirmed reservation; and

9. Procedures for imposing a monetary penalty or suspension of a time-share use owner's rights and privileges in the time-share use program or project or termination of the time-share use itself for failure of the time-share use owner to (i) comply with the provisions of the time-share use instrument; (ii) comply with the rules and regulations established by the developer with respect to the occupancy, use, and enjoyment of the time-share use units; or (iii) pay the charges imposed by the developer against the time-share use owner for providing the materials and services as required of the developer in this chapter. Except in matters where the time-share use owner has failed to pay the charge imposed by the developer for a period of less than 60 days after it has become due and payable, the owner shall be given notice and the opportunity to be heard.

1981, c. 462, § 55-371; 1985, c. 517; 1994, c. 580; 1998, c. 460; 2019, c. 712.

No action for partition of a unit may be maintained except as permitted by the time-share instrument or by subsection C of § 55.1-2216.

1981, c. 462, § 55-372; 2019, c. 712.

A. This section applies to all time-share estate programs and, when provided by the time-share instrument, to time-share use programs.

B. A time-share project may be terminated in whole by the developer at any time and for any reason if such developer is the sole owner of all time-shares within the time-share project. Such termination shall be accomplished by the developer executing and recording a termination document where the time-share instrument is recorded. Time-shares subject to this section also may be terminated by written agreement of the time-share owners having at least 51 percent of the time-shares or by written agreement of such larger percentage of the time-share owners as may otherwise be provided in the time-share instrument. The termination agreement shall specify a date upon which it shall become void, unless it is recorded before that date in the clerk's office of the appropriate court where the time-share project is located.

C. If the termination agreement sets forth the material terms of a contract or proposed contract under which an estate or interests equal to the sum of the time-shares are to be sold and designates a trustee to effect the sale, the termination agreement becomes effective upon recordation, and title to that estate or interest vests upon termination in the trustee for the benefit of the time-share owners, to be transferred pursuant to the contract. If the termination agreement does not set forth the material terms of a contract or proposed contract under which an estate or interests equal to the sum of the time-shares are to be sold and designates a trustee to effect the sale, the termination agreement becomes effective upon recordation, and title to an estate or interests equal to the sum of the time-shares therein vests upon termination in the time-share owners in proportion to their respective interests as provided in subsection F. Liens on the time-shares shall accordingly encumber the respective interests; and in this instance, any co-owner of that estate or interest may maintain an action for partition or for allotment or sale in lieu of partition pursuant to the laws of the Commonwealth.

D. Except as otherwise specified in the termination agreement, so long as the former time-share owners or their trustee holds title to the estate or interests equal to the sum of the time-shares, each former time-share owner and his successor in interest have the same rights with respect to the use, enjoyment, and occupancy in the former time-share unit that such former time-share owner and his successor in interest would have had if termination had not occurred, together with the same liabilities and other obligations imposed by this act or the time-share instrument.

E. After termination of all time-shares in a time-share project and adequate provision for payment of the claims of the creditors for time-share expenses, distribution shall be made, in proportion to their respective interests as provided in subsection F, to the former time-share owners and their successors in interest of (i) the proceeds of any sale pursuant to this section, (ii) the proceeds of any personalty held for the use and benefit of the former time-share owners, and (iii) any other funds held for the use and benefit of the former time-share owners.

F. The time-share instrument may specify the respective fractional or percentage interest that will be owned by each former time-share owner after termination, in accordance with the provisions of this section. Otherwise, not more than 180 days prior to the termination, an appraisal shall be made of the fair market value of each time-share by one or more impartial qualified appraisers selected either by the trustee designated in the termination agreement or by the managing entity if no trustee was so designated. The appraisal shall also state the corresponding fractional or percentage interests calculated in proportion to those values and in accordance with this subsection. A notice stating all of those values and corresponding interests and the return address of the sender shall be sent by certified or registered mail, by the managing entity or the trustee designated in the termination agreements, to all of the time-share owners. The appraisal governs the magnitude of each interest unless (i) at least 25 percent of the time-share owners deliver, within 60 days after the date the notices were mailed, written disapprovals to the return address of the sender of the notice or (ii) the final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, entered during or after that period, holds that the appraisal should be set aside. The appraisal and the calculation of interests shall be made in accordance with the following:

1. If the termination agreement sets forth the material terms of a contract or proposed contract for the sale of the estate or interests equal to the sum of the time-shares, each time-share conferring a right of occupancy during a limited number of time periods shall be appraised as if the time until the date specified for the conveyance of the property had already elapsed. Otherwise, each time-share of that kind shall be appraised as if the time until the date specified pursuant to subsection B had already elapsed.

2. The interest of each time-share owner is the value of the time-share he owned divided by the sum of the values of all time-shares in the unit or units to which his time-share applies.

G. Foreclosure or enforcement of a lien or encumbrance against all of the time-shares in a time-share project does not of itself terminate those time-shares.

1981, c. 462, § 55-373; 1985, c. 517; 2006, c. 653; 2019, c. 712.

Article 3. Protection of Purchasers.

A. Prior to the execution of a contract for the purchase of a time-share, the developer shall prepare and distribute to each prospective purchaser a copy of the current public offering statement regarding the time-share program. The public offering statement shall (i) fully and accurately disclose the material characteristics of the time-share program registered under this chapter and such time-share offered and (ii) make known to each prospective purchaser all material circumstances affecting such time-share program. A developer need not make joint disclosures concerning two or more time-share projects owned by the developer or any related entity unless such projects are included in the same time-share program and marketed jointly at any of the time-share projects. The proposed public offering statement shall be filed with the Board and shall be in a form prescribed by its regulations. The public offering statement may limit the information provided for the specific time-share project to which the developer's registration relates. The public offering statement shall include the following only to the extent that a given disclosure is applicable:

1. The name and principal address of the developer, including:

a. The name, principal occupation, and address of every director, partner, limited liability company manager, or trustee of the developer;

b. The name and address of each person owning or controlling an interest of 20 percent or more in each time-share project included in the registration;

c. The particulars of any indictment, conviction, judgment, or order of any court or administrative agency against the developer or managing entity for violation of a federal, state, local, or foreign country law or regulation in connection with activities relating to time-share sales, land sales, land investments, security sales, construction or sale of homes or improvements, or any similar or related activity;

d. The nature of each unsatisfied judgment, if any, against the developer or the managing entity, the status of each pending action involving the sale or management of real estate to which the developer, the managing entity, or any general partner, executive officer, director, limited liability company manager, or majority stockholder thereof is a defending party, and the status of each pending action, if any, of significance to any time-share project included in the registration; and

e. The name and address of the developer's agent for service of any notice permitted by this chapter.

2. A general description of the time-share projects included in the time-share program. The description shall include the address of each time-share project, the units, and common elements for each project promised available to purchasers, including the developer's estimated schedule of commencement and completion of all promised and incomplete time-share units and common elements.

3. As to all time-shares offered by the developer:

a. The form of time-share ownership offered in the time-share program;

b. The types, duration, and number of units and time-shares in the time-share program;

c. Identification of time-share units that are subject to the time-share program;

d. The estimated number of time-share units that may become subject to the time-share program;

e. Provisions, if any, that have been made for public utilities in the time-share project including water, electricity, telephone, and sewerage facilities;

f. A statement to the effect of whether or not the developer has reserved the right to add to or delete from the time-share program a time-share project or any incidental benefit;

g. A statement of whether the developer will offer any alternative purchase; and

h. If the developer utilizes the possibility of reverter, a statement to that effect referring the purchaser to the reverter deed for an explanation of such possibility of reverter.

4. In a time-share estate program, a copy of the annual report or budget required by § 55.1-2213, which copy may take the form of an exhibit to the public offering statement. In the case where multiple time-share projects are included in the time-share program, the copy or exhibit may be in summary form.

5. In a time-share use program where the developer's net worth is no more than $250,000, a current audited balance sheet and, where the developer's net worth exceeds such amount, a statement by such developer that its equity in the time-share program exceeds that amount.

6. Any initial or special fee due from the purchaser at settlement together with a description of the purpose and method of calculating the fee.

7. A description of any liens, defects, or encumbrances affecting the time-share project and in particular the time-share offered to the purchaser.

8. A general description of any financing offered by or available through the developer.

9. A statement that the purchaser has a nonwaivable right of cancellation, referring such purchaser to that portion of the contract in which such right may be found.

10. If the time-share interest in a condominium unit may be conveyed before that condominium unit is certified as substantially complete in accordance with § 55.1-1920, a statement of the developer's obligation to complete the condominium unit. Such statement shall include the approximate date by which the condominium unit shall be completed, together with the form and amount of the bond filed in accordance with subsection B of § 55.1-1921.

11. Any restraints on alienation of any number or portion of any time-shares.

12. A description of the insurance coverage provided for the benefit of time-share owners.

13. The extent to which financial arrangements, if any, have been provided for completion of any incomplete but promised time-share unit or common element being then offered for sale, including a statement of the developer's obligation to complete the promised units and common elements that the time-share project comprises that have not begun or that have begun but have not yet been completed.

14. The extent to which a time-share unit may become subject to a tax or other lien arising out of claims against other owners of the same unit.

15. The name and address of the managing entity for each project in the time-share program.

16. Copies of the time-share instrument and the association's articles of incorporation and bylaws, each of which may be a supplement to the public offering statement.

17. Any services that the developer provides or expense it pays and that it expects may become at any subsequent time a time-share expense of the owners, and the projected time-share expense liability attributable to each of those services or expenses for each time-share.

18. A description of the terms of the deposit escrow requirements, including a statement that deposits may be removed from escrow at the termination of the cancellation period.

19. A description of the facilities, if any, provided by the developer to the association in a time-share estate project for the management of the project.

20. Any other information required by the Board to assure full and fair meaningful disclosure to prospective purchasers.

B. If any prospective purchaser is offered the opportunity to subscribe to or participate in any exchange program, the public offering statement shall include, as an exhibit or supplement, the disclosure document prepared by the exchange company in accordance with § 55.1-2219 and a brief narrative description of the exchange program, which shall include the following:

1. A statement of whether membership or participation in the program is voluntary or mandatory;

2. The name and address of the exchange company together with the names of its top three officers and directors;

3. A statement of whether the exchange company or any of its top three officers, directors, or holders of a 10 percent or greater interest in the exchange company has any interest in the developer, the managing entity, or the time-share program;

4. A statement that the purchaser's contract with the exchange company is a contract separate and distinct from the purchaser's contract with the developer; and

5. A brief narrative description of the procedure by which exchanges are conducted.

C. The public offering statement of a conversion time-share project shall also include the following, which may take the form of an exhibit to the public offering statement:

1. A specific statement of the amount of any initial or special fee, if any, due from the purchaser of a time-share on or before settlement of the purchase contract and the basis of such fee occasioned by the fact that the project is a conversion time-share project;

2. Information on the actual expenditures, if available, made on all repairs, maintenance, operation, or upkeep of any building in the time-share project within the last three years. This information shall be set forth in a tabular manner within the proposed budget of the project. If any such building has not been occupied for a period of three years, the information shall be set forth for the period during which such building was occupied;

3. A description of any provisions made in the budget for reserves for capital expenditures and an explanation of the basis for such reserves occasioned by the fact that the project is a conversion time-share project, or, if no provision is made for such reserves, a statement to that effect; and

4. A statement of the present condition of all structural components and major utility installations in the building, which statement shall include the approximate dates of construction, installations, and major repairs as well as the expected useful life of each such item, together with the estimated cost, in current dollars, of replacing each such component.

D. In the case of a conversion time-share project, the developer shall give at least 90 days' notice to each of the tenants of any building that the developer intends to submit to the provisions of this chapter. During the first 60 days of such 90-day period, each of these tenants shall have the exclusive right to contract for the purchase of a time-share from the unit he occupies, but only if such unit is to be retained in the conversion time-share project without substantial alteration in its physical layout. Such notice shall be hand delivered or sent by first-class mail, return receipt requested, and shall inform the tenants of the developer's intent to create a conversion time-share project. Such notice may also constitute the notice to terminate the tenancy as provided for in § 55.1-1410, except that, despite the provisions of § 55.1-1410, a tenancy from month to month may only be terminated upon 120 days' notice as set forth in this subsection when such termination is in regard to the creation of a conversion time-share project. If, however, a tenant so notified remains in possession of the unit he occupies after the expiration of the 120-day period with the permission of the developer, in order to then terminate the tenancy, such developer shall give the tenant a further notice as provided in § 55.1-1410.

The developer of a conversion time-share project shall, in addition to the requirements of § 55.1-2239, include with the application for registration a copy of the notice required by this subsection and a certified statement that such notice that fully complies with the provisions of this subsection shall be, at the time of the registration, mailed or delivered to each of the tenants in any building for which registration is sought.

E. The developer shall amend the public offering statement to reflect any material change in the time-share program. If the developer has reserved in the time-share instrument the right to add to or delete incidental benefits, the addition or deletion of such benefits shall not constitute a material change. Prior to distribution, the developer shall file with the Board the public offering statement amended to reflect any material change.

F. The Board may at any time require a developer to alter or supplement the form or substance of the public offering statement to assure full and fair disclosure to prospective purchasers. A developer may prepare and distribute a public offering statement for each time-share program offered or one public offering statement for all time-share programs offered.

G. The developer shall amend the public offering statement to reflect any addition of a time-share project to, or removal of a time-share project from, the existing time-share program.

H. In the case of a time-share project located outside the Commonwealth, similar disclosure statements required by other situs laws governing time-sharing may be accepted by the Board as alternative disclosure statements to satisfy the requirements of this section.

I. The public offering statement may be in any format, including any electronic format, provided that the prospective buyer has available for review, along with ample time for any questions and answers, a copy of the public offering statement prior to his execution of a contract.

1981, c. 462, § 55-374; 1983, c. 59; 1984, c. 455; 1985, c. 517; 1986, c. 359; 1989, c. 637; 1994, c. 580; 1998, c. 460; 1999, c. 560; 2001, c. 543; 2004, c. 143; 2006, c. 653; 2007, c. 267; 2014, cc. 39, 716; 2019, c. 712; 2020, c. 1011; 2023, cc. 52, 53.

A. Any offering that includes a gift or prize shall disclose in such offering, with the same prominence as such offer:

1. The retail value of each gift or prize;

2. The approximate odds against any given person obtaining each gift or prize if all persons to whom the advertisement is disseminated do what is necessary to qualify for the award of the gift or prize;

3. If the number of gifts or prizes to be awarded is limited, a statement of the number of gifts or prizes to be awarded or, in lieu of such statement, the nature of such limitation;

4. All rules, terms, requirements, and conditions that shall be fulfilled before a prospective purchaser may claim any gift or prize, including whether the prospective purchaser is required to attend a sales presentation in order to receive the gift or prize;

5. The date upon which the offer expires; and

6. A statement to the effect that the offer is being made for the purpose of soliciting the purchase of a time-share, time-share interest, interval ownership, interval ownership interest, vacation ownership, vacation ownership interest, or product, as appropriate.

B. Any gift or prize offered in connection with an offering shall be delivered to the prospective purchaser no later than the day the purchaser attends a sales presentation, if required, and if not, on the day the purchaser appears to claim it, whether or not he purchases a time-share. In the event that the supply of gifts or prizes is exhausted at the time required for delivery, the developer shall give the prospective purchaser a written, unconditional promise to deliver such gift or prize no later than 30 days from the date required for delivery. If such gift or prize is not obtainable, the developer shall deliver an item of equal or greater value.

C. The offering or sale of any product registered with the Board is exempt from the Virginia Securities Act (§ 13.1-501 et seq.), Chapter 9 (§ 55.1-900 et seq.), the Virginia Condominium Act (§ 55.1-1900 et seq.), the Subdivided Land Sales Act (§ 55.1-2300 et seq.), the Virginia Home Solicitation Sales Act (§ 59.1-21.1 et seq.), the Prizes and Gifts Act (§ 59.1-415 et seq.), and the Virginia Travel Club Act (§ 59.1-445 et seq.).

1983, c. 59, § 55-374.1; 1984, c. 333; 1985, c. 517; 1991, c. 704; 1994, c. 580; 1996, c. 372; 1998, c. 460; 2006, c. 653; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2019, c. 712.

A. Any exchange company that offers an exchange program in the Commonwealth shall prepare and register with the Board a disclosure document including the following:

1. The name and address of the exchange company;

2. The names and addresses of the top three officers and all directors of the exchange company and, if the exchange company is privately held, all shareholders owning five percent or more interest in the exchange company;

3. Whether the exchange company or any of its officers or directors has any legal or beneficial interest in any developer or managing agent for any time-share program participating in the exchange program and, if so, the name and location of the time-share project and the nature of the interest;

4. Unless the exchange company is also the developer or an affiliate, a statement that the purchaser's contract with the exchange company is a contract separate and distinct from the sales contract;

5. Whether the purchaser's participation in the exchange program is dependent upon the continued affiliation of the time-share program with the exchange program;

6. Whether the purchaser's membership or participation, or both, in the exchange program is voluntary or mandatory;

7. A complete and accurate description of the terms and conditions of the purchaser's contractual relationship with the exchange company and the procedure by which changes in the terms and conditions of the exchange contract may be made;

8. A complete and accurate description of the procedure to qualify for and effectuate exchanges;

9. A complete and accurate description of all limitations, restrictions, or priorities employed in the operation of the exchange program, including limitations on exchanges based on seasonality, time-share unit size, or levels of occupancy, expressed in boldface type, and, in the event that such limitations, restrictions, or priorities are not uniformly applied by the exchange program, a clear description of the manner in which they are applied;

10. Whether exchanges are arranged on a space available basis and whether any guarantees of fulfillment of specific requests for exchanges are made by the exchange program;

11. Whether and under what circumstances an owner, in dealing with the exchange company, may lose the use of occupancy of his time-share in any properly-applied-for exchange, without being provided with substitute accommodations by the exchange company;

12. The fees or range of fees for participation by time-share owners in the exchange program, a statement of whether any such fees may be altered by the exchange company, and the circumstances under which alterations may be made;

13. The name and address of the site of each time-share project, accommodation, or facility participating in the exchange program;

14. The number of time-share units in each property participating in the exchange program that are available for occupancy and that qualify for participation in the exchange program, expressed within the following numerical groupings: 1-5, 6-10, 11-20, 21-50, and 51 and over;

15. The number of owners with respect to each time-share program or other property who are eligible to participate in the exchange program, expressed within the numerical groupings 1-100, 101-249, 250-499, 500-999, and 1,000 and over, and a statement of the criteria used to determine those owners currently eligible to participate in the exchange program;

16. The disposition made by the exchange company of time-shares deposited with the exchange program by owners eligible to participate in the exchange program and not used by the exchange company in effecting exchanges;

17. The following information, which, except as provided in subsection B, shall be independently audited by a certified public accountant or accounting firm in accordance with the standards of the Auditing Standards Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and reported for each year no later than July 1 of the succeeding year:

a. The number of owners enrolled in the exchange program. Such numbers shall disclose the relationship between the exchange company and owners as being either fee paying or gratuitous in nature;

b. The number of time-share projects, accommodations, or facilities eligible to participate in the exchange program;

c. The percentage of confirmed exchanges, which shall be the number of exchanges confirmed by the exchange company divided by the number of exchanges properly applied for, together with a complete and accurate statement of the criteria used to determine whether an exchange request was properly applied for;

d. The number of time-shares for which the exchange company has an outstanding obligation to provide an exchange to an owner who relinquished a time-share during the year in exchange for a time-share in any future year; and

e. The number of exchanges confirmed by the exchange company during the year.

18. A statement in boldface type to the effect that the percentage described in subdivision 17 c is a summary of the exchange requests entered with the exchange company in the period reported and that the percentage does not indicate a purchaser's or owner's probabilities of being confirmed to any specific choice or range of choices, since availability at individual locations may vary.

B. The information required by subsection A shall be accurate as of a date that is no more than 30 days prior to the date on which the information is delivered to the purchaser, except that the information required by subdivisions A 2, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 shall be accurate as of December 31 of the preceding year if the information is delivered between July 1 and December 31 of any year; information delivered between January 1 and June 30 of any year shall be accurate as of December 31 of the year prior to the preceding year. At no time shall such information be accurate as of a date that is more than 18 months prior to the date of delivery. As used in this section, "year" means calendar year.

C. In the event that an exchange company offers an exchange program directly to the purchaser, the exchange company shall deliver to such purchaser, simultaneously with such offering and prior to the execution of any contract between the purchaser and the exchange company, the information set forth in subsection A. The requirements of this subsection shall not apply to any renewal of a contract between a purchaser and an exchange company.

D. Each exchange company shall include the statement set forth in subdivision A 18 on all promotional brochures, pamphlets, advertisements, or other materials disseminated by the exchange company that also contain the percentage of confirmed exchanges described in subdivision A 17 c.

E. An exchange company shall, on or before July 1 of each year, file with the Board and the association for the time-share program in which the time-shares are offered or disposed the information required by this section with respect to the preceding year. If the Board determines that any of the information supplied fails to meet the requirements of this section, the Board may undertake enforcement action against the exchange company in accordance with the provisions of Article 6 (§ 55.1-2247 et seq.). No developer shall have any liability arising out of the use, delivery, or publication by the developer of written information provided to it by the exchange company pursuant to this section. Except for written information provided to the developer by the exchange company, no exchange company shall have any liability with respect to (i) any representation made by the developer relating to the exchange program or exchange company or (ii) the use, delivery, or publication by the developer of any information relating to the exchange program or exchange company. The failure of the exchange company to observe the requirements of this section, or the use by it of any unfair or deceptive act or practice in connection with the operation of the exchange program, shall be a violation of this section.

F. The Board may establish by regulation reasonable fees for registration of the exchange program. All fees shall be remitted by the Board to the State Treasurer and shall be placed to the credit of the Common Interest Community Management Information Fund established pursuant to § 54.1-2354.2.

1985, c. 517, § 55-374.2; 1998, c. 460; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2019, c. 712; 2020, c. 1011.

A. Any deposit made in connection with the purchase or reservation of a product shall be held in escrow. All deposits shall be held in escrow until (i) delivered to the developer upon expiration of the purchaser's cancellation period provided the purchaser's right of cancellation has not been exercised, (ii) delivered to the developer because of the purchaser's default under a contract to purchase a time-share, or (iii) refunded to the purchaser. Such funds shall be deposited in a separate account designated for this purpose that is federally insured and located in the Commonwealth; except where such deposits are being held by a real estate broker or attorney licensed under the laws of the Commonwealth, such funds may be placed in that broker's or attorney's regular escrow account and need not be placed in a separate designated account. Such escrow funds shall not be subject to attachment by the creditors of either the purchaser or the developer.

B. In lieu of escrowing deposits as provided in subsection A, the developer of a time-share project consisting of more than 25 units may:

1. Obtain and maintain a corporate surety bond issued by a surety authorized to do business in the Commonwealth, in the form and amount set forth in subsection C; or

2. Obtain and maintain an irrevocable letter of credit issued by a financial institution whose accounts are insured by the FDIC, in the form and amount set forth in subsection D.

The surety bond or letter of credit shall be maintained until (i) the expiration of the purchaser's cancellation period, (ii) the purchaser's default under a purchase contract for the time-share estate entitling the developer to retain the deposit, or (iii) the refund of the deposit to the time-share purchaser, whichever occurs first.

C. The surety bond shall be payable to the Commonwealth for the use and benefit of every person protected under the provisions of this chapter. The developer shall file the bond with the Board. The surety bond may be either in the form of an individual bond for each deposit accepted by the developer or, if the total amount of the deposits accepted by the developer under this chapter exceeds $10,000, it may be in the form of a blanket bond. If the bond is a blanket bond, the amount shall be as follows. If the amount of such deposits is:

1. More than $10,000 but not more than $75,000, the blanket bond shall be $75,000;

2. More than $75,000 but less than $200,000, the blanket bond shall be $200,000;

3. $200,000 or more but less than $500,000, the blanket bond shall be $500,000;

4. $500,000 or more but less than $1 million, the blanket bond shall be $1 million; and

5. $1 million or more, the blanket bond shall be 100 percent of the amount of such deposits.

D. The letter of credit shall be payable to the Commonwealth for the use and benefit of every person protected under this chapter. The developer shall file the letter of credit with the Board. The letter of credit may be either in the form of an individual letter of credit for each deposit accepted by the developer or, if the total amount of the deposits accepted by the developer under this chapter exceeds $10,000, it may be in the form of a blanket letter of credit. If the letter of credit is a blanket letter of credit, the amount shall be as follows. If the amount of such deposits is:

1. More than $10,000 but not more than $75,000, the blanket letter of credit shall be $75,000;

2. More than $75,000 but less than $200,000, the blanket letter of credit shall be $200,000;

3. $200,000 or more but less than $500,000, the blanket letter of credit shall be $500,000;

4. $500,000 or more but less than $1 million, the blanket letter of credit shall be $1 million; and

5. $1 million or more, the blanket letter of credit shall be 100 percent of the amount of such deposits.

For the purposes of determining the amount of any blanket letter of credit that a developer maintains in any calendar year, the total amount of deposits considered held by the developer shall be determined as of May 31 in each calendar year and the amount of the letter of credit shall be in accordance with the amount of deposits held as of May 31.

E. The developer shall disclose in the contract or in the public offering that the deposit may not be held in escrow or protected by a surety bond or letter of credit after expiration of the cancellation period and that such deposit is not protected as an escrow after expiration of the cancellation period. This disclosure shall include a statement of whether or not the developer reserves the option to sell or assign any promissory note given by a purchaser to another entity, whether or not such entity is affiliated with the developer. Both disclosures shall appear in boldface type of a minimum size of 10 points.

1981, c. 462, § 55-375; 1984, c. 429; 1985, c. 517; 1994, c. 580; 1998, c. 460; 2006, c. 653; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2018, cc. 33, 133; 2019, c. 712.

A. A purchaser shall have the right to cancel the contract until midnight of the seventh calendar day following the execution of such contract. If the seventh calendar day falls on a Sunday or legal holiday, then the right to cancel the contract shall expire on the day immediately following that Sunday or legal holiday. Cancellation shall be without penalty, and all payments made by the purchaser before cancellation shall be refunded within 45 days after receipt of the notice of cancellation.

B. If the purchaser elects to cancel a contract pursuant to subsection A, he shall do so only (i) by hand-delivering the notice to the developer at its principal office or at the project or (ii) by mailing the notice by certified United States mail, return receipt requested, to the developer or its agent designated in the contract. Any such notice sent by certified mail shall be effective on the date postmarked.

C. If, because of the occurrence of a material change, the public offering statement is amended between the time of contracting to purchase a time-share and the time of settlement, the developer shall provide the amended public offering statement to the purchaser and the right of cancellation shall renew from the date of delivery of such amended public offering statement. This subsection shall not apply if the public offering statement is amended by the developer because of a change that is not material or to disclose any change that is an aspect or result of the orderly development of the time-share project in accordance with the project instrument.

D. The right to cancel the contract as provided by this section shall not be waivable by the time-share purchaser and any provision in the contract or time-share documents indicating a waiver shall be void.

E. A statement of the purchaser's right of cancellation as set forth in subsections A and B shall appear in the contract above the purchaser's signature line. Such statement shall appear in type no smaller than any other provisions of the contract, and the caption "PURCHASER'S NONWAIVABLE RIGHT TO CANCEL" shall appear immediately preceding it in conspicuous, boldface type.

1981, c. 462, § 55-376; 1983, c. 147; 1984, c. 572; 1985, c. 517; 1991, c. 704; 1994, c. 580; 1998, c. 460; 2019, c. 712.

A. A possibility of reverter contained in a reverter deed for a time-share estate subject to reverter is valid, is enforceable in law and in equity, and shall operate to transfer title to the time-share estate from each grantee in such deed back to the developer, provided that the following conditions are satisfied:

1. The reverter deed from the developer contains the possibility of reverter by insertion of the language required by subsection E;

2. A grantee in the reverter deed is in default and has been provided after such default with at least two written notices to this effect with no less than a 10-calendar day right to cure in each notice;

3. A grantee in the reverter deed has been provided with no less than 30 calendar days within which to cure the default before exercise of the possibility of reverter occurs;

4. At the time of exercise of the possibility of reverter, the developer is the sole holder of the note and the sole beneficiary under the deed of trust;

5. The exercise by the developer of the possibility of reverter is evidenced by an affidavit duly recorded where the reverter deed was recorded that contains the following information:

a. A description of the time-share project and time-share estate and a statement that, upon recordation of the affidavit, title to such time-share estate reverts back to the developer;

b. A description and recitation of the reverter deed that contained the possibility of reverter and a reference of when and where such deed was recorded and its recording information;

c. A recitation that the purchaser defaulted in or violated a consumer document and failed to cure such default or violation within a period of no less than 30 calendar days;

d. A description of the note and deed of trust with a recitation that (i) the developer is the sole holder of the note and the sole beneficiary under the deed of trust, (ii) such note is canceled and declared void, and (iii) such deed of trust is automatically released;

e. A recitation that such purchaser's rights and entitlements in the time-share estate, the time-share project, and the time-share program are extinguished effective the date of recordation of the affidavit;

f. The signature of a duly authorized representative of the developer verified under oath as to its truth of the statements contained in such affidavit; and

6. A copy of the recorded affidavit described in subdivision A 5 is sent by the developer to each purchaser at his address as maintained by the developer or the association, along with the statement from the developer explaining the consequences of such affidavit with emphasis on subdivisions A 5 a, d, and e.

B. The recordation of the affidavit referred to in subdivision A 5 shall automatically:

1. Transfer title to the time-share estate from each grantee in the reverter deed to the developer without the need of a deed to the developer or consent from such grantee;

2. Declare null and void and act as an automatic release of the deed of trust or mortgage given by such grantee to finance a portion of the purchase price of the time-share estate with no deficiency resulting;

3. Void and act as an automatic release of any debt from such grantee to the developer arising out of the purchase or financing of the time-share estate as evidenced by the note; and

4. Extinguish any ownership or other property right or entitlements such grantee has in and to the time-share estate, the time-share project, and the time-share program.

C. The clerk of the court shall record such affidavit in the land books where the time-share project is located, indexing the purchaser in the grantor indices and the developer in the grantee indices. For indexing purposes only, the purchaser shall be referred to as the grantor and the developer as the grantee. The cost of recording the affidavit shall be limited to the clerk's fee only.

D. In the exercise of the possibility of reverter, the developer shall be liable to the purchaser for the developer's failure to comply with the provisions of this section; however, such failure shall not operate to defeat or diminish the transfer of title to the time-share estate from each grantee in the reverter deed to the developer upon recordation of the affidavit referred to in subdivision A 5. The developer's liability shall be limited to the amount paid by such purchaser toward the purchase price of the time-share estate, exclusive of interest and closing costs but without offset for the purchaser's utilization of the time-share program. The court shall award court costs and reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party.

E. The reverter deed shall contain the following statement in order to possess the possibility of reverter. The opening phrase shall be in 10-point boldface type as follows:

"Loss of Time-Share Estate. Developer has inserted into this deed a "possibility of reverter." By this concept, should a grantee of this reverter deed default in or violate an obligation imposed by a consumer document for a period of at least 60 days and fail to cure such violation or default within no less than 30 calendar days thereafter, title to the time-share will revert back to the developer upon the developer recording an affidavit to this effect where this reverter deed is recorded. Only the developer can elect to exercise the possibility of reverter. Each grantee in this reverter deed will be sent at least two notices of default or violation within the 30-day period with no less than 10 days to cure in each instance. The notice will be sent to the address of each grantee maintained at the office of the developer or the association. After the cure period has lapsed and the developer records the affidavit, title to the time-share estate will automatically vest in the developer and any note executed by the grantee will be deemed canceled and any recorded deed of trust securing such note shall be automatically released. The possibility of reverter will itself lapse and become null and void at the soonest to occur of the following: (i) the deed of trust is released of record, (ii) a statement that the deed of trust is released of record is executed and recorded by the developer with a date of when the possibility of reverter was or is to lapse, or (iii) when the time-share program terminates pursuant to either the Virginia Real Estate Time-Share Act or the time-share instrument which created such program."

F. The filing of the affidavit referred to in subdivision A 5 shall not result in the requirement of any filing under Chapter 12 (§ 64.2-1200 et seq.) of Title 64.2.

G. Any possibility of reverter not otherwise exercised by the developer pursuant to this section shall itself lapse and become null and void at the soonest to occur of the following: (i) the deed of trust is released of record, (ii) a statement that the deed of trust is released of record is executed and recorded by the developer with a date of when the possibility of reverter was or is to lapse, or (iii) when the time-share program terminates pursuant to either this chapter or the time-share instrument.

H. In exercising the possibility of reverter, the developer shall be entitled to retain as liquidated damages all moneys paid by the purchaser in conformity with any consumer document.

I. The exercise of the possibility of reverter shall not operate to diminish or eliminate (i) any debt of the purchaser to the time-share association or other third party occasioned by ownership of the time-share estate or participation in the time-share program or (ii) any recorded lien junior in priority to the deed of trust lien referred to in this section.

2004, c. 143, § 55-376.1; 2019, c. 712.

At such time as the time-share estate purchaser has fulfilled all of his obligations under the contract and is entitled to a deed for his time-share estate, the developer shall file or cause to be filed within 180 days after such date, with the clerk of the circuit court where the time-share project is located, such deed for recordation. Upon receipt of the recorded deed returned from the clerk's office, the developer shall, within 45 days after such receipt, send or cause to be sent the original deed to the time-share estate purchaser.

2006, c. 653, § 55-376.2; 2019, c. 712.

A. Except as provided in subsection B, a project professional is not liable for injury to or death of a participant resulting from the inherent risks of project activity, so long as the warning contained in § 55.1-2225 is posted as required. Except as provided in subsection B, no participant or participant's representative may maintain an action against or recover from a project professional for injury, loss, damage, or death of the participant resulting exclusively from any of the inherent risks of project activity, provided that in any action for damages against a project professional for a project activity, the project professional shall plead the affirmative defense of assumption of the inherent risks of project activity by the participant.

B. Nothing in subsection A shall prevent or limit the liability of a project professional if the project professional does any one or more of the following:

1. Commits an act or omission that constitutes negligence or willful or wanton disregard for the safety of the participant, and that act or omission proximately causes injury, damage, or death to the participant;

2. Has actual knowledge or reasonably should have known of a dangerous condition on the land or in the facilities or equipment used in the project activity, or the dangerous propensity of a particular animal used in such activity, and does not make the danger known to the participant, and the danger proximately causes injury, damage, or death to the participant; or

3. Intentionally injures the participant.

C. Any limitation on legal liability afforded by this section to a project professional is in addition to any other limitations of legal liability otherwise provided by law.

2007, c. 267, § 55-376.3; 2019, c. 712.

A. The developer, association, or other project professional shall post and maintain signs that contain the warning notice specified in subsection B. One sign shall be placed in a clearly visible location at the entrance to the project and another at the site of the project activity. The warning notice shall consist of a sign in black letters, with each letter to be a minimum of one inch in height. Every written contract entered into by a project professional for the providing of professional services, instruction, or the rental of equipment to a participant, whether or not the contract involves project activities on or off the time-share project or at the site of the project activity, shall contain in clearly readable print the warning notice specified in subsection B.

B. The signs and contracts described in subsection A shall contain the following notice of warning:

"WARNING: Under Virginia law, there is no liability for an injury to or death of a participant in a project activity conducted at this location if such injury or death results from the inherent risks of project activity. Inherent risks of project activity include, among others, risks of injury inherent to land, equipment, and animals, as well as the potential for you to act in a negligent manner that may contribute to your injury or death. You are assuming the inherent risks of participating in this project activity."

C. Failure to comply with the requirements concerning warning signs and notices provided in this section shall prevent a project professional from invoking the privileges of immunity provided by this chapter.

2007, c. 267, § 55-376.4; 2019, c. 712.

A. Prior to the execution of a purchase contract, a purchaser shall be given a separate written document, titled "Buyer's Acknowledgment," to be signed by the purchaser and a representative of the developer other than the salesperson for the transaction.

B. The Buyer's Acknowledgment shall contain the following:

1. The name and address of the developer;

2. The name and address of the time-share project;

3. Whether the developer currently offers a resale or rental program or a buy-back program; and

4. The following statement in at least 10-point boldface type:

"There is no assurance that a purchaser may resell a time-share for a certain price or on particular terms. By signing below, purchaser acknowledges that this purchase is (i) for personal use and enjoyment and not for commercial or investment purposes and (ii) not being made based upon any representation that the time-share has any future market value or resale potential."

2012, c. 751, § 55-376.5; 2019, c. 712.

A. In the event of any resale of a time-share by a time-share owner, other than the developer, such owner shall obtain from the developer or managing agent in the case of a time-share use program or from the time-share estate owners' association in the case of a time-share estate program, and furnish to the purchaser prior to settlement on an executed agreement to purchase the time-share, a certificate of resale that shall include the following:

1. A statement disclosing the effect on the proposed transfer of any right of first refusal or other restraint on transfer of the time-share or any portion of such time-share;

2. A copy of the time-share instrument;

3. A copy of the current bylaws and rules and regulations of the time-share estate owners' association, if any, and the amendments to such bylaws, rules, or regulations;

4. A copy of the current annual report prepared pursuant to § 55.1-2213;

5. A statement setting forth the amount of any expense liability and unpaid time-share expense or special assessment currently due and payable from the selling time-share owner, including the disclosures of any liens against the time-share due to the nonpayment of such fees or charges;

6. A statement of the nature and status of any known and pending actions or judgments against the developer, managing entity, or time-share owners' association with reference to the time-share project; and

7. A copy of a Buyer's Acknowledgment form required by § 55.1-2226.

B. The developer, managing agent, or such officer of the time-share owners' association as the bylaws may specify shall furnish the certificate of resale prescribed by subsection A upon the written request of any purchaser within 30 days of the receipt of such request. Payment of the reasonable costs of preparing the certificate may be required as a prerequisite to the issuance of the certificate, but such fee shall not exceed $50.

C. A time-share owner providing a certificate pursuant to subsection A is not liable to the purchaser for any erroneous information included in the certificate, other than for judgment liens against the time-share being sold.

D. A purchaser is not liable for any unpaid time-share expense liability or fee greater than the amount set forth in the certificate prepared in conformity with subsection A. A time-share owner is not liable to a purchaser for the failure or delay of the provider to provide the certificate in a timely manner, but the purchase contract is voidable by the purchaser until the certificate has been provided and for five days after the certificate has been provided or until transfer, whichever occurs first.

E. All rights of redress of a purchaser against a selling time-share owner, the developer, the managing agent, or the association for the failure to obtain or receive the statement required by subsection A are conclusively waived upon settlement on the time-share occurring.

F. The responsibilities imposed by this section on the developer, managing agent, time-share estate owners' association, or selling time-share owner shall not be waived.

1981, c. 462, § 55-380; 1985, c. 517; 1989, c. 637; 1994, c. 580; 1998, c. 460; 2012, c. 751; 2019, c. 712.

A. In addition to the requirements of § 55.1-2242, before receiving anything of value for providing or offering to provide a resale service, a reseller shall disclose in writing to the owner of a resale time-share:

1. The name and permanent business address of the reseller;

2. A commencement and transaction date for such resale service;

3. The names and addresses of any affiliates and the primary website address used by the reseller and such affiliates to be used to promote the resale time-share;

4. Whether the reseller's rights are exclusive and, if so, the scope of such rights and length of the exclusivity period;

5. Whether any person, other than the owner, may occupy, rent, exchange, or use the resale time-share during the resale service;

6. The name of any person other than the owner who will receive any rent or other consideration from the use of the resale time-share during the resale service;

7. A description of each resale service to be provided and the fees, costs, or commissions for each;

8. A description sufficient to identify the resale time-share;

9. The jurisdiction issuing the license for any services by a licensed real estate broker or salesperson; and

10. The following in at least 10-point boldface type:

a. The ratio of (i) the number of resale time-shares listed for sale to the number of resale time-shares actually sold by the reseller for each of the past two calendar years or (ii) the total amount of advance fees collected compared with the total amount of fees and commissions received by the reseller upon sale of resale time-shares for the past two calendar years, followed by this statement: "Do not rely on past performance as an indicator of the likelihood of sale of your time-share."; and

b. If the retail service is limited to the placement of advertisements, this statement: "There is no guarantee that you will sell your time-share at all or within any period of time by placing this advertisement. Our only obligation to you is to post your advertisement on our website for the agreed length of time and forward all inquiries we receive to you."

B. A resale transfer contract shall include the following disclosures by the reseller:

1. The disclosures required by subdivisions A 1 through 7;

2. A description legally sufficient for the transfer of the resale time-share;

3. A description of the document by which the owner is to (i) grant rights in the resale time-share to the reseller or any other person, including a power of attorney or similar document, and (ii) transfer the resale time-share to a subsequent purchaser;

4. Any fees or costs the time-share owner is required to pay or reimburse to the reseller or transfer company to complete the transfer;

5. The date by which the transfer of the resale time-share from the owner to the reseller, a third person, or a subsequent purchaser will be completed, not to exceed 180 days from the effective date of the resale transfer contract;

6. If the resale time-share will be transferred to a transferee other than a subsequent purchaser, the contact information of such transferee;

7. A statement that the reseller will (i) provide the owner written evidence of transfer of the resale time-share to a subsequent purchaser within 30 days of such transfer and (ii) send notice of the transfer to the association and managing entity of the time-share program for the resale transfer and any exchange company in which the resale time-share was enrolled; and

8. The following statements in 10-point boldface type:

a. "No later than 180 days from the date of this agreement, we will transfer your time-share to another person. If transfer does not occur within that period, we will pay or reimburse to you the cost of ownership of your time-share for that period. If we breach our agreement, you will continue to be responsible for such cost of ownership."; and

b. "Your time-share may be sold at any price by us without your approval. If sold for a price in excess of our fee, we have no obligation to send you the excess."

C. A resale purchase contract shall require the reseller to obtain the certificate of resale described in subsection A of § 55.1-2227 and shall also include the following:

1. A description legally sufficient for transfer of the resale time-share;

2. The name and address of the developer or managing agent for a time-share use project or the association for a time-share estate project;

3. Identification of the party responsible for notifying the developer, managing entity, association, or exchange company, as the case may be, of the transfer of the resale time-share;

4. Identification of the first year in which the subsequent purchaser is entitled to use and occupy the resale time-share; and

5. The following statement in 10-point boldface type: "A certificate of resale is required to be provided to you containing important documents concerning the time-share project for your review. Settlement waives the right to receipt of such information."

2012, c. 751, § 55-380.1; 2019, c. 712.

A. In the case of time-share estate transfers, unless the purchaser expressly agrees to take subject to or assume a lien prior to transferring a time-share estate other than by deed in lieu of foreclosure, the developer shall either (i) record or furnish to the purchaser as part of settlement releases of all liens affecting that time-share estate, or (ii) provide a surety bond or title insurance against the lien, as provided for liens on real estate in the Commonwealth.

B. Unless a time-share owner or his predecessor in title agrees otherwise with the lienor, if a lien other than an underlying mortgage or deed of trust becomes effective against more than one time-share in a time-share project, any time-share owner is entitled to a release of a time-share from the lien upon payment of the amount of the lien attributable to the time-share. The amount of the payment shall be proportionate to the ratio that the time-share owner's liability bears to the liabilities of all time-share owners whose interests are subject to the lien. Upon receipt of payment, the lien-holder shall promptly deliver to the time-share owner a release of the lien covering that time-share. After payment, the managing entity may not assess or have a lien against that time-share for any portion of the expenses incurred in connection with that lien.

1981, c. 462, § 55-381; 1991, c. 704; 2019, c. 712.

A. If a developer or any other person subject to this chapter violates any provision of this chapter or any provision of the time-share instrument, any person or class of persons adversely affected by the violation has a claim for appropriate relief. The court may also award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party.

B. Prior to the commencement of any action alleging a failure to comply with the provisions of § 55.1-2220 or 55.1-2234, however, an aggrieved owner shall first seek a determination from the Board as to whether compliance with § 55.1-2220 or 55.1-2234 has occurred. The Board shall make such determination within 120 days of the request for a determination.

1981, c. 462, § 55-382; 1985, c. 517; 1998, c. 460; 2008, c. 376; 2019, c. 712.

A. Except as otherwise provided in § 55.1-2237, a judicial proceeding where the sufficiency of the time-share instrument, the accuracy of the public offering statement, or validity of any contract of purchase is in issue and a rescission of the contract or damages is sought shall be commenced within two years after the date of the contract of purchase, notwithstanding that the purchaser's terms of payments may extend beyond this period of limitation; however, with respect to the enforcement of provisions in the contract of purchase that require the continued furnishing of services and the reciprocal payments to be made by the purchaser, the period of bringing a judicial proceeding shall continue for a period of two years for each breach.

Rescission of the contract shall not be granted by the court unless (i) the inaccuracy of the public offering statement or the insufficiency of the time-share instrument directly and adversely affected the purchaser's right to participate in the time-share program or to own his time-share or (ii) at the time of the contract, the developer has sold more time-shares than there are time-share units that have been completed or bonded to accommodate such sales. Further, if damages are awarded, the amount of the damages shall be limited to actual damages sustained.

B. If a developer has substantially complied in good faith with the provisions of this chapter, a nonmaterial error or omission shall not be actionable. A nonmaterial error or omission shall not be sufficient to permit a purchaser to cancel a contract after the cancellation period provided by § 55.1-2221 has expired.

1981, c. 462, § 55-383; 2006, c. 653; 2008, c. 376; 2019, c. 712.

A. No time-share owner can bring an action on behalf of other time-share owners unless he has received the written authorization to represent all other time-share owners within the project.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, the association may bring an action on behalf of the time-share owners with the authorization of the time-share owners within the project upon the two-thirds majority vote of the board of directors, if such action is found to be in the best interest of the association.

C. For purposes of this section, the developer shall not be deemed a time-share owner and his written permission shall not be required.

1981, c. 462, § 55-384; 1989, c. 637; 2019, c. 712.

The person or entity responsible for either making or collecting common expense assessments or maintenance assessments shall keep detailed financial records. All financial and other records shall be made reasonably available at such person's or entity's office for examination by any time-share owner and his authorized agents.

1981, c. 462, § 55-385; 2019, c. 712.

A. The developer shall complete all promised and incomplete units and common elements being offered and described in the time-share instrument and the public offering statement. The developer shall be excused for any period of delay in the completion of such promised units and common elements when delayed, hindered, or prevented from doing so by causes beyond the developer's control, which shall include (i) labor disputes not caused by the developer; (ii) riots; (iii) civil commotion or insurrection; (iv) war or warlike operations; (v) governmental restrictions, regulations, or control; (vi) inability to obtain any materials or services; (vii) fire or other casualties; (viii) acts of God; or (ix) forces not under the control or supervision of the developer.

B. The developer shall file with the Board a payment and performance bond in the sum equal to 100 percent of the estimated cost of completing all promised and incomplete units and common elements comprising the time-share project described in the time-share instrument and the public offering statement. Such bond shall be conditioned upon the completion of such units and common elements in conformity with the plans and specifications for such improvements. The bond shall be with a surety company authorized to do business in the Commonwealth. The Board may accept cash or an irrevocable letter of credit in lieu of the bond required by this section. The Board shall be the sole determiner of the form, amount, content, obligee, and conditions of the letter of credit. Should it become necessary for the Board to call upon the letter of credit in order to assure completion of the improvements, the Board shall have the authority to petition a court of competent jurisdiction to appoint a receiver to administer such completion.

1981, c. 462, § 55-386; 1983, c. 59; 1985, c. 517; 1994, c. 580; 1998, c. 460; 2019, c. 712.

Article 4. Financing.

In the developer's financing of a time-share program, the developer shall retain financial records of the schedule of payments required to be made and the payments made by it to any person or entity that is the holder of an underlying blanket mortgage, deed of trust, contract of sale, or other lien or encumbrance.

1981, c. 462, § 55-387; 1985, c. 517; 2019, c. 712.

The developer whose project is subject to an underlying blanket lien or encumbrance shall protect a nondefaulting purchaser from foreclosure or cancellation by the lien holder by securing from such lien holder or recording of a nondisturbance clause, subordination agreement, or partial release of the lien as to that time-share sold to such purchaser.

1981, c. 462, § 55-388; 1985, c. 517; 2019, c. 712.

Any lien holder of a time-share interest in any time-share program shall have the following rights:

1. The lien holder shall have its lien rights preserved as against any purchaser of a time-share who claims that the time-share instrument is invalid, void, or voidable, 30 days after written notice by certified mail or personal delivery has been given by the developer or lien holder to the purchaser. The notice shall state that the developer has assigned the receivables to the lien holder and that the purchaser has 30 days within which to object and specify the invalidity or defect contained within such time-share instrument. The notice required by this section may be included in the blanket encumbrance, in the contract, or in any note, deed of trust, or mortgage executed by the purchaser in connection with the purchaser's deferred purchase of a time-share.

2. Any purchaser who fails to indicate that the time-share instrument is invalid, void, or voidable as provided in subdivision 1 waives, or is estopped to raise, the same in any subsequent enforcement of the collection of the receivable by the lien holder.

1981, c. 462, § 55-389; 1985, c. 517; 1998, c. 460; 2019, c. 712.

Article 5. Registration.

A. A developer may not offer or dispose of any interest in a time-share program unless the time-share program has been properly registered with the Board. A developer may accept a nonbinding reservation together with a deposit if the deposit is placed in an escrow account with an institution having trust powers within the Commonwealth and is refundable at any time at the purchaser's option. In all cases, the reservation shall require a subsequent affirmative act by the purchaser via a separate instrument to create a binding obligation. A developer may not dispose of or transfer a time-share while an order revoking or suspending the registration of the time-share program is in effect.

B. The developer shall maintain records of names and addresses of current independent contractors employed by it for time-share sales purposes.

1981, c. 462, § 55-390; 1983, c. 59; 1985, c. 517; 1994, c. 580; 2019, c. 712; 2020, c. 1011.

A. The application for registration shall be filed in a form prescribed by the Board's regulations and shall include the following:

1. An irrevocable appointment to the Board to receive service of process in any proceeding arising under this chapter against the developer or the developer's agent if nonresidents of the Commonwealth;

2. The states or jurisdictions in which an application for registration or similar document has been filed and any adverse order or judgment entered in connection with the time-share program by the regulatory authorities in each jurisdiction or by any court;

3. The applicant's name, address, and the organizational form, including the date and jurisdiction under which the applicant was organized, and the address of its principal office and each of its sales offices in the Commonwealth;

4. The name, address, and principal occupation for the past five years of every officer of the applicant or person occupying a similar status or performing similar functions and the extent and nature of his interest in the applicant or the time-share program as of a specified date within 30 days of the filing of the application;

5. A statement, in a form acceptable to the Board, of the condition of the title to each time-share project included in the time-share program, including encumbrances as of a specified date within 30 days of the date of application, by a title opinion of a licensed attorney not a salaried employee, officer, or director of the applicant or owner, or by other evidence of a title acceptable to the Board;

6. A copy of the instruments that will be delivered to a purchaser and copies of the contracts and other agreements that a purchaser will be required to agree or to sign;

7. A copy of any management agreements, employment contracts, or other contracts or agreements affecting the use, maintenance, or access of all or any part of the time-share program;

8. A statement of the zoning and other governmental regulations affecting the use of a time-share project in a time-share program, including the site plans and building permits and their status and any existing tax and existing or proposed special taxes or assessments that affect the time-share;

9. A narrative description of the promotional plan for the disposition of the time-shares;

10. The proposed public offering statement and its exhibits;

11. Any bonds required to be posted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter;

12. The time-share estate owners' association annual report or budget required by § 55.1-2213 to the extent available;

13. A description of the time-share program being submitted for registration; and

14. Any other information that the Board believes necessary to assure full and fair disclosure.

B. The developer shall immediately report to the Board any material changes in the information contained in an application for registration.

C. Nothing shall prevent a developer from including in the registration a time-share project where construction is yet to begin or, if construction has begun, where construction is not yet complete.

Code 1950, § 55-391; 1981, c. 462; 1985, c. 517, § 55-391.1; 1994, c. 580; 1998, c. 460; 2011, c. 605; 2019, c. 712; 2020, c. 1011.

The Board may by regulation establish reasonable fees for registration. All fees shall be remitted by the Board to the State Treasurer and shall be placed to the credit of the Common Interest Community Management Information Fund established pursuant to § 54.1-2354.2.

Code 1950, § 55-392; 1981, c. 462; 1985, c. 517, § 55-392.1; 2008, cc. 851, 871; 2019, c. 712.

A. Upon receipt of the application for registration in proper form, the Board, within five business days, shall issue a notice of filing to the applicant. Within 20 days after receipt of the application, the Board shall review the application to determine whether the application and supporting documents satisfy the requirements of this chapter and the Board's regulations. Within 60 days from the date of the notice of filing, the Board shall enter an order registering or rejecting the application. If no order of rejection is entered within 60 days from the date of the notice of filing, the time-share program shall be deemed registered unless the applicant has consented in writing to a delay.

B. If the Board determines after review of the application and documents provided by the applicant that the requirements of § 55.1-2239 have been met, it shall issue an order registering the time-share program and shall designate the form of the public offering statement.

C. If the Board determines that any of the requirements of § 55.1-2239 have not been met, the Board shall notify the applicant that the application for registration shall be corrected in the particulars specified within 20 days. If the requirements are not met within the time allowed, the Board shall enter an order rejecting the registration, which shall include the findings of fact upon which the order is based. The order rejecting the registration shall become effective 20 days after issuance. During this 20-day period, the applicant may petition for reconsideration and shall be entitled to a hearing or to correct the particulars specified in the Board's notice. Such order of rejection shall not take effect, in any event, until such time as the hearing, if requested, is given to the applicant.

Code 1950, § 55-393; 1981, c. 462; 1985, c. 517, § 55-393.1; 2019, c. 712; 2020, c. 1011.

A. The developer shall file a report in the form prescribed by the Board's regulations by June 30 of each year the registration is effective. The developer of any time-share program initially registered with the Board between January and June shall not be required to file an annual report for the year in which it was initially registered. The report shall reflect any material changes in information contained in the original application for registration or in the immediately preceding annual report, whichever is later, and shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee established by the Board's regulations or pursuant to § 55.1-2240.

B. During the developer control period in a time-share estate program, the developer shall file a copy of the unit owners' association annual report required by § 55.1-2213 along with the annual report required by this section.

C. The developer shall amend or supplement its registration with the Board to report any material change in the information required by §§ 55.1-2217 and 55.1-2239. Such amendments or supplemental information shall be filed with the Board within 20 business days after the occurrence of the material change.

Code 1950, § 55-394; 1981, c. 462; 1985, c. 517, § 55-394.1; 1998, c. 460; 2006, c. 653; 2012, cc. 481, 797; 2019, c. 712; 2020, c. 1011.

A. In a time-share estate program, if the annual report indicates that the developer has transferred title to the time-share owners' association and that no further development rights exist, the Board shall issue an order terminating the registration of the time-share program.

B. The Board shall issue an order terminating the registration of a time-share program upon application by the developer in which the developer states that no further development right is anticipated and that the developer has ceased sales of time-shares in the time-share program.

C. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, the Board may administratively terminate the registration of a time-share program if:

1. The developer has not filed an annual report in accordance with § 55.1-2242 for three or more consecutive years; or

2. The developer's registration with the State Corporation Commission, if applicable, has not been active for five or more consecutive years.

2012, cc. 481, 797, § 55-394.2; 2019, c. 712; 2020, c. 1011.

A. A reseller shall not provide or offer to provide any resale service unless he is registered with the Board.

B. The application for registration shall be filed in a form prescribed by the Board's regulations and shall include such information as required by the Board. A reseller shall immediately report to the Board any material changes in the information contained in an application for registration. The Board may by regulation establish reasonable fees for registration under this section. All fees shall be remitted by the Board to the Treasurer of Virginia, and shall be placed to the credit of the Common Interest Community Management Information Fund established pursuant to § 54.1-2354.2.

C. The registration requirements shall not apply to:

1. A person who solely or with affiliates engages in a resale service with respect to an aggregate of no more than 12 resale time-shares per calendar year;

2. A person who owns or acquires more than 12 resale time-shares and who subsequently transfers all such resale time-shares to a single purchaser in a single transaction;

3. The owner, its agents, and employees of a regularly published newspaper, magazine, or other periodical publication of general circulation; broadcast station; website; or billboard, to the extent their activities are limited to solicitation and publication of advertisements and the transmission of responses to the persons who place the advertisements. Any person who would otherwise be exempt from this chapter pursuant to this section shall not be exempt if the person (i) solicits the placement of the advertisement by representing that the advertisement will generate cash, a certain price, or a similar type of representation for the time-share owner's resale time-share; (ii) makes a recommendation as to the sales price for which to advertise the resale time-share; (iii) makes any representations to the person placing the advertisement regarding the success rate for selling resale time-shares advertised with such person; or (iv) makes any misrepresentations as described in this chapter;

4. Sale by a developer or a party acting on its behalf of a resale time-share under a current registration of the time-share program in which the resale time-share is included;

5. Sale by an association, a managing entity, or a party acting on its behalf of a resale time-share owned by the association, provided that the sale is in compliance with subsection C of § 55.1-2228; or

6. Attorneys, title agents, title companies, or escrow companies providing closing services in connection with the transfer of a resale time-share.

D. No reseller shall:

1. Fail to disclose information in writing concerning the marketing, sale, or transfer of resale time-shares required by this chapter prior to accepting any consideration or with the expectation of receiving consideration from any time-share owner, seller, or buyer.

2. Make false or misleading statements concerning offers to buy or rent; the value, pricing, timing, or availability of resale time-shares; or numbers of sellers, renters, or buyers when engaged in time-share resale activities.

3. Misrepresent the likelihood of selling a resale time-share interest.

4. Misrepresent the method by or source from which the reseller or lead dealer obtained the contact information of any time-share owner.

5. Misrepresent price or value increases or decreases, assessments, special assessments, maintenance fees, or taxes.

6. Guarantee sales or rentals in order to obtain money or property.

7. Make false or misleading statements concerning the identity of the reseller or any of its affiliates or the time-share resale entity's or any of its affiliate's experience, performance, guarantees, services, fees, or commissions, availability of refunds, length of time in business, or endorsements by or affiliations with developers, management companies, or any other third parties.

8. Misrepresent whether or not the reseller or its affiliates, employees, or agents hold, in any state or jurisdiction, a current real estate sales or broker's license or other government-required license.

9. Misrepresent how funds will be utilized in any time-share resale activity conducted by the reseller.

10. Misrepresent that the reseller or its affiliates, employees, or agents have specialized education, professional affiliations, expertise, licenses, certifications, or other specialized knowledge or qualifications.

11. Make false or misleading statements concerning the conditions under which a time-share owner, seller, or buyer may exchange or occupy the resale time-share interest.

12. Represent that any gift, prize, membership, or other benefit or service will be provided to any time-share owner, seller, or buyer without providing such gift, prize, membership, or other benefit or service in the manner represented.

13. Misrepresent the nature of any resale time-share interest or the related time-share plan.

14. Misrepresent the amount of the proceeds, or fail to pay the proceeds, of any rental or sale of a resale time-share interest as offered by a potential renter or buyer to the time-share owner who made such resale time-share interest available for rental or sale through the reseller.

15. Fail to transfer any resale time-share interests as represented and required by this chapter or to provide written evidence to the time-share owner of the recording or transfer of such time-share owner's resale time-share interest as required by this chapter.

16. Fail to pay any annual assessments, special assessments, personal property or real estate taxes, or other fees relating to an owner's resale time-share interest as represented or required by this chapter.

17. Misrepresent or misuse the intended purpose of a power of attorney or similar document to the detriment of any grantor of such power of attorney.

2012, c. 751, § 55-394.3; 2019, c. 712.

A. If contact information has been obtained by a reseller from any source, including a lead dealer, the reseller and lead dealer shall maintain the following records for a period of five years from the last date of contact between the reseller and the owner:

1. The name; home address; work address, if different; telephone number; email address, if any; and a copy of a current government-issued photographic identification (e.g., driver's license, passport, or military identification card) of the lead dealer who provided the contact information;

2. The date, time, and place of the transaction at which the contact information was obtained, along with the amount of consideration paid and a signed receipt from the lead dealer or copy of a canceled check; and

3. A copy of the contact information obtained in the exact form and media in which received.

B. A reseller shall maintain records for at least five years after each transaction involving resale service including resale transfer agreements and resale purchase agreements.

C. In any civil or criminal action based on a violation of this section, there shall be a presumption that contact information was wrongfully obtained if a reseller or lead dealer fails to produce the records required by this section.

D. Any person who establishes that a reseller or lead dealer wrongfully obtained or wrongfully used contact information with respect to time-share owners or members of an exchange program shall, in addition to any other remedies that may be available in law or equity, be entitled to recover from such reseller or lead dealer an amount equal to $1,000 for each time-share owner or member about whom contact information was wrongfully obtained or used. The prevailing person in any such action shall also be entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees and costs.

2012, c. 751, § 55-394.4; 2019, c. 712.

A. The application for registration of an alternative purchase shall be filed in a form prescribed by the Board and shall include the following:

1. A general description of the types of alternative purchases offered;

2. A copy of the terms and conditions applicable to the alternative purchases; and

3. The name, address, and contact information of the developer offering the alternative purchases.

B. Any material change to the standard terms and conditions applicable to an alternative purchase shall be filed with the Board within 30 days of such change being effective. Changes to the length of stay, location, or price shall not require an amendment of the registration, provided that the terms and conditions applicable to such alternative purchases are on file with the Board.

C. The provisions of §§ 55.1-2217 and 55.1-2220 shall not apply to alternative purchases registered under this section.

2014, c. 623, § 55-394.5; 2019, c. 712.

Article 6. Administration.

A. The Board may adopt, amend, and repeal rules and regulations and issue orders consistent with and in furtherance of the objectives of this chapter. The Board may prescribe forms and procedures for submitting information to the Board.

B. The Board may accept grants in aid from any governmental source and may contract with agencies charged with similar functions in this or other jurisdictions, in furtherance of the objectives of this chapter.

C. The Board may cooperate with agencies performing similar functions in this and other jurisdictions to develop uniform filing procedures and forms, uniform disclosure standards, and uniform administrative practices and may develop information that may be useful in the discharge of the Board's duties.

D. 1. The Board may issue an order requiring the developer or reseller to cease and desist from the unlawful practice and to take such affirmative action as in the judgment of the Board will carry out the purposes of this chapter if it determines after legal notice and opportunity for hearing that a developer or reseller or an agent of a developer or reseller has:

a. Made any representation in any document or information filed with the Board that is false or misleading;

b. Engaged or is engaging in any unlawful act or practice;

c. Disseminated or caused to be disseminated orally, or in writing, any false or misleading promotional materials in connection with a time-share program;

d. Concealed, diverted, or disposed of any funds or assets of any person in a manner impairing rights of purchasers of time-shares in the time-share program;

e. Failed to perform any stipulation or agreement made to induce the Board to issue an order relating to that time-share program;

f. Otherwise violated any provision of this chapter or any of the Board's rules and regulations or orders; or

g. Disposed of any time-share in a time-share program without first complying with the requirements of this chapter.

2. If the Board makes a finding of fact in writing that the public interest will be irreparably harmed by delay in issuing an order, as prescribed in subdivision 1, it may issue a temporary order to cease and desist or to take such affirmative action as may be deemed appropriate by the agency. Prior to issuing the temporary order, the Board shall give notice of the proposal to issue a temporary order to the developer or the reseller. Every temporary order shall include in its terms:

a. A provision clearly stating the reasons for issuing such order and the nature and extent of the facts and findings on which the order is based;

b. A provision that a failure to comply with such temporary order will be a violation of this chapter; and

c. A provision that upon request a hearing will be held promptly to determine whether or not the order shall become permanent.

The Board shall not issue more than one temporary order with reference to such finding of fact as prescribed in this subsection.

E. The Board may also issue a cease and desist order if the developer has not registered the time-share program as required by this chapter or if a reseller has not registered as required by this chapter.

F. The Board, after notice and hearing, may issue an order revoking the registration of the developer's time-share program or the registration of a reseller upon determination that such developer, reseller, or agent of such developer or reseller has failed to comply with a cease and desist order issued by the Board affecting the developer's time-share program or the reseller.

G. If it appears that any person has engaged, is engaging, or is about to engage in any act or practice in violation of this chapter or any of the Board's rules, regulations, or orders applicable to this chapter, the Board, without prior administrative proceedings, may bring an action in the circuit court of the county or city in which any portion of the time-share project is located to enjoin that act or practice or for other appropriate relief. The Board is not required to post a bond or prove that no adequate remedy at law exists.

H. Upon request of a time-share owner, the Board shall, in accordance with subsection B of § 55.1-2230, issue its determination whether compliance with § 55.1-2220 or 55.1-2234 has occurred.

1981, c. 462, § 55-396; 1985, c. 517; 1998, c. 460; 2008, c. 376; 2011, c. 605; 2012, c. 751; 2019, cc. 467, 499, 712; 2020, c. 1011.

A. The Board shall stipulate to the developer or reseller the reason for any cease and desist order, or revocation of registration as outlined in § 55.1-2247, by no later than the time such order or revocation is to become effective.

B. Should the developer or reseller satisfy the Board that it has corrected the reasons for the cease and desist order or revocation of registration, then the Board shall promptly cancel such order or reinstate the registration, and thereafter the developer or reseller may continue its offering or disposition of time-shares.

1981, c. 462, § 55-397; 2012, c. 751; 2019, c. 712.

The Board may at any time require a developer to alter or supplement the form or substance of a public offering statement to assure adequate and accurate disclosure to prospective purchasers.

1981, c. 462, § 55-398; 2019, c. 712.

A. All proceedings of the Board under this chapter shall be conducted in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).

B. The Board may make necessary public or private investigations within or outside the Commonwealth to determine whether any person has violated or is about to violate any provision of this chapter or any rule, regulation, or order issued pursuant to this chapter.

1981, c. 462, § 55-399; 2009, c. 557; 2011, c. 605; 2019, cc. 499, 712.

Repealed by Acts 2019, c. 499, cl. 2.

A. Any person who willfully violates any of the provisions of § 55.1-2217, 55.1-2218, 55.1-2219, 55.1-2220, 55.1-2221, 55.1-2229, 55.1-2233, or 55.1-2238, or any order issued pursuant to §§ 55.1-2247 through 55.1-2250 is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

Any person who willfully violates any of the provisions of § 55.1-2226, 55.1-2228, or 55.1-2244 or any order issued pursuant to §§ 55.1-2247 through 55.1-2250 regarding a violation of § 55.1-2226, 55.1-2228, or 55.1-2244 is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Each violation shall be deemed a separate offense.

B. Any developer, member, agent or affiliate of any developer of time-shares registered pursuant to § 55.1-2241, or any reseller, who violates any provision of this chapter or regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter, and who is not criminally prosecuted, may be subject to a civil penalty. If it has been determined by the Board upon or after a hearing that a respondent has violated this chapter or the Board's rules and regulations, the Board shall proceed to determine the amount of the civil penalty for such violation, which shall not exceed $2,000 for each violation. Such penalty may be sued for and recovered in the name of the Commonwealth.

1981, c. 462, § 55-400; 1983, c. 59; 1985, c. 517; 1991, c. 704; 2012, c. 751; 2019, c. 712.

Chapter 23. Subdivided Land Sales Act.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Agent" means any person who represents or acts for or on behalf of a developer in the disposition of any lot in a subdivision, but does not include an attorney whose representation of another person consists solely of rendering legal services.

"Blanket encumbrance" means a trust, deed, mortgage, judgment, or any other lien or encumbrance, securing or evidencing the payment of money and affecting the land comprising the subdivision to be offered and sold or leased or affecting more than 10 lots or parcels of such lands, or an agreement affecting more than 10 lots or parcels of such lands by which the developer holds such subdivision under option, contract, sale, or trust agreement. "Blanket encumbrance" does not include mechanics' liens, taxes, or assessments levied by a public authority, or easements granted to public utilities or governmental agencies for the purpose of bringing services to the lot or parcel within the subdivision.

"Developer" means any person who offers, directly or indirectly, for disposition, any lot in a subdivision, but does not include a trustee under a deed of trust securing an indebtedness or other obligation who sells lots within such subdivision under foreclosure proceedings, provided that the purpose in so doing is not to evade the provisions of this chapter.

"Disposition" or "sale" means any lease, assignment, or exchange, or any interest in any lot that is a part of or included in a subdivision.

"Land sales installment contract" means any installment contract for the sale or disposition of land by which the purchaser does not receive a deed conveying the property purchased until some or all installment payments have been made as called for in the contract and record title to such property remains in another pending full performance of the contract.

"Lot" means any unit, parcel, division, piece of land, or interest in land except utility easements if such interest carries with it the exclusive right to use a specific portion of property.

"Offer" means any inducement, solicitation, media advertisement, or attempt performed by or on behalf of a developer that has as its objective the disposition of a lot in a subdivision.

"Person" means any individual, corporation, government or governmental agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, unincorporated association, two or more of any of the foregoing having a joint or common interest, or any other legal or commercial entity.

"Purchaser" means a person who acquires or attempts to acquire any lot in a subdivision.

"Subdivision" means:

1. Any subdivision of land into 100 or more lots, whether contiguous or not, where any such lots are, from July 1, 1978, sold or disposed of by land sales installment contracts and pursuant to a common promotional plan, where lot purchasers within such subdivision have use of and access to the facilities and amenities within such subdivision for which the lot owners are assessed on a regular or special basis for the use and enjoyment of such lot; and

2. Any existing subdivision of land of 30 or more lots in which the developer has concluded its sales effort for a period of six consecutive months and has transferred to the association described in subdivision A 1 of § 55.1-2305 all the title, control, and maintenance responsibilities of the common areas and common facilities.

1978, c. 510, § 55-337; 1980, c. 546; 1996, c. 372; 2019, c. 712.

Unless the method of disposition is adopted for the purposes of evasion of this chapter, the provisions of this chapter shall not apply to:

1. The sale of a subdivision to a single purchaser for his own account in a single or isolated transaction;

2. The disposition of lots in a subdivision if each lot in the subdivision is at least five acres in size;

3. The disposition of a lot on which there is a residential, commercial, or industrial building, or as to a lot upon which there is a legal obligation on the part of the seller to construct such a building within a period of two years from the date of disposition;

4. The disposition of land pursuant to court order, provided that the court reviews and approves the disposition on an individual basis;

5. The disposition of cemetery lots;

6. Offers or dispositions of evidence of indebtedness secured by a mortgage or deed of trust on real estate;

7. Offers or dispositions of securities or units of interest issued by a real estate investment trust regulated under any state or federal statute;

8. Offers or dispositions of any interest in real estate, oil, gas, or other minerals or any royalty interest in such real estate, oil, gas, or other minerals if the offers or dispositions of such interests are regulated as securities by the United States or by the Commonwealth;

9. The disposition of a lot to any person whose purpose in acquiring the land is to engage in the business of constructing residential, commercial, or industrial buildings on such land;

10. The lease of a lot where the right to possession or the rental term does not exceed one year in the aggregate and where the conditions of the lease do not obligate the lessee to renew;

11. The sale or lease of condominium units registered pursuant to the Virginia Condominium Act (§55.1-1900 et seq.); or

12. The disposition of real estate that is zoned or otherwise designated by the appropriate governmental authority for, or restricted by a valid recorded declaration of covenants to, commercial or industrial use.

1978, c. 510, § 55-338; 1980, c. 546; 2019, c. 712.

It is unlawful for the developer to transfer fee simple ownership of a lot or parcel within a subdivision to a purchaser by any other means than by a general or special warranty deed or other deed complying with Chapter 3 (§ 55.1-300 et seq.).

1978, c. 510, § 55-341; 2019, c. 712.

A. It is unlawful for any developer or agent to sell or lease a lot in a subdivision that is subject to a blanket encumbrance unless the blanket encumbrance or effective supplemental agreement contains a release provision permitting legal title to individual lots or other interest contracted for to be obtained free and clear of the blanket encumbrance. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit either the conditions upon which such release may be premise or the modification or amendment of such release provision as to (i) any purchaser other than a purchaser under an installment sales contract or (ii) any purchaser under an installment sales contract that is executed subsequent to the recordation of the amendment or modification.

B. Unless blanket encumbrance release provisions provide that the lien of the blanket encumbrance is subordinate to the rights of persons purchasing from the developer or agent and that those purchasers have the unconditional right to obtain legal title or other interest contracted for free and clear of the blanket encumbrance upon compliance with the terms and conditions of the purchase or lease, it is unlawful for a developer or agent to sell or lease lots except in compliance with one of the following conditions:

1. Any earnest money deposit or advance or other payment made by the purchaser on account of the purchase of a lot is placed in an escrow account that is a trust account maintained in a federally insured depository located in the Commonwealth and that fully protects the interest of the purchaser until:

a. Fee title or other interest contracted for is conveyed to the purchaser free and clear of the blanket encumbrance;

b. Either the developer or purchaser defaults under the contract and a final determination as to the disbursal of sums paid is made by a court of competent jurisdiction; or

c. The developer voluntarily orders the return of the money to the purchaser; or

2. Title to the subdivision is held in trust under a trust agreement until a proper release is obtained and legal title or other interest contracted for is conveyed to the purchaser.

1978, c. 510, § 55-342; 1980, c. 546; 1996, c. 372; 2019, c. 712.

Provided that selling or leasing a lot is not specifically prohibited by recorded covenant, it is unlawful to restrain the owner of a lot in a subdivision from offering such lot for sale or lease or from selling or leasing such lot. Any deed restriction or recorded covenant that creates a right of first refusal in excess of 30 days or creates a sales restraint that denies lot owners the right to post for-sale signs of reasonable size is null and void.

1978, c. 510, § 55-343; 2019, c. 712.

A. The covenants, deed restrictions, articles of incorporation, bylaws, or other instruments for the management, regulation, and control of subdivisions that include facilities or amenities for which the lot owners are assessed on a regular or special basis for the use, enjoyment, and maintenance of such facilities or amenities shall provide for at a minimum:

1. Formation of an association to be composed of lot owners within the subdivision, such formation occurring prior to the sale of the first lot within the subdivision by the developer;

2. A description of the areas or interests to be owned or controlled by the association, including those facilities or amenities for which the lot owners are subject to regular or special assessments;

3. The transfer of title, control, and maintenance responsibilities of common areas and common facilities to the association, which transfer is to take place no later than at such time as the developer transfers legal or equitable ownership of at least 75 percent of the lots within the subdivision to purchasers of such lots or when all of the amenities and facilities are completed, whichever occurs first, but in no event any sooner than two years from the date the developer sells his first lot within the subdivision should the developer elect to retain title to the common areas and common facilities for such period. The transfer of such title, control, and maintenance responsibilities required of the developer shall not exonerate the developer from the responsibility of completion of the common areas and facilities once the transfer takes place.

Nothing in this section shall preclude the developer from transferring the common areas and common facilities for consideration, provided that (i) such consideration does not exceed the lesser of the fair market value of such common areas and common facilities at the time of transfer or the actual cost expended by the developer for such common areas and common facilities and (ii) the developer affirmatively discloses the following information to the purchaser, in writing, at the time the initial contract of purchase is signed:

a. That the common areas and common facilities will be transferred only upon payment of consideration by the association;

b. The terms upon which such transfer will be made; and

c. An estimate of the amount of consideration to be paid by the association.

In the event the developer seeks payment for the areas or facilities transferred, the association shall have the option of deferring such payment, evidence by a deed of trust note covering a period of not less than five years at the legal rate of interest allowed in the Commonwealth and secured by a deed of trust covering the areas or facilities transferred;

4. Procedures for determining and collecting regular assessments to defray expenses attributable to the ownership, use, enjoyment, and operation of common areas and facilities transferred to the association;

5. Procedures for establishing and collecting special assessments for capital improvements or other purposes;

6. Procedures to be employed upon the annexation of additional land to the existing subdivision that shall disclose whether or not per capita assessments on account of such annexation shall be subject to an increase, in the event additional amenities or common facilities are provided lot owners within the subdivision;

7. Such procedures and restrictions, if any, that apply to the voluntary or involuntary resale of a lot within a subdivision by a purchaser or his agent, which shall be established prior to the sale of the first lot by the developer within the subdivision;

8. Monetary penalties or use privilege and voting suspension of members for breaches of the restrictions, bylaws, or other instruments for management and control of the subdivision, or for nonpayment of regular or special assessments, with procedures for hearings for the disciplined members;

9. Creation of a board of directors or other governing body for the association with the members of the board or body to be elected by a vote of members of the association in good standing at an annual meeting or special meeting to be held not later than six months after the transfer of the areas of facilities provided for in subdivision 3;

10. Enumeration of the power of the board of directors or governing body that is consistent with and not otherwise provided by law;

11. The preparation of an annual balance sheet and operating statement for each fiscal year with provision for distribution of a copy of the reports to each member of the association in good standing within 90 days after the end of the fiscal year;

12. Quorum requirements for meetings of members of the association who are in good standing; and

13. Such other provisions as may be required by the Virginia Nonstock Corporation Act (§ 13.1-801 et seq.) if the association is a Virginia nonstock corporation.

B. Any developer of a subdivision, successor or otherwise, when such subdivision is subject to the provisions of this chapter, shall be obligated to complete the facilities and amenities as promised and outlined in subsection A by the initial developer of the subdivision subject to the transfer of title, control, and maintenance responsibilities of common areas and common facilities to the lot owners' association. The foregoing shall not be deemed to apply to any purchaser at foreclosure or grantee in a deed in lieu of foreclosure, provided that the purchaser or grantee is a financial institution and the mortgagee, creditor, or beneficiary under the instrument being foreclosed or giving rise to the deed in lieu of foreclosure. For the purposes of this subsection, "financial institution" means a bank, savings institution, real estate investment trust, insurance company, pension or profit sharing trust, or other institution regularly engaged in the business of making real estate loans. For purposes of this subsection, the lot owners' association shall not be deemed a developer if at a meeting of its members in good standing a vote is taken and at least 50 percent of the members vote to be exempt from the requirements of this subsection.

C. The association, once formed and in existence, and the title owner of the common areas and common facilities within the subdivision and which has been in existence for a period of at least five years shall have the authority to pass special assessments against and raise the annual assessments of the members of the association and to collect such assessments from such members according to law, if the purpose in so doing is for the maintenance of such common areas and common facilities. The authority granted and conferred upon the association by this subsection exists only where the restrictions and covenants of record do not contain specific language that precludes the adoption of special assessments or increases the annual dues or assessments.

D. The association shall have a lien on every lot within its subdivision for unpaid regular or special assessments levied against such lot in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. The lien, once perfected, shall be prior to all other liens and encumbrances except (i) real estate tax liens on such lot, (ii) liens and encumbrances recorded prior to the perfected lien, and (iii) any sums unpaid on any first mortgages or first deeds of trust recorded prior to the perfection of the lien for regular or special assessments and securing institutional lenders. The provisions of this subsection shall not affect the priority of mechanics' and materialmen's liens.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, or any other provisions of law requiring documents to be recorded in the miscellaneous lien books or the deed books of the clerk's office of any court, from July 1, 1978, all memoranda of liens arising under this subsection shall, in the discretion of the clerk, be recorded in the miscellaneous lien books or the deed books in such clerk's office. Any memorandum shall be indexed in the general index to deeds, and such general index shall identify the lien as a lien for subdivision regular or special assessments.

The association, in order to perfect the lien given by this subsection, shall file before the expiration of 90 days from the time such regular or special assessment became due and payable in the clerk's office of the county or city in which the subdivision is situated a memorandum, verified by the oath of the president of the association, which shall contain:

1. A description of the subdivision;

2. The name or names of the owners of the lot;

3. The amount of unpaid regular or special assessments currently due or past due applicable to the lot, together with the date when each fell due; and

4. The date of issuance of the memorandum.

The clerk in whose office the memorandum is filed shall record and index such memorandum as provided in this subsection, in the names of the persons identified in such memorandum, as well as in the name of the association. The cost of recording the memorandum shall be taxed against the person found liable for any judgment or order enforcing such lien. It is lawful for the memorandum to be filed as one statement listing the information required in subdivisions 1 through 4 and each of the lot owners whose property within the subdivision is liened. The cost of filing shall be as provided in subdivision A 2 of § 17.1-275.

No action to enforce any lien perfected under this subsection shall be brought after one year from the time when the memorandum of lien was recorded; however, the filing of a petition to enforce any such lien in any action in which such petition may be properly filed shall be regarded as the institution of an action under this subsection. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to extend the time within which any such lien may be perfected. Nothing shall preclude the association from filing a single action listing all unpaid delinquent and enumerated lot owners as defendants and obtaining judgment against those so adjudicated by the court hearing the action.

The judgment in an action brought pursuant to this subsection shall include, without limitation, reimbursement for costs and attorney fees, together with the interest at the maximum lawful rate for the sums secured by the lien from the time each sum became due and payable.

When payment or satisfaction is made of a debt secured by the lien perfected by this subsection, the lien shall be released in accordance with the provisions of § 55.1-339. For the purposes of § 55.1-339, the president or secretary of the association is the duly authorized agent of the lien creditor.

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit the recovery of sums for which this subsection creates a lien.

Any lot owner within the subdivision having executed a contract for the disposition of the lot is entitled, upon request, to a recordable statement setting forth the amount of unpaid regular or special assessments currently levied against that lot. Such request shall be in writing, directed to the president of the association, and delivered to the principal office of the association. Failure of the association to furnish or make available such a statement within five business days from the receipt of such written request shall extinguish the lien created by this subsection as to the lot involved. Payment of a fee not exceeding $15 may be required as a prerequisite to the issuance of such a statement if the bylaws of the association so provide.

E. If, upon July 1, 1978, and a subdivision becoming subject to the terms and requirements outlined in subdivisions A 1 through 8 have not been performed, then the requirements shall have to be fully complied with within a period of 90 days from July 1, 1978, and upon failure to fully perform all of such requirements within the 90-day period the failure so to do shall constitute a violation of this subsection.

F. Each lot owner within a subdivision that falls within the scope of this chapter shall be responsible for his pro rata share of the cost of maintaining the common facilities and common areas owned by the association. For purposes of this subsection, "common facilities and common areas" means only the roads and lakes within the subdivision, and "maintaining" includes any orderly program for the continued upkeep and improvement of such roads and lakes. The association has the responsibility of determining the pro rata share assessed against each lot owner, and such amount assessed shall be in addition to the annual or special assessment otherwise obligated by each member of the association.

G. If a subdivision of land meets the requirement in subdivision 2 of the definition of subdivision as provided in § 55.1-2300, then the property owners' association of the subject subdivision has the powers and duties enumerated in subsections C, D, and F as well as the rights and authority to establish those procedures outlined in subdivisions A 4, 5, and 6 and the penalties in subdivision A 8, and also has the obligations imposed by such subdivisions and those of subdivisions A 9 through 12.

1978, c. 510, § 55-344; 1980, c. 546; 1989, c. 68; 1993, c. 36; 1996, c. 77; 2019, c. 712.

Any person violating any of the provisions of §§ 55.1-2302 through 55.1-2305 is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. At the discretion of the court, any imprisonment may run concurrently with imprisonment imposed by any court for violation of any law similar to the provisions of this chapter.

1978, c. 510, § 55-347; 1979, c. 243; 1996, c. 372; 2019, c. 712.

Chapter 23.1. Resale Disclosure Act.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Agent" means the authorized agent designated by the purchaser or seller in a ratified real estate contract, listing agreement, or other writing designating such agent.

"Association" means an association created pursuant to the Property Owners' Association Act (§ 55.1-1800 et seq.), the Virginia Condominium Act (§ 55.1-1900 et seq.), or the Virginia Real Estate Cooperative Act (§ 55.1-2100 et seq.), or a council of co-owners created pursuant to the Horizontal Property Act (§ 55.1-2000 et seq.).

"Board" means the board of directors or executive board, of an association, except that in the case of a horizontal property regime created pursuant to the Horizontal Property Act (§ 55.1-2000 et seq.), "board" means the council of co-owners.

"Common interest community" means a condominium created pursuant to the Virginia Condominium Act (§ 55.1-1900 et seq.) or the Horizontal Property Act (§ 55.1-2000 et seq.), a cooperative created pursuant to the Virginia Real Estate Cooperative Act (§ 55.1-2100 et seq.), or a property owners' association subject to the Property Owners' Association Act (§ 55.1-1800 et seq.).

"Days" means calendar days.

"Declarant" means the same as that term is defined in §§ 55.1-1800 and 55.1-1900.

"Financial update" means updated financial information for the unit, including information required by subdivisions A 4 and 5 of § 55.1-2310.

"Governing documents" means, to the extent applicable, the declaration, bylaws, organizing articles, and any other foundational documents of the association and all amendments to such documents.

"Limited elements" means the limited common elements appurtenant to a condominium unit or cooperative unit or the limited common area appurtenant to a lot.

"Managing agent" means a licensee who performs management services as defined in § 54.1-2345.

"Purchaser" means the person or entity acquiring the unit.

"Ratified real estate contract" or "contract" means the contract to purchase the unit and any addenda to such contract.

"Resale certificate" means the information listed in § 55.1-2310.

"Rules and regulations" means restrictions or limitations adopted by the board or authorized committee addressing the use, operation, appearance, or design of a portion of the common interest community.

"Seller" means the person or entity selling the unit.

"Settlement agent" means the same as that term is defined in § 55.1-1000.

"Unit" means a condominium unit in a condominium, a cooperative unit in a real estate cooperative, or a lot in a community governed by an association.

"Updated resale certificate" means an update of the resale certificate referenced in § 55.1-2311.

2023, cc. 387, 388.

Unless exempt pursuant to § 55.1-2317, any contract for the resale of a unit in a common interest community shall disclose (i) that the unit is located in a common interest community; (ii) that the seller is required to obtain from the association a resale certificate and provide it to the purchaser; (iii) the purchaser's right to cancel the contract pursuant to § 55.1-2312; (iv) that the purchaser may request an updated resale certificate pursuant to § 55.1-2311; and (v) that the purchaser's right to receive the resale certificate and the right to cancel the contract are waived conclusively if not exercised before settlement. If the contract does not contain the disclosures required by this section, the purchaser's sole remedy is to cancel the contract prior to settlement.

2023, cc. 387, 388.

A. The seller shall be required to obtain the resale certificate from the association and provide such resale certificate to the purchaser.

B. Unless exempt pursuant to § 55.1-2317, the association, the association's managing agent, or any third party preparing the resale certificate on behalf of the association shall deliver such resale certificate within 14 days after a written request by a seller or seller's agent.

C. The association, association's managing agent, or any third party preparing the resale certificate on behalf of the association shall deliver the resale certificate to the seller, or to such person as the seller may direct, either printed or in a generally accepted electronic format as the seller may request.

D. The information contained in the resale certificate shall be current as of a date specified on the resale certificate. The seller or purchaser may request an updated resale certificate as provided in § 55.1-2311.

2023, cc. 387, 388.

A. The association shall include the completed resale certificate form, developed by the common interest community board pursuant to subdivision 3 of § 54.1-2350, with supporting documentation set out in the following order:

1. The name, address, and phone numbers of the preparer of the resale certificate and any managing agent of the association;

2. A copy of the governing documents and any rules and regulations of the association;

3. A statement disclosing any restraint on the alienability of the unit for which the resale certificate is being issued;

4. A statement of the amount and payment schedules of assessments and any unpaid assessments currently due and payable to the association;

5. A statement of any other fees due and payable by an owner of the unit;

6. A statement of any other entity or facility to which the owner of the unit being sold may be liable for assessments, fees, or other charges due to the ownership of the unit;

7. A statement of the amount and payment schedule of any approved additional or special assessment and any unpaid additional or special assessment currently due and payable;

8. A statement of any capital expenditures approved by the association for the current and succeeding fiscal years;

9. A statement of the amount of any reserves for capital expenditures and of any portions of those reserves designated by the association for any specified projects;

10. The most recent balance sheet and income and expense statement, if any, of the association;

11. The current operating budget of the association;

12. The current reserve study, or a summary of such study;

13. A statement of any unsatisfied judgments against the association and the nature and status of any pending actions in which the association is a party and that could have a material impact on the association, the owners, or the unit being sold;

14. A statement describing any insurance coverage provided by the association for the benefit of the owners, including fidelity coverage, and any insurance coverage recommended or required to be obtained by the owners;

15. A statement as to whether the board has given or received written notice that any existing uses, occupancies, alterations, or improvements in or to the unit being sold or to the limited elements assigned thereto violate any provision of the governing documents or rules and regulations together with copies of any notices provided;

16. A statement as to whether the board has received written notice from a governmental agency of any violation of environmental, health, or building codes with respect to the unit being sold, the limited elements assigned thereto, or any other portion of the common interest community that has not been cured;

17. A copy of any approved minutes of meetings of the board held during the last six months;

18. A copy of any approved or draft minutes of the most recent association meeting;

19. A statement of the remaining term of any leasehold estate affecting a common area or common element, as those terms are defined in §§ 55.1-1800, 55.1-1900, and 55.1-2100, in the common interest community and the provisions governing any extension or renewal of such leasehold;

20. A statement of any limitation in the governing documents on the number or age of persons who may occupy a unit as a dwelling;

21. A statement setting forth any restriction, limitation, or prohibition on the right of an owner to display the flag of the United States, including reasonable restrictions as to the size, time, place, and manner of placement or display of such flag;

22. A statement setting forth any restriction, limitation, or prohibition on the right of an owner to install or use solar energy collection devices on the owner's unit or limited element;

23. A statement setting forth any restriction, limitation, or prohibition on the size, placement, or duration of display of political, for sale, or any other signs on the property;

24. A statement identifying any parking or vehicle restriction, limitation, or prohibition in the governing documents or rules and regulations;

25. A statement setting forth any restriction, limitation, or prohibition on the operation of a home-based business that otherwise complies with all applicable local ordinances;

26. A statement setting forth any restriction, limitation, or prohibition on an owner's ability to rent the unit;

27. In a cooperative, an accountant's statement, if any was prepared, as to the deductibility for federal income tax purposes by the owner of real estate taxes and interest paid by the association;

28. A statement describing any pending sale or encumbrance of common elements;

29. A statement indicating any known project approvals currently in effect issued by secondary mortgage market agencies; and

30. Certification that the association has filed with the Common Interest Community Board the annual report required by law, which certification shall indicate the filing number assigned by the Common Interest Community Board and the expiration date of such filing.

2023, cc. 387, 388.

A. If a resale certificate was issued more than 30 days but less than 12 months before settlement, the seller or the purchaser, upon proof of being the contract purchaser of the unit, may request an updated resale certificate. The updated resale certificate shall be delivered to the person requesting it, or as such person may direct, in the format requested. The updated resale certificate shall be delivered within 10 days after the written request.

B. The updated resale certificate shall contain current information for all items that may have changed from the original resale certificate or a statement that there are no changes.

C. A settlement agent authorized by the seller or purchaser may request a financial update and the association shall provide such information within three business days after the written request.

2023, cc. 387, 388.

A. The purchaser may cancel the contract:

1. Within three days, or up to seven days if extended by the ratified real estate contract, after the ratification date of the contract if the purchaser receives the resale certificate, whether or not complete pursuant to § 55.1-2310, or a notice that the resale certificate is unavailable on or before the date that the contract is ratified;

2. Within three days, or up to seven days if extended by the ratified real estate contract, from the date the purchaser receives the resale certificate, whether or not complete pursuant to § 55.1-2310, or a notice that the resale certificate is unavailable if delivery occurs after the contract is ratified; or

3. At any time prior to settlement if the resale certificate is not delivered to the purchaser.

B. Written notice of cancellation shall be provided to the seller in accordance with the terms of the contract. The purchaser shall have the burden to demonstrate delivery of the notice of cancellation.

C. If the unit is governed by more than one association, the timeframe for the purchaser's right of cancellation shall run from the date of delivery of the last resale certificate.

D. Cancellation shall be without penalty, and the seller shall cause any deposit or escrowed funds to be returned promptly to the purchaser.

2023, cc. 387, 388.

A. A seller providing a resale certificate pursuant to § 55.1-2310 or 55.1-2311 shall not be liable to the purchaser for any erroneous information provided by the association and included in the certificate or for the failure or delay of the association to provide the resale certificate in a timely manner.

B. A purchaser shall not be liable for any unpaid assessment or fee greater than the amount set forth in the resale certificate, updated resale certificate, or financial update. The association shall, as to the purchaser, be bound by the information provided in the resale certificate or updated resale certificate as to the amounts of current assessments, including any approved special or additional assessments, and any violation of the governing documents or rules and regulations as of the date of the resale certificate, updated resale certificate, or financial update unless the purchaser had actual knowledge that the contents of the resale certificate were in error.

2023, cc. 387, 388.

A. If an association, the association's managing agent, or any third party preparing a resale certificate fails to comply with § 55.1-2310 or 55.1-2311, the purchaser shall not be required to pay any delinquent assessments or remedy any violation of the governing documents or rules and regulations existing as of the date of the resale certificate or updated resale certificate. The association may only enforce a violation incurred by a previous owner against a purchaser if (i) such violation has been properly noted in the resale certificate or updated resale certificate or (ii) the seller failed to provide the resale certificate to the purchaser as required by § 55.1-2309.

B. The purchaser shall abide by the governing documents and rules and regulations as to all matters arising after acquiring the unit regardless of whether such purchaser received a resale certificate.

C. The preparer of the resale certificate or updated resale certificate shall be liable to the seller in an amount equal to the actual damages sustained by the seller in an amount not to exceed $1,000.

D. The Common Interest Community Board may assess a monetary penalty for failure to deliver the resale certificate or updated resale certificate as required against any (i) association pursuant to § 54.1-2351 or (ii) common interest community manager pursuant to § 54.1-2349 and regulations promulgated thereto, and may issue a cease and desist order pursuant to § 54.1-2349 or 54.1-2352.

2023, cc. 387, 388.

If the unit is subject to more than one common interest community, each association, the association's managing agent, or any third party preparing a resale certificate on behalf of an association shall provide a resale certificate for that association and may charge the appropriate fees.

2023, cc. 387, 388.

A. An association may charge a post-closing fee and fees for preparation, delivery, and expedited delivery of a resale certificate, an updated resale certificate, or financial update and for the inspection of a unit performed to prepare the resale certificate or updated resale certificate. Unless provided otherwise by the association, the appropriate fees shall be paid when the resale certificate, updated resale certificate, or financial update is requested. The seller shall be responsible for all fees associated with the preparation and delivery of the resale certificate, including any fees for inspection of the unit. The requesting party shall pay any fees for the preparation and delivery of the updated resale certificate or financial update.

B. The Common Interest Community Board shall establish the maximum fees that the association may charge for such post-closing and preparation, delivery, and inspection; such maximum fees shall be commercially reasonable and consistent with the effort required to comply with the resale certificate requirements. The maximum allowable fees, as published by the Common Interest Community Board and effective as of January 12, 2023, shall be adjusted no less than every five years, as of January 1 of that year, in an amount not less than the annual increases for that five-year period in the United States Average Consumer Price Index for all items, all urban consumers (CPI-U), as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor or an equivalent successor index.

C. The association shall publish and make available a schedule of the applicable fees (i) for preparation and delivery of the resale certificate, updated resale certificate, and financial update; (ii) for the inspection of a unit; and (iii) related to any post-closing costs.

D. A post-closing fee to be collected at settlement may be imposed on the purchaser of the property for the purpose of establishing the purchaser as the owner of the property in the records of the association.

E. No association may collect fees authorized by this section unless the association (i) is registered with the Common Interest Community Board; (ii) is current in filing the most recent annual report and fee with the Common Interest Community Board pursuant to § 55.1-1835; (iii) is current in paying any assessment made by the Common Interest Community Board pursuant to § 54.1-2354.5; and (iv) provides the option to receive the disclosure packet electronically.

2023, cc. 387, 388.

A. The resale certificate required by this chapter need not be provided in the case of:

1. An initial disposition by a declarant;

2. A disposition of a unit by gift;

3. A disposition of a unit pursuant to court order if the court so directs;

4. A disposition of a unit by foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure;

5. A disposition of a unit by a sale at auction, when the resale certificate was made available as part of the auction package for prospective purchasers prior to the auction; or

6. A disposition of a unit in a common interest community containing no residential units.

B. In any transaction in which a resale certificate is required and a trustee acts as the seller in the sale or resale of a unit, the trustee shall obtain the resale certificate from the association and provide the resale certificate to the purchaser.

2023, cc. 387, 388.