Which statement is NOT a key characteristic of most community associations?

• A. Certain documents bind all owners to be governed by the community association.
• B. A requirement of ownership is serving on the board of directors.
• C. Mandatory lien-based economic charges or assessments are levied on each owner to operate and maintain the community.
• D. Membership in the community association is mandatory and automatic for all owners.

Answer: (B)

In most community associations, governance is shaped by the governing documents, automatic membership for owners, and mandatory assessments to operate and maintain the community. Owners are bound by covenants, conditions, and restrictions that govern use and conduct, and everyone who owns property in the association typically becomes a member with responsibilities, including paying assessments that fund maintenance and services.

The statement that ownership requires serving on the board is not a typical characteristic. Board service is usually an elected or appointed role, filled by owners who run for positions or are selected, and it has terms, qualifications, and duties. It isn’t a mandated condition of ownership like membership status or financial obligations are.

So, the reason this option is not characteristic is that ownership does not inherently obligate someone to serve on the board; governance is managed through elected directors rather than a compulsory board membership requirement.