Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQs are organized by topic.
Scroll below or click shortcut link to desired topic:
If your question is not addressed below, please submit it to Board@villatowers.net. Questions of broad interest will be added here.
Note: Where applicable, the information contained here is taken from the official documents of the Villa Towers Condominium Association and is believed to be correct and convey proper meaning. However, the final authority, and complete details on all matters are to be found in the Declaration of Condominium, Articles of Incorporation, By Laws, Rules and Regulations of the Association.
Finance
Q. What is the Maintenance fee?
A. Owners are required to pay a monthly assessment (maintenance fee), due in equal amounts on the first day of each month to the Condominium Association, or its agent, to cover their share of the expenses related to the operation and maintenance of the common elements. These expenses are projected and approved annually by the BOD to cover the calendar year. Each owner’s share of this expense is equal to the share of ownership of the common elements. The fee schedule is communicated to owners annually.
Q. What other routine expenses can owners anticipate?
A. Owners are responsible to arrange and pay their supplier or vendor directly for:
1. Monthly electric bill for power consumed in unit for lighting, air conditioning, cooking, etc.
2. Telephone/cable/internet bill, as well as initial installation or set-up costs, etc.
3. Contents insurance premium. The State of Florida requires each unit owner to have insurance to cover their personal property. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you arrange with an insurance broker as soon as you purchase your unit.
4. Palm Beach County taxes billed and paid directly.
Q. What is a “compilation” type of financial reporting and why do owners need to vote on it?
A. When our total revenues are over $300,000, we are required to do one of three types of year-end financials: audit, review, or compilation. The first two report types can be very expensive, so in the past we have opted to accept a compilation report. As owners we will need to vote on this at our annual Budget Meeting. The compilation report is prepared by an accountant and is posted to the villatowers.net website on the Board of Directors page when available, usually in March of the following year. Prior to recent years we did not need to do a report because our revenues did not meet the threshold.
Insurance
Q. Do I need contents insurance?
A. The State of Florida requires each unit owner to have insurance to cover their personal property. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you arrange with an insurance broker as soon as you purchase your unit.
Q. Our property insurance company is asking for a “wind mitigation form.” Where can I get one?
A. Please log into villatowers.net for the Wind Mitigation Request form on the Insurance page and submit it to our insurance company who will provide it for you.
Ownership/Common Areas
Q. What does a unit owner own?
A. With the purchase of a unit at Villa Towers, you have exclusive title to the area within your unit, extending to the interior surface finish of all perimeter walls, floors and ceiling, plus all electrical fixtures, appliances, air conditioning and heating equipment. You also share ownership, on a fixed percentage basis, of all common elements, which consist of all Condo Property, including land not included in owner units. You also participate in one-quarter ownership of the laundry appliances on your floor.
Q. What it my percentage ownership of the common elements?
A. Your percentage ownership is in direct proportion of the percentage ownership that your unit represents of the total ownership. This relationship was fixed at the time of incorporation of the Villa Towers Condominium Association based on floor area of each unit and is unchangeable. The percentages are:
– Units 27 & 28 . . . . 26 total units . . . . 2.115%
– Unit 29 . . . . . . . . . . 13 total units . . . . 1.228%
– Unit 30 . . . . . . . . . . 13 total units . . . . 2.235%
Q. How are parking spots and lockers assigned?
A. Each owner has exclusive use of one parking space and a storage locker but does not hold title to either. The parking space and locker number were originally assigned to each unit by the Developer and cannot be changed.
Q. What is the process for repairing or replacing a floor’s washer or dryer?
A. Owners on each floor share ownership, repair, and replacement of the washer and dryer located on their floor in four equal shares. Owners should consult and agree among themselves when making decisions regarding their shared laundry appliances.
Q. How does the lobby telephone system work?
A. When your guest arrives, they simply follow the instructions on the display panel, dialing the unit code, which in turn dials the assigned telephone number that you provided and was already programmed in by a BOD member. When you verify your visitor, press 9 to open the door. Visitors should be accompanied when in the building.
BOD Meetings/Voting
Q. How is the Condominium managed?
A. Each owner of a unit is automatically a member of the Villa Towers Condominium Association. The affairs of the Association are governed by a Board of Directors (BOD) composed of 5 persons who are elected by the members in accordance with provisions of the Florida Condominium Act. The BOD employ staff and arrange for services as required to adequately maintain and manage condo operations.
Q. What is my responsibility to the Association?
A. As a member of the Association, you are bound by the Declaration of Condominium By Laws and Rules and Regulations of the Association. View documents. You are encouraged to assist the Association by joining the BOD or one of our many committees.
Q. What are my voting rights?
A. As an owner and automatic member of the Condominium Association, you are entitled to vote for the election of Directors, provision of a reserve account for deferred maintenance, proposed Condominium Declaration and By Law amendments, alteration or improvements to the common elements that require a special assessment, and you have the right to attend meetings of the BOD and Association committees, at which time you may ask questions and give advice. Notice of upcoming BOD meetings are posted 48 hours in advance and are usually held in the Card Room. Each unit has one vote.
Q. How do I join the Board of Directors (BOD)?
A. The BOD is made up of 5 owners in good standing who volunteer to attend meetings and to maintain condo operations. Owners desiring to be a candidate for the Board of Directors must submit a written request to the BOD no later than 40 days prior to the election to be held at the Annual Meeting on the last Thursday of each January. The Secretary will provide full instructions and key dates 60 days prior to the Annual Meeting. Only unit owners who submit their written request by the deadline will be on the Ballot.
Directors elected or appointed shall certify in writing to the Secretary of the association within 90 days that he/she has read the Association’s governing documents; and will uphold such documents to the best of his/her ability; or complete an educational curriculum in accordance with Florida Statues, Section 718.112(2)(d)3.
We encourage all unit owners to consider participating in governing Villa Towers Condominium Association, Inc. by becoming a Board Member.
Q. How can I view the minutes of BOD meetings?
A. Once approved, all meeting minutes are posted on villatowers.net on the Board of Directors page. Minutes of the most recent meeting will not be posted until after they are reviewed and approved at the next board meeting. Owners can request emailed copies of the minutes from the Secretary at Board@villatowers.net. Owners are encouraged to attend BOD meetings in person when possible.
Visitors/Guests/Renters
Q. What restrictions apply to the use of a unit, including restrictions on guests and renters?
A. Restrictions are as follows:
1. Occupancy is limited to unit owner and immediate family members up to 2 persons per bedroom. In addition, no more that 2 children below the age of 16 are permitted per bedroom. Immediate family members include spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, brothers, sisters and their spouses only.
2. Rentals require prior approval of the BOD. You may rent to no more than 3 different parties per calendar year and each rental period must be for a minimum of sixty (60) days.
3. Each new rental application to the BOD must be accompanied by a $100 processing fee, as permitted by the Florida Condominium Act. Potential new renters must submit to a security check and be approved by the BOD.
4. Unattended social guests (not family) are limited to a 30-day cumulative stay per year. Guest forms must be submitted prior to their arrival.
5. Renters and unattended social guests are limited to 2 persons per one-bedroom unit, and 4 persons per two-bedroom unit. This includes children.
6. All visitors, guests, and renters must sign in at the north entrance upon arrival. This is important in case of emergency and to help maintain the security of the building in the absence of security staff.
Forms are available in the Villa Towers mailroom of the lobby and can be downloaded from villatowers.net on the Forms & Docs page.
Pets
Q. What is our pet policy?
A. A unit owner may have one bird, cat or dog, 25 lbs. or less when fully grown. Owners must submit a Pet Approval Form to the BOD and obtain written approval prior to bringing their pet. Guests, renters, and visitors are NOT allowed to bring a pet into the building at any time. The pet form can be downloaded from villatowers.net on the Forms & Docs page.