Welcome to Springlake Community!
Springlake, an active 55-and-older community, is owned by Springlake Community Inc., (SCI) a resident-owned and directed nonprofit corporation. This nonprofit corporation is a mutual benefit corporation with members. To purchase a home here, at least one owner must be 55 years or older and must also purchase a membership in the corporation. The purchase price of most homes offered for sale includes the membership price. If you are interested in purchasing a home, verify if the price includes the purchase of the membership.
The corporation is governed by a board of directors made up of our neighbors who are elected by the residents. We are governed by bylaws, and by rules and regulations, that are patterned after Home Owners Association (HOA) regulations. Our day-to-day onsite operations are managed by the community through our board of directors and committees, and is overseen by a management company.
We are very proud of our community. We are certain you will see the pride of ownership displayed in the appearance of the homes as you drive through the community.
If you are considering the purchase of a home, please contact the office to pick up a prospectus. Among other information, the prospectus contains a copy of our rules and regulations as well as the bylaws. Please read them thoroughly to be sure you are able and can abide by them. HOA living is not for everyone.
What is the “buy in” and where does that money go?
You are actually purchasing a membership, which is a buy-in, in the corporation that owns Springlake Community. Springlake Community is owned by a non-profit corporation named Springlake Community, Inc. (SCI). To purchase a home here, you must also purchase a membership in that corporation.
The corporation was formed in 2003 for the specific purpose of buying Springlake Mobile Home Park. A group of residents wanted to ensure the park would not be sold to a developer who could close the park. They also wanted a say in how much it would cost to live here. At the time, the residents were given a choice to buy a membership or remain as renters. The majority of the residents opted to buy a membership, but those that didn’t were allowed to stay as renters. Anyone that bought a home after 2003 was required to purchase the membership that goes with the home. If you purchase a home that was previously owned by a renter, the price of the membership is currently $16,000 and the money goes to SCI. If you purchase a home from a current member, that membership is the property of the homeowner. As such, the homeowner can charge whatever they wish and the money goes to them. Most homeowners include the price of the membership in the total purchase price of the home.
Members do not own the piece of property the home sits on, but they own a membership in the corporation that owns the entire community. Each resident member is an equal owner of the community. That ownership comes with equal privileges and responsibilities. Each membership has one vote. We elect a Board of Directors from our membership to conduct the business of our corporation. We hire a management company to run the day-to-day operations of the community, but our board is responsible for the affairs of the corporation.
Property Management
Our current property management team is Commonwealth. SCI has hired them to assist with the community’s day-to-day operations. They pay our bills, process payments from members, and monitor the condition of our community, among other things. If they determine our rules and regulations are not being adhered to, they will contact the member to resolve the situation. If you have a problem, you should contact the community manager who will either resolve your problem or refer it to the Board of Directors.
Is there a limit as to how many people can live in my home?
The monthly maintenance fees are based on a maximum of two residents. If there are more than two people living in your home, there is an additional maintenance fee of $30 per person, per month. Anyone who resides with you more than 30 days in a twelve month period is considered an occupant. It is the resident’s duty to register everyone living in your home with the manager. An occupant must complete an Occupancy Agreement, be at least 45 years of age and pay for and pass a background check.
What is the procedure for making improvements to my home?
All exterior improvements to your home must be approved by the Board of Directors before you start the project. This includes, but is not limited to, additions to your home; painting; roofing; putting up fencing; and major landscaping. If you are not doing the work yourself, it should be completed by a licensed and insured contractor. You must present your plans to the community manager who will help you complete a request form. They will refer your request to the Community Design Committee who will review your request, taking into consideration if your request complies with our rules and regulations and how your request will affect your neighbors and the community as a whole. The committee will then make a recommendation to the Board for final approval. Do not start your project before you get that approval. There is a fine for doing so. Refer to the rules and regulations for further information.
Will my pet be welcome in Springlake Community?
Most pets are welcome here although there are some limitations on dog breeds. All pets must be pre-approved and registered at the office. We do limit pets to two per residence. Pets must be kept under the owner’s control at all times. They must not present a nuisance to your neighbors in any way – including noise and odors. Neither cats nor dogs are allowed to run free. If they are outside, they must be on a leash. All pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pet, both in the public areas as well as in your own yard. Be sure you read and understand the entire pet section of the rules and regulations. There are fines for violating these rules.
Is there ever an exception to the rules?
Yes! If you have an unusual circumstance that does not negatively affect your neighbors, the Board of Directors has the power to overrule an existing rule. If you feel that you have an extraordinary circumstance, you should present your request in writing to the manager, who will present it to the Board for consideration at their next meeting. Never proceed with an exceptional project until you have the approval of the Board.
To Prospective Residents:
Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of Springlake Community. A complete packet of information is available containing a community prospectus; community bylaws, rules and regulations; proprietary lease; RV storage agreement; and pet application. We provide equal housing opportunity to all persons and comply with all Federal, State, and local laws regarding Fair Housing requirements. In order for you to become a resident of Springlake Community, you must provide certain information and meet the following criteria:
Prospective members must completely fill out and sign a membership application authorizing a consumer report and criminal background check. All information on the application must be correct and legible. All applicants must qualify individually for residency. If one co-applicant does not qualify and the other does, we will have to deny approval for membership. If you refuse to fill out any part of the application or authorize SCI to run the necessary reports or provide any incomplete, inaccurate, or fraudulent information, SCI will deny your application for membership.
Applicants must provide two (2) pieces of identification, one with each applicant’s’ photo from a government agency (i.e. driver’s license, state ID card, passport) and each applicant’s social security card or proof of a tax identification number.
Criminal history may be grounds for denial. NOTE: Applicants are required to authorize and pay for an out-of-state criminal background check(s) if they have lived outside the state of Oregon at any time in the past five (5) years. There is an additional nonrefundable charge of $15.00 per applicant, per state, for this additional screening. Criminal history, which may include charges, convictions, misdemeanors and/or felonies, may not always result in denial of your application.
Since SCI is an “age 55 or older” community, you must provide proof that you meet the age requirements.
Any individual who is a current illegal substance abuser or has been convicted of the illegal manufacture or distribution of a controlled substance will be denied membership.
Any individual or pet/animal whose residency would constitute a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals or whose residence would result in substantial physical damage to the property will be denied residency. House pets are allowed only if Homeowner obtains prior written permission from SCI. Said permission shall become part of the Lease Agreement between SCI and the Homeowner. No exotic or farm animals are allowed and no more than two pets (cats and/or dogs) are permitted. There are some breed restrictions on dogs.
Vehicles must meet community requirements regarding size, type and condition.
Homes must be owner-occupied—no sub-leasing (this includes renting bedrooms in the home) or rentals.
Current laws permit SCI to deny membership on the basis of, but not limited to: pets, vehicles, number of occupants, credit history, character references, criminal records, tenant history of eviction or property damage, rental history, unverifiable or insufficient income (excessive debt) or incorrect, incomplete or unverifiable application information. Our policy complies with these laws.
All unpaid monies due SCI for the home which applicant desires to purchase must be paid in full (whether by seller, buyer, or other) before any application may be approved.
A minimum non-refundable $35.00 consumer report fee per applicant must be paid by check or money order to begin processing this application. You will be notified as soon as possible regarding your application approval or denial. Membership applications, once approved, are open for a period of forty five (45) days; a lease agreement must be executed within that time or approval will be withdrawn. If you choose to submit a new application, new fees will also be due. If you have any questions on polices regarding qualifying as a member in Springlake Community, please address them to the community manager.
Forms
Realtors and prospective buyers must turn in completed forms 10 days prior to closing on a home. Failure to do so could delay the closing.
Register
Registering is reserved for residents of Springlake only. All accounts will need to be approved before accessing the members-only pages.