Frequently Asked Questions

$10,000 - $12,000 per year (2017-2022)

~ amount of snow removal, basin care & tree maintenance fluctuates

Yes, we are supposed to keep at least one operating year's worth of funds in our bank account that is not to be used for current year operating expenses.

~for unexpected sudden expenses beyond the budget: tree maintenance due to storms, extensive basin maintenance, electrical or signage repairs, etc.

• Common area maintenance - $4400
• General basin Maintenance - $500
• Snow removal - $1400
• City of Newark - $2400
• Liability Insurance - $1400
• Post office box fee - $180
• Mailings - $500
• Website & Email - $270
• Real Estate taxes - $50
• Office Supplies - $100

APPROXIMATE ANNUAL TOTAL - $11, 200+

Subsequent events through which the Association has no control over such as mandates in required basin maintenance as directed by the City of Newark, increased landscaping costs, chronic late payment  & delinquency of annual dues all contribute to the increase in our annul assessment.

As per the Declarations of Restriction - "to ensure the attractiveness of Abbotsford and to provide for the maintenance of the Common Areas" and "to subject the properties to certain restrictions, easements, covenants, conditions and charges all of which are for the benefit of the property."

Simply put: Maintain common areas, manage finances, enforce restrictive covenants.

• Collect Annual Assessments
  • Establish billing procedures & collection efforts
  • Design & maintain record keeping procedures
  • Initiate past due collection procedures 
• Correspond with settlement offices when homes are sold & refinanced
• Keep detailed records of property ownership 
• Receive Complaints, Concerns & Questions from homeowners
  • Return phone call & email correspondence 
  • Offer clarity on By-Laws & Deed Restrictions 
• Disseminate Information to homeowners with regard to our By-Laws & Deed Restrictions
  • Compose newsletters & neighborhood emails
  • Maintain & update website
  • Manage Facebook page & post updates  
• Collect mail from PO Box
• Purchase office supplies
• Pay monthly bills & make deposits 
• Maintain Paypal account
• File Annual Franchise Tax
• Process Architectural Review requests
• Hold Annual Meeting
• Prepare agendas, host & attend Board meetings
• Be responsive to Board emails in between meeting dates
• Collect board nominations, prepare ballot & process board elections 
• Provide Maintenance & upkeep of the common areas
  • Secure landscaping bids
  • Contract & liaise with landscaping contractor
• Consult with lawyers in reference to By-Laws when needed
• Consult with The City of Newark
• Upkeep of Abbotsford signs & lighting
• Enforce restrictive covenants per Article XIII, Section 2 [a] as outlined in the Deed Restrictions of Article X, Section 4 [a-p]

• Report emergency or non-emergency situations for individual homeowners
• Settle disputes between neighbors
• Report City of Newark property concerns for you
• Enforce New Castle County or City of Newark laws & ordinances
• Any role not specifically outlined in the By-Laws or Deed Restrictions

Our governing documents give the Association and Board of Directors a very specific role in our Community, please keep those terms and conditions in mind when making requests as we may not have the authority to assist you.

No, Board Members do not receive any compensation for volunteering, our Homeowners Association is a non-profit corporation. We hope that the Community appreciates the handful of volunteers who contribute countless hours of effort and personal time to manage your obligations under our By-Laws and Deed Restrictions. We always welcome additional participation, so please let us know if you can help your Community by volunteering for a Board of directors position or serving on a committee.

• Act in accordance with the By-Laws of our Association
• Observe & respect all Restrictive Covenants as outlined in the Deed Restrictions
• Obey all municipal codes as outlined by the City of Newark
• Pay Annual Assessment by the due date
• Upkeep & maintenance of your home and your property, including landscaping & snow removal
• Submit all exterior changes of dwelling and property to the Architectural Review Committee for review and approval
• Vote - submit your ballot for annual board elections, and other matters as requested by the Association
• Leasing your property - any owner desiring to lease their dwelling shall include in their lease a provision obligating any prospective tenant to comply with all terms and conditions of our By-Laws and Deed Restrictions

YES

Per the Declarations of Restrictions, Covenants and Easements of Abbotsford Homeowners Association, Inc.,

• ARTICLE X, SECTION 4. (o) no Unit (home or townhome) may be leased to more than 2 unrelated persons.
• ARTICLE X, SECTION 5. Leasing. Any owner desiring to lease his or her Unit shall include in such proposed lease a provision obligating the prospective tenant to comply with all terms, conditions and covenants of this Declaration, the By-Laws and Rules and Regulations of the Association.

➡️ Direct contact information including mailing address is required for the named  property owner. Mailing addresses for Annual Assessments and Newsletters may not be the same as the property address for any leased properties.

• Parcel 1  - Stormwater management area along Barksdale Road & front entrance sign
• Parcel 2 - Grassy area along Tantallon Ct including Mailbox area & front entrance sign
• Parcel 3 & 4 - Large tract of woodland & stormwater management area starting behind 405 Kinross Drive and ending at 7 Alford Ct

Maps can be made available