CMCA - Certified Manager of Community Associations Governance and Legal Issues Questions and Answers

Question 1

A community association's Declaration (CC&Rs) prohibits all pets.
A resident with a documented disability requests to keep an assistance animal as a reasonable accommodation.
According to the Fair Housing Act, what is the association's obligation?

Accepted Answer

To grant the request, as it is a change to a rule or policy necessary for the person to have equal opportunity to use and enjoy their dwelling.

Answer

To deny the request because the Declaration is a legally binding document that supersedes federal law.

Answer

To require the resident to pay a pet deposit to cover any potential damages.

Answer

To grant the request only if the resident agrees to move to a designated pet-friendly section of the community.

Question 2

A community manager is asked by the Board of Directors to draft a complex amendment to the association's bylaws that redefines quorum and voting rights. Which of the following is the most appropriate action for the manager to take?

Accepted Answer

Advise the Board that this action constitutes the unauthorized practice of law and that legal counsel should draft the amendment.

Answer

Draft the amendment as requested, using templates found online.

Answer

Proceed with drafting the amendment but include a disclaimer that the manager is not an attorney.

Answer

Ask another experienced community manager to review the drafted amendment for accuracy.

Question 3

Which of the following represents the correct hierarchy of authority for a community association's governing documents, from highest to lowest?

Accepted Answer

Recorded Plat/Map, Declaration (CC&Rs), Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Rules & Regulations.

Answer

Bylaws, Rules & Regulations, Declaration (CC&Rs), Articles of Incorporation, Recorded Plat/Map.

Answer

Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Rules & Regulations, Recorded Plat/Map, Declaration (CC&Rs).

Answer

Rules & Regulations, Bylaws, Declaration (CC&Rs), Articles of Incorporation, Recorded Plat/Map.

Question 4

During a board meeting conducted under Robert's Rules of Order, a motion is made and seconded. The board president, who is chairing the meeting, is strongly opposed to the motion. Which action is appropriate for the president to take?

Accepted Answer

State their opposition during the discussion period, but otherwise manage the debate and call for a vote impartially.

Answer

Refuse to allow a vote on the motion since they are the presiding officer.

Answer

Immediately make a counter-motion to nullify the first motion.

Answer

Adjourn the meeting to prevent the motion from being passed.

Question 5

A homeowner in a condominium association requests to install a wheelchair ramp from their ground-floor unit door to the common area sidewalk. Under the Fair Housing Act, this request is considered a:

Accepted Answer

Reasonable modification, which the resident must pay for.

Answer

Reasonable accommodation, which the association must pay for.

Answer

Capital improvement, which requires a membership vote.

Answer

Structural alteration, which is prohibited by the governing documents.

Question 6

Which of the following is a primary fiduciary duty of a community association's Board of Directors?

Accepted Answer

To act in the best interests of the corporation and exercise the care an ordinarily prudent person would.

Answer

To ensure every resident is personally satisfied with all board decisions.

Answer

To reduce annual assessments whenever possible, regardless of reserve funding needs.

Answer

To personally perform maintenance on common areas to save the association money.