Press Release: Cross-Wilhelmi help create “Homeowners’ Bill of Rights”

May 13, 2010 

Rep. Cross and Sen. Wilhelmi create “Homeowners’ Bill of Rights”

SB 3180 passed unanimously in House and Senate, now heads to Governor’s desk

After listening to concerned homeowners in their districts, Illinois House Rep. Tom Cross (R-Oswego) and Sen. A.J. Wilhelmi successfully pushed legislation in the House and Senate to create a “Homeowners’ Bill of Rights” to provide residents better access to their homeowners association’s meetings, budgets, and governance. 

“Many residents in my district expressed concerns that there were not acceptable levels of accessibility, transparency and access to their homeowners’ associations and they wanted that to change,” said Cross.  “That’s when Sen. Wilhelmi and I got together with some of these residents to come up with a Homeowners’ Bill of Rights.”“In this tumultuous market, homeowners need their rights protected more than ever before,” said Sen. Wilhelmi. ”I am thankful for Representative Cross’ partnership in helping to provide these added safeguards for Illinois families.” 

Senate Bill 3180 creates the Common Interest Community Association Act and is designed to give more protections to owners of single-family homes, villas or other properties in common interest communities also known as homeowners’ associations. 

The legislation awaiting the governor’s signature, would ensure homeowners access to key association documents, proper notice of all meetings, prompt election of board members, and a copy of the proposed budget at least 30 days prior to adoption. 

For Phil Dechiara, who works with homeowner’s associations in Will County, this legislation is a step in the right direction. 

“From the homeowner’s association point of view, the only things we have had to rely on are scattered laws,” Dechiara said. “This legislation finally lays out specific guidelines that codify things into one place.”