Resident Information
Welcome to Deerwood Knoll. Condominium living and ownership is different from living in a house. While you are free to make changes to the interior of your unit as long as it does not affect the structural integrity of the building, authority is granted in the Master Deed to the Deerwood Knoll Board of Directors (“Board”) to develop rules and regulations and enforce, as needed, through financial penalties in order to govern and maintain the property.
Rules and Regulations
Maintaining the property as a first-class Association requires all members, residents, guests, and visitors to use common sense, courtesy, cooperation and respect to keep Deerwood Knoll a safe and welcoming community. The following rules and regulations are binding on all owners, residents, their families, and guests.
All members of the HOA should have copies of the Master Deed, By-Laws, and Rules and Regulations [pdf]. Copies may be obtained through the Property Management and at deerwoodknoll.com.
Alterations and Additions: No alterations or additions will be made to any common areas or units without prior written approval of the Board. No additions or remodeling of any deck or patio are allowed. Exterior paint colors for wood siding and unit doors are established by the Board. Exterior antennae are prohibited. Lower-level patio gates will be maintained by owners and should remain closed.
Board of Directors: Each director is elected by a majority vote of a quorum at the annual HOA meeting for a term of three years. The Board of Directors meets monthly on the third Thursday. Any member of the Association may address the Board in person by advance request. An annual meeting of all owners is held every February.
Chimneys: A limited common element and the responsibility of the individual owner. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once every three years.
Common and Limited Common Elements: Property delineations are defined in the Master Deed of the Deerwood Knoll Horizontal Property Regime. A simplified definition is that owners are responsible for maintaining limited common elements (non-structural unit property not shared with other units). Owners should thoroughly review their responsibilities with an experienced insurance agent when determining coverage. (see Insurance)
Crime: Any resident who notices anything or anyone suspicious should not hesitate to contact the Richland County Sheriff's Department at 9-1-1. Non-emergencies or questions can be directed to RCSD at (803) 252-2911.
Decks and Patios: Owners will keep decks and patios clean and free of refuse and debris. Only outdoor furniture and flower pots/boxes are allowed. No clothing or household items are to be hung around or on railings. Holiday decorations should be removed within 30 days of the holiday.
Emergencies: In the event of a true emergency (a broken water pipe, for example) where you are unable to reach the Property Manager after hours, please exercise good judgment and resolve the situation. If the repair is the responsibility of the HOA, you will be reimbursed. If the responsibility for the damage falls to your unit, you will be expected to pay the first responder. When a repair involves two or more units, the Property Manager will assist in communication and coordination.
Employees/Contractors of the Association: No owner or resident shall engage or direct any person employed by the Property Manager or a contractor on any private business of the owner/resident during any hours such person is employed by the Property Manager or contractor, nor shall any owner/resident direct, supervise, or in any manner attempt to assert control over any such persons.
Fees/Assessments: The monthly regime fee is due on the first day of each month and is considered to be late after the tenth day. A late fee of $25.00 will be assessed. Levied assessments/fees/fines remain the owner's responsibility until the assessment/fee/fine is paid in full. Late charges continue to be added each month until full payment is received. Special Assessment fees will also accrue interest if not paid according to schedule. The Board of Directors shall bring legal action against the owner(s) for unpaid regime/assessment/associated fees and expenses or foreclose the mortgage. Owners cannot complete a sale of their unit until all assessments/fees/fines are paid in full.
Fines: The Board of Directors has the right to impose reasonable fines and charge expenses for any owner or resident failing to comply with the Rules and Regulations. When a violation occurs, a warning will be sent as a courtesy. Failure to comply within the timeframe specified will result in a fine of $50 and $25 per day until compliance is reached. When an infraction costs the HOA money, those costs will be billed to the owner in addition to the fine.
Garbage: All trash and garbage must be placed inside the Dumpster as items left outside of the dumpster cannot be removed by the waste removal contractor. If a private contractor must be hired to remove large items, those expenses will be charged back to the unit owner. Find a drop-off or recycling site here.
Grievances: Owners should first attempt to resolve any conflicts with others among themselves. If a resolution cannot be reached, send communication to the Board and any supporting documentation. All properly presented complaints will be investigated and resolved as expeditiously as possible.
Grilling: In accordance with the laws of Richland County, grilling on an open flame cooking device is prohibited within 10 feet of the building. You may store the grill and any fuel tanks weighing less than 2.5 lbs on the patio/deck.
Holiday Decorations: Themed decorations may not be displayed more than 30 days prior to the holiday and must be removed within 30 days following the holiday. Decorations are restricted to unit patios and decks and should never be placed in stairwells or on/around the exterior of the buildings.
Insurance: Unit owners are required to obtain insurance covering personal liability and compensatory damages to another unit or common area should damages occur. We strongly recommend every owner carry an H06 policy to cover the inside of your unit (carpet, drywall, interior plumbing, bathroom fixtures, etc.) as well as your personal belongings (appliances, wall coverings, furniture, etc.) Owners/investors leasing units may need a different type of policy and should require renters to also have a policy. Carefully discuss your insurance needs with a trusted insurance agent so you are adequately covered. The insurance covered by the regime is a "bare walls" policy. This means the HOA covers the structural exterior elements and all common areas of the property in the event of a catastrophe. Anything on the inside of your unit (floors, walls, ceilings, windows, doors, appliances, plumbing, hot water heater, etc.) is the owner’s responsibility unless damage is caused by a common element.
Landscaping: The Board will determine when and how landscaping and maintenance services will be employed in Common Areas. Owners should not add to or remove building exterior landscaping.
Neglect of Responsibility: Should any homeowner willfully neglect a repair issue that impacts other residents at Deerwood Knoll, that homeowner will be held financially responsible for all debts incurred.
Noise: Quiet hours for the property are 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Residents can report noise violations directly to the Richland County Sheriff's Department.
Owner Contact Information: The owner of each unit shall provide the Association (via the Property Manager) with their permanent residence, mailing address, email address, and telephone number(s) where they may be reached in an emergency. When a unit is leased, this information should also be supplied for the occupying tenant. Any owner who fails to provide such information will have waived the right to receive timely notices at any address other than at the address of the unit, and the Association will not be liable for any loss, damage, repair fees or fines incurred.
Parking: Each Deerwood Knoll unit has been assigned one numbered space. Additional vehicles should park only in unnumbered spaces or the overflow parking lot. Parking spaces are not to be used for extended or major repairs on vehicles. All vehicles that regularly park on the property must display current license plates and a current Deerwood Knoll parking tag. Residents without parking tags will be warned once and then fined. After that, the vehicle will be towed. Any vehicle occupying more than one space or any illegally parked vehicle (i.e., fire lane, no parking zone, someone else's space, etc.) will be towed at the owner's expense. Parking of racecars, junk cars, or storage of any vehicles that are not operable is prohibited. Only passenger cars and motorcycles are to be parked in the main parking lot. Boats or recreational vehicles belonging to residents may be parked in the Deerwood overflow parking if registered. All vehicles can be registered to receive a tag at bit.ly/DKparking. Note: The speed limit in the parking lot is 15 mph. Residents should inform their guests of this rule. If speeding becomes a problem, the Board will issue fines and/or inform the police.
Pest Control: Modern Exterminating treats the property on the following schedule:
Buildings 1 through 4 are serviced on the 2nd Friday of January, April, July & October.
Buildings 5 through 8 are serviced on the 2nd Friday of February, May, August & November.
Buildings 9 & 10 are serviced on the 2nd Friday of the March, June, September & December.
Modern begins servicing units at 9 a.m. and will knock on each door. If homeowners will not be home, they should make arrangements with a trusted family member or friend to allow Modern access to their unit. Homeowners can call Modern Exterminating at (803) 765-2315 for a re-treat if experiencing issues between the quarterly treatments. Advise the operator there is a service agreement between Modern and Deerwood Knoll.
Pets: The Association requires that pet owners take full responsibility for their pets. Household pets may be kept by a resident in his/her unit (not on patios or decks), provided they are not kept, bred or maintained for any commercial purposes and do not endanger the health or, in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors, unreasonably disturb other residents. In accordance with Richland County law, pets on the common property must be kept on a leash and under the direct and absolute control of the owner at all times. Pets are not permitted in the pool area at any time. The pet owner is responsible for cleaning up after the pet and will be fined for failure to do so. Any resident who keeps or maintains a pet shall be deemed to have agreed to indemnify and hold free and harmless the Deerwood Knoll Horizontal Property Regime and each of its residents and/or owners from any loss, claims or liability of any kind or character whatsoever arising by reason of keeping or maintaining such pet. Pet owners of Richland County are expected to provide their dogs or cats over the age of four months with a current rabies vaccination from a licensed veterinarian and a current pet tag issued by Richland County Animal Care. In Richland County the penalty for an unlicensed pet is $500.00. More information is available at richlandcountysc.gov/government/departments/animal-care/licensing.
Pool: The pool season is at the discretion of the Board and usually opens for Memorial Day and closes after Labor Day. A gate code will be communicated at the start of each pool season. The pool is for the exclusive use of Deerwood Knoll owners/residents and a maximum of three guests per unit. Owners/residents must accompany guests while inside the pool fence. Use of the pool is at the swimmers' own risk. Deerwood Knoll Horizontal Property Regime is not responsible for individuals using the pool facility. The pool gate must remain closed and locked at all times. No one under the age of 16 is allowed in the pool area unless accompanied by an adult. No pets are allowed inside the pool gate (DHEC). No glass is permitted inside the pool gate (DHEC). The floating lifeline must remain in the pool (DHEC). The life preserver must remain on the fence and should not be used as a toy (DHEC). The pool area should be kept clean by disposing of trash in the receptacles provided. Any music should be kept at a reasonable level so as not to disturb others. Proper attire is required for all swimmers. Pool parties are strictly prohibited. Any DHEC violations will result in pool closure for the season and fines.
Security: It is the responsibility of all residents to maintain a safe community. Anyone aware of suspicious activity or criminal behavior should contact the Richland County Sheriff's Department at (803) 252-2911 or 9-1-1 and notify the Board and Property Manager.
Signs: No signs of any kind, including "For Rent" or "For Sale" are to be erected, posted, or displayed upon, in, from, or about any unit on common or limited common area. Professionally lettered and painted "Open House" signs (2) may be installed on the day of the open house and must be removed by 6 p.m. on the same day. Owners will be fined for signs not removed.
Tenants: All owners are responsible for the conduct of their tenants and their guests, and all tenants are subject to all provisions contained in the Bylaws/Rules and Regulations. Any and all costs, including court costs and attorney's fees, incurred by the Association in seeking to abate any violation shall be the responsibility of the unit owner. The unit owner is responsible for providing the management company with the name, telephone number, and email address of their tenant(s). Unit owners will inform tenants of all property rules and direct them to register any vehicles.
Windows: All screens and windows are to be maintained properly. Torn or unsightly window coverings are not permitted. All window treatments at Deerwood Knoll must be blinds, drapes, or curtains that are white or neutral in backing (absolutely no sheets, towels, etc.). All windows that can be seen from the street or parking lot must have window treatments, including vacant units. Any new windows to be installed must conform on the exterior. Consult with the Property Manager and Board before replacing.