Make an improvement list
Ask what was changed and approximately when. In Century Village, useful examples include patio enclosures, replacement windows and doors, flooring, air conditioning, laundry equipment, electrical changes, and moved plumbing. Record the work claimed in the listing and ask for supporting documents. Fresh finishes do not show what is behind a wall.
Keep three checks separate
| Check | Useful evidence | Who can help |
|---|---|---|
| Association authorization | Written application, decision, plans, conditions, and any maintenance agreement. | Association board or manager; counsel for interpretation. |
| Government requirements | Permit history, required inspections, and permit closure or other applicable approval. | The building department serving the property and qualified contractor. |
| Physical condition | Independent inspection and specialist review where needed. | Buyer’s inspector and appropriately licensed specialist. |
One check does not complete the others. Association permission does not establish permit compliance, and a closed permit does not establish every private approval or eliminate the need for an inspection. Requirements depend on the work, date, location, and governing documents.
Ask what responsibility comes with the improvement
- Is the work within the unit or does it involve common or limited common elements?
- Who maintains, repairs, and replaces it?
- Does an agreement require access, restoration, insurance, or continued owner maintenance?
- Is the approval permanent, conditional, personal to a particular owner, or temporary?
- Are there open violations, unfinished work, or promises to correct something before closing?
Have the buyer’s attorney review any agreement or claimed exception that affects a future owner. Obtain the records rather than relying on a recollection that a former board member gave permission. Maintenance assignments and alteration authority depend on the actual declaration and law; §718.113 provides the statutory starting point.
When paperwork is missing
Ask the seller to obtain the file from the association, contractor, and relevant building department. Have the appropriate professional explain what is missing, how it can be resolved, the expected cost, and whether it affects financing or insurance.
Discuss a written resolution with your advisers before the applicable deadline. Do not assume the board can approve every alteration after the fact, or that the buyer automatically receives the seller’s exception. Keep agreed repairs and documentation requirements in the transaction records.
Keep the file after closing
Retain approvals, plans, permits, inspection results, warranties, invoices, and maintenance conditions with your ownership documents. They help with future repairs, insurance questions, and your own eventual sale.
Continue with these resources
Sources & review notes
- Florida Statutes §718.113 — maintenance and alterations
- Florida Statutes §718.111 — association records and insurance
Prepared November 6, 2026. Sources checked for the subjects identified above. Checklists, examples, and suggested questions are Board Synergy recommended practices. They do not certify a property, association, transaction, or legal deadline. Ask your Florida attorney, closing adviser, inspector, insurer, or accountant to address the actual facts.
UCO and WPRF procedures should be confirmed directly. This is independent educational guidance, not an official policy or a contract form. Checkboxes are temporary and are not saved; print or download a checklist to retain your notes.