There were a number of changes to Chapter 703 that went into effect November 1, 2004. Some of
these that directly affect the Office of the Register of Deeds are listed below.
703.01(12m). The definition of a small condominium was changed from four to no more than 12
units and is not limited to residential.
703.163 Establishes a Statutory Reserve Account (SRA).
The declarant/association of a new and existing condominium (except for the case of a small
condominium) must consider whether or not to establish an SRA to fully or partially fund major
repairs and replacement of the common elements such as roofs, siding, driveways, parking areas,
etc.
Starting Nov. 1, 2004, all new condominiums, typically acting though the declarant, must
choose whether or not to establish an SRA. Existing condominiums have until May 1, 2006
(or 18 months after the expiration of the declarant control, whichever is later) to either
set up an SRA or opt out. Either way, a statutory reserve account statement must be recorded
with the local Register of Deeds. Associations may later change the decision and in that case,
a new statutory reserve account statement would be prepared and recorded.
Small condominiums may elect to establish an SRA and record a statutory reserve account
statement but this is optional.
The statutory reserve account statement need not go into detail. If the declarant or
association elects not to establish an SRA, they must include language in the statutory
reserve account statement to indicate how future repairs and replacements of the common
elements will be funded. If the declarant or association decides to establish an SRA, they
must so state but they do not need to present the specific financial plans in the statutory
reserve account statement.
Here is sample language for the first part of the statutory reserve account statement:
Note: All the recording requirements of 59.43(2m) must be met. For more information, see
Wisconsin Realtors Association's Legal Update, June 2004.