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Property code

I. Basic Scheme

UEVN Provides for its members on the basis of need or equality. Equality is a fundamental community value, which informs the property code. We try to avoid displays of wealth, which may give rise to envy. With the exceptions described below, we encourage members not to use outside income or pre-existing assets on just themselves, during their membership at UEVN.

II. Pre-existing Assets

A. Definition

Pre-existing assets are any property owned by a member before joining UEVN. This includes personal property, real estate, stocks and bonds, and money. It includes money that was earned before joining UEVN, even if payment is received after membership begins.

B. Basic Rule

Pre-existing assets remain the property of-the member.

C. Exceptions

1. Petty Personal property.

Members may bring tangible personal property to the Community for their own personal use so long as this property fits in their room or designated private storage areas. "Tangible Personal property" means "things" (like furniture, clothing, bedding, books, cassette tapes). Money and stocks and bonds are not tangible personal property. Most members have stereos; a few have personal computers. Personal bicycles are permitted.

2. Vehicles

Provisional members may store vehicles at the Community until they have been accepted for full membership. New members are encouraged to loan or donate to the Community any vehicle that will be stored at the community. New members may keep vehicles for personal use only with prior approval of the community.

This rule also applies to other types of grand personal property (such as power tools, large machinery or other property that can't fit in a member's dwelling). With the Community's permission, a provisional member may store such property at UEVN until co becomes a full member.

3. Capital assets

Capital assets include real estate, money and investments. Any income earned on capital assets may be turned over to the Community. For example, interest earned on an outside bank account may be given to the Community. Rent from real estate may also be given to the Community.

UEVN prefers that capital assets be loaned or donated to the Community. Typically, new members deposit their money with the Community as a "Member Loan." The Community returns the money to the members, without interest, when they leave. Members are also free to keep their money in outside bank accounts, donating any interest earned to the Community.

4. House ownership

We encourage members to share all in common. This includes sharing common dwelling, but for those who prefer their private home, we also allow this, including the private ownership title to their dwelling, within the community.  Any member may build his/her own private house of any size and choice within the community and receive Property Title plus one 1-5 meters of land around it.  A member can only sell to another full time member.  Exact location of home is to be approved by the Community members.  Member must provide building plans for approval prior to commencement of construction.

D. Inheritances. Inheritances are treated as pre-existing assets. This means that members may receive inheritance.

E. Royalties. Royalties received during membership belong to the member.

F. Property loaned to the Community. Property loaned to the Community is used, maintained and insured (or not) at the Community's discretion and expense. It is returned to the member when he/she leaves.

Ill. Income During Membership

 

From the Community

 

I. Allowance. Can be spent on anything.

2. Vacation fund. Rotated by seniority. May only be spent for vacation.

3. Weeds & Knots. Small grants for specific purposes, made on request of the member and based on need and availability of funds.

4. Leaving fund. Paid to full members at end of membership. Same as your initial joining fee, without interest.  Payable upon availability of funds or as soon as possible.

5. PFF. "Products For Friends." For a specified number of hours of over-quota products work, members may obtain UEVN products to give away or keep for themselves. Typically, PFF is used for gifts to family and friends or to barter for other desired goods.

6. OPP. "Over-quota Products for Projects." Members may do over-quota products work to earn money on a piece-work basis for specific projects. Projects must be approved and must be for community, not individual, benefit. Certain types of trips may be funded through OPP. Check the OPP policy for specifics.

B. Outside Income

I. Accounts Receivable.

Accounts receivable are any funds due to a member at the beginning of membership. They may include debts owed to the member, paychecks for work performed before joining the Community, tax refunds, royalties for work produced before joining. Inheritances received during membership are treated as accounts receivable. Accounts receivable are treated as pre-existing assets. See above.

2. Unearned income.

Unearned income includes interest on bank accounts, dividends on stocks and bonds, income on investments, social security, disability payments, pensions, and child support for a child living at UEVN. Unearned income is the property of the Member. (An exception is made for provisional members under l8, who are not required to donate unearned income to the Community.) The Community assumes responsibility for any tax liability on unearned income donated to it.

3. Earned income.

Income earned during membership is the property of the Community, except:

Vacation Earnings

a. Definition. Vacation earnings are income earned by members on vacation time and off of UEVN land.

b. Restrictions on Spending. None.

C. Taxes. Members are responsible for their taxes if earned outside of the community.

4. Gifts

a. Ownership. Gifts are the property of the recipient. Gifts of petty personal property may be kept and used at the Community.

b. Restrictions on Spending. None.

IV. Enforcement

As with most everything at UEVN, the property code is enforced through the honor system. Occasionally, suspected violations come to public attention and are dealt with through the usual community processes, such as O & I discussion and feed-back. Extreme violations may result in expulsion from the Community.