Many homeowners associations manage swimming pools that are available for member use. One of the pillars of pool management, though, is promoting the safety of pool goers. To accomplish that, a board must enforce certain HOA pool safety rules. Read the article………………………..
Getting Approval For Home Renovations In HOA Communities
Homeowners typically need to secure approval for home renovations in HOA communities. And while the process can vary from one association to another, there are a few general guidelines you can follow. Read the article………………………..
Kentucky Passes Planned Community Act
SB120, which the Kentucky Legislature recently passed and was signed by Governor Beshear, creates a new, statutory framework for planned communities (HOAs) throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This new law creates new sections of KRS Chapter 381, and includes many important provisions for homeowner associations in Kentucky, which have historically lacked a uniform law that […]
Know Your HOA Fence Rules Before Putting Them Up
Every homeowners association has its own set of rules that apply to various things, even fences. It’s important to understand these HOA fence rules so that homeowners can avoid violations and board members can enforce them consistently. Read the article………………………..
HOA Fidelity Bonds: Why Your Homeowners Association Needs Them
HOA fidelity bonds are critical to the operations of homeowners associations. But, what are these bonds anyway? And what do they cover? A fidelity bond is a form of insurance that protects homeowners associations from unanticipated financial losses such as fraud or theft. Other names for fidelity bonds include crime insurance or fidelity insurance. Read […]
How To Deal With Wild Animals In HOAs (OH)
It is not unheard of for wild animals to visit an HOA neighborhood. This is particularly common for communities in mountainous areas, forests, or near nature preserves. And depending on the environment, there are several wild animals an association and its homeowners may encounter. But, beautiful and majestic as they are, these animals can bring […]
What Is The HOA Open Meeting Act? Are There Guidelines?
While the Open Meeting Act does not universally apply to homeowners associations nationwide, it is still worth understanding what this law entails. In doing so, HOA boards can conduct more effective and collaborative meetings. Read the article………………………..
HOA Online Voting: How To Do It Right
Elections are a normal part of homeowners associations. Homeowners elect members yearly or every few years to serve on the board and lead the community. As with any election, though, HOA elections can be messy. Many associations need help getting a good voter turnout or organizing the ballots. Read the article………………………..
HOA Board Members Ethics Model
Leaders of organizations, corporations, and governments should abide by a set of ethical standards when performing their duties. This also applies to volunteer leaders of homeowners associations. Here is your guide to HOA board member ethics. Read the article………………………..
Lawn Jockeys In HOAs: Should The HOA Board Take Action?
While homeowners generally have free rein over what they do with their property, the same can’t be said for those living in HOA communities. One of the more restrictive rules associations have is what decorations owners can put up. But, when it comes to lawn jockeys in HOAs, should the board have similar rules? Read […]
HOA Gardening Rules: Making Sure Your Garden Is HOA Board Approved
Homeowners living in HOA communities should familiarize themselves with the association’s rules — including any HOA gardening rules. This way, they can avoid wasting their time and facing monetary penalties. Read the article………………………..
HOA Fraud: How Can The Board Protect Itself
Homeowners associations are not immune to fraudulent activity. In fact, because associations tend to deal with a lot of money, they are prime targets of HOA fraud. The sad part is that most instances of fraud are perpetrated by people working inside the HOA in the first place. Read the article………………………..
A Guide For HOA Security Camera Installations And Usage
Security cameras are a common way homeowners associations keep communities safe. But, there are some considerations when it comes to installing and using them. Before you go all out on an HOA camera system, read through the article below. Read the article………………………..
HOA Voting: A Guide For Board Members And Homeowners
When it comes to HOA voting, not all homeowners associations have it down pat. Some still struggle to standardize their procedures and hold seamless elections. This is where a guide will come in handy. Read the article………………………..
HOA Flag Display: When Should It Be Allowed And Prohibited?
An HOA flag display is a common point of dispute among homeowners and their associations. So, should homeowners associations allow residents to display flags on their property? What kind of flag restrictions should an HOA impose? Read the entire article……………………………….
Automatic Architectural Approval
Governing Documents commonly include a provision that the Board and/or Architectural Committee have a certain number of days to render a decision on an architectural application (e.g. 45 days from the date that the application is received), and failure to render a decision within that timeframe results in the application being considered approved. Read the entire […]
Memorial Day Facts And FAQs Every American Should Know
Memorial Day comes every year, but some people just blindly celebrate the holiday as a free pass out of work or school. There is more to this holiday than just summer BBQs and pool parties. Here are the most important Memorial Day facts every American should know. Read the entire article……………………………….
Understanding Crime Insurance For HOAs
Crime insurance is an essential form of insurance for homeowners associations. Unfortunately, far too many HOA board members skip this insurance policy because they feel that it will never come into play. But, crime is something that can happen to any HOA. Read the entire article……………………………….
HOA Payment Plans: Should You Offer These To Delinquent Homeowners?
HOA payment plans are a common remedy that homeowners associations adopt to lower delinquency rates. But, is there a requirement for HOAs to offer these plans? And how do they work exactly? Read the entire article……………………………….
How To Do An HOA Manager Performance Review
Homeowners associations and their boards should routinely conduct an HOA manager performance review. In doing so, they can objectively evaluate how their manager or management company is doing and decide whether or not it is time for a change. Read the entire article……………………………….
HOA Traffic Enforcement: How To Prevent Reckless Driving In The Community
HOA traffic enforcement is a commonly discussed issue among many communities. With reckless driving and speeding becoming more prevalent, it is easy to see why some boards might want to impose their own traffic rules. Read the entire article……………………………….
HOA Budget Meeting: Tips For Planning And Presenting
The HOA budget meeting is an important event in any homeowners association. Make sure all goes well with yours by adopting these tips for planning and presenting your annual budget. Read the entire article……………………………….
Can The HOA Ask Homeowners To Remove Holiday Cross Display?
When an association board asks a homeowner to remove a cross display in an HOA community during the holidays, is the association violating any laws? Can an HOA really pick and choose which holiday decorations residents can display? Read the entire article……………………………….
Should The HOA Clubhouse Be Exclusively Used By Homeowners?
In a planned development, residents typically have access to amenities, including the HOA clubhouse. But, should the association open the clubhouse exclusively to members? Read the entire article……………………………….
Hosting A Thanksgiving Party In An HOA? Be Prepared First
Thanksgiving is a time when friends and family get together to eat, catch up, and have fun. But, if you’re throwing a Thanksgiving party in an HOA, there are a few more preparations you need to make note of. Read the entire article……………………………….
HOA Contract Bids: Negotiating Your Vendor Contracts
HOA contract bids are a necessary part of selecting new vendors. But, that does not mean you always need to get multiple bids for every little job. Read the entire article……………………………….
Interim HOA Board: Should Vacant Positions Be Filled Immediately?
It is hard to pin down a single definition of an interim HOA board. On one hand, it makes sense to say that all boards are interim because members only hold office for a fixed term (typically one year). But, it could also point to a board member with a specific position assuming the role […]
HOA Board Fatigue: Is Your BOD Too Tired?
HOA board fatigue is a real phenomenon that many community associations experience. But, what exactly are the symptoms of board fatigue? And how has the pandemic contributed to its rise? Read the entire article……………………………….
HOA Construction Contracts: Review Closely Before Signing
Far too many homeowners associations fall into the trap of signing biased HOA construction contracts. Avoid becoming one of them by familiarizing yourself with these contract must-haves. Read the entire article……………………………….
Kentucky HOA Laws
Complying with your state laws is imperative if you want to stay out of legal trouble. What are the different Kentucky HOA laws that homeowners associations must keep up with? Read the entire article……………………………….
HOA Collection Agency: Does Your Association Need One?
Not all members of a homeowners association pay their dues on time or even at all. But, when push comes to shove, is hiring an HOA collection agency really the best option? Read the entire article……………………………….
What Homeowners Association Pet Restrictions Should Your Board Enforce?
Homeowners association pet restrictions are commonplace in any planned development. But, deciding what pet policies your community should have in place is a little trickier than it might initially seem. Read the entire article……………………………….
Rental Properties In An HOA: How To Handle It?
It is not uncommon for homeowners to rent out their properties. But, what if that property belongs in a homeowners association? Board members must know how to deal with rental property in HOA communities. Read the entire article……………………………….
Should The HOA Hire Licensed Contractors Only?
Homeowners associations go through a lot of repairs and maintenance work. And while it may be tempting to go with an unlicensed professional that offers bargain-basement prices, it is always best to hire a licensed contractor. Read the entire article……………………………….
Is An HOA Reserve Study Essential? How Does It Help Your Reserve Funds?
Reserve studies are an integral part of maintaining a healthy HOA reserve fund, but many associations underestimate just how important it is. Here is what you need to know about your association’s reserves and how a reserve study affects them. Read the article…………………………..
How To Change HOA Rules?
Can a homeowners association change rules? In a word, yes. Homeowners associations do have the authority to change the rules within the community. But, an HOA board may be bound by some conditions before they can change these rules. Before you can learn how to change HOA rules, you must first understand what operating rules […]
HOA Donations: Should The HOA Accept Them?
No matter the financial status, all homeowners associations can benefit from additional funds donated by their homeowners. Some HOAs may need it to finish an essential capital project while others simply want to add more amenities to their community. In any case, is it right to accept HOA donations? Here’s what you need to know. […]
When Neighbors Fight: Handling HOA Neighbor Disputes Fairly
No homeowners association is immune from HOA neighbor disputes. No matter the shape or size of the community, neighbors will fight for any number of reasons — that is just human nature. But, what can an HOA do about it? Read the article……………………………….
What Are Capital Improvements? Should HOA Fund Them?
What is capital improvement? How is it different from maintenance and repairs? These are two very common questions asked by homeowners. To understand where part of your monthly association dues goes, here’s what you need to know about capital improvements. Read the article……………………………
Short-term Rental Case Impacting Community Associations
In February, the Court of Appeals of Kentucky ruled that using a property for a short-term rental didn’t classify as residential use and violated a restriction limiting the property’s use to a private summer residence. The homeowners in the case (The Hoffman Revocable Trust v. Marshall) purchased a home in a community association, which had […]
Is It Legal To Fly Drones In HOA Communities?
Drones in HOA communities are becoming more and more common, but these unmanned aircraft can pose serious concerns among residents. The first step in managing drones in your HOA is to know what the law says about them. Read the article…………………………….
How Should The Board Handle Short-Term Rentals In HOA Communities?
With the increased popularity of lodging apps and services like Airbnb, HOA communities are facing more problems with short-term rentals. Before banning it outright, though, your HOA board should take a look at the issue from every perspective. Read the article……………………………
What To Do Before Amending HOA Governing Documents (OH/KY)
All homeowners associations think about amending HOA governing documents every now and then. But, when done improperly, the process and its results can be disastrous. On the other hand, when done correctly, it can clarify vague provisions and reform outdated rules. Read the article………………………….
5 Recommendations To Have A Green HOA
Green HOA practices make an eco-friendly community that lets families live in harmony with nature. How do you go about building an eco-friendly HOA? In this guide, we’ll go over a few green initiatives for HOA that can hopefully get your community started going green. Read the article………………………..
HOA Accounting Standards The Board Must Set Up
Much like a business, a functioning community incurs costs and earns revenue. As such, it’s important to set up HOA accounting standards to maintain accurate financial reporting. Now, accounting can be quite stressful for community managers to navigate. With so much money going in and out, sometimes on a daily basis, it can be a […]
Dealing With Difficult Homeowners
Dealing with difficult homeowners is inevitable for board members of an HOA. It is just part of the job. Every community will face conflict and have its fair share of difficult people. A key part of your job as a board member is to keep the peace and diffuse any difficult situations as they arise. […]
Important End Of Year Checklist For Your HOA
Since the end of the year is now approaching, HOAs need to ensure that they have completed all of their required tasks to successfully close out their fiscal year and end of year strategic planning. When considering what tasks need to be completed before 2019 ends, it is wise to review the list below to […]
How To Balance HOA Regulations With Holiday Decorations
The end of the year is a very fun time for residents within communities across the United States. Residents are inclined to make their homes look festive both inside and out. Where the holiday season can become complicated is deciding how to balance decorating the outside of homes within your community while still adhering to […]
Tips On Selecting The Right Vendors For Your HOA
One great challenge for HOAs is to choose the appropriate vendors to complete the required tasks of their communities. If HOAs are not careful, they will end up spending unnecessary amounts of their allotted budgets on expenses that they could have found less expensive elsewhere. For HOAs that are looking to utilize their resources in […]
Dealing With HOA Violations In The Community
Residents benefit a great deal from living in a community that has an HOA. However, residents do have to understand that the improved quality of life in their community does come with a price. Residents are expected to adhere to HOA guidelines while living in the community. When a resident fails to follow HOA regulations, […]