Voting is an important aspect of homeowner engagement in an HOA, especially for annual meetings. Homeowners’ voices are heard through voting to adopt or amend the governing documents, levy a special assessment, or most notably, for the election of board candidates. Voting can be conducted in person, by proxy (in Texas, but not in Arizona), […]
Handling Fire Lane Parking Rules in an HOA (TX)
A fire lane is defined as a marked lane near a structure that runs along the street. As every driver knows, parking in a fire lane is prohibited at all times in order to grant fire trucks and emergency vehicles unobstructed access to the structure in the event of an emergency. However, it’s not uncommon […]
6 Ways to Spread Joy in Your HOA Community
One of the most wonderful things about an HOA neighborhood is the potential to come together during the holidays. Spreading joy throughout the holiday season is a great way to connect with your neighbors and to enrich your community. Of course, simply smiling and saying “Happy Holidays” is only the beginning. Whether you’re an HOA […]
Top Ten Ways to Encourage Homeowner Engagement in Your Community Association
Increasing homeowner engagement is an important component of building a strong community. More homeowner involvement gives HOA board members a broader perspective on issues facing the community. As your association gets more homeowner participation, the board may be able to lighten its workload or get more done by delegating tasks to volunteer committees. You may […]
Handling HOA Trespassing
Do members or representatives of the HOA have permission to enter into, or onto, a homeowner’s property? The short answer is, technically, yes. However, although there are times when, legally, the HOA can get authorization to enter a homeowner’s property, you may want to think twice before doing so! In many cases, the risks may […]
The ABC’s of DRV’s in Texas
Author’s Note and Disclaimer: This article discusses Texas Property Owners Association (“POA”) Law and pertains to single family residential POA’s in Texas only. Even though a man’s home is his castle, he is still obligated to abide by deed restrictions if that home is in a common interest development encumbered by restrictive covenants. Read the […]
Rental Restrictions in an HOA Community
Although a person owns their home and can do (more or less) what they want with the inside, if they live in an HOA, the association can actually place limits on the homeowner’s ability to rent their home. Though it may seem that such limits are restrictive, they actually serve to protect the integrity of […]
Tree Removal Policies in an HOA Community
Planting trees is a natural, easy way to beautify the landscape of any community. Shared common areas and privately-owned properties within an HOA are often dotted with trees of varying shapes and sizes, and the effect is, for the most part, appreciated by all who live there. However, it’s not uncommon that, for one reason […]
Being Proactive with HOA Budget
Money plays a key role in both our professional and personal lives. When people look at organizations from an outside perspective, usually only the most visible financial attributes can be seen, such as who the vendors are, the state of their landscaping, and what social activities are hosted. However, these factors are not a true […]
Code of Conduct for HOA Board Members
HOA board positions are filled by volunteers – well-meaning community members who are invested in the continued success of their community. But even the most well-intentioned board members often lack the experience and training needed to run a community, and it’s not uncommon for personal beliefs or misguided actions to cause problems. A solid code […]
Vendor Bid-Outs: A Guide to Choosing the Right Vendor for Your HOA
Whether it be for a single task or an ongoing project, selecting a vendor to perform work for your association can be a daunting process, but it doesn’t have to be. In selecting a vendor, it is important to consider various factors such as dependability, liability, cost-to-quality ratio, reviews, and expertise. Fortunately for SpectrumAM customers, […]
Adding Electronic Voting for Your HOA
Does your HOA struggle with resident involvement in HOA elections and other various meetings and votes? A new method of voting is on the rise throughout the country, and it may just be the answer to your board’s struggle. Two words: electronic voting. Read the article……………………….
Where Should an HOA Board Begin with a Capital Project ?
A capital project is a specific plan for making improvements or adding new features to common areas in your HOA. The decision to proceed with a large project is a commitment to the extra time and funds required to get the job done. For board members, tackling a large scale project is often a daunting […]
How to Complete an RFP
Welcome back to the third topic in our board basics series! We started the series by encouraging board members to double-check and make sure their insurance is sufficient for their association’s needs. Last time, we discussed the importance of HOA committee guidelines. This week, we’re going to walk you through how to complete a request […]
Reasons for an HOA Community Website
With the many technological advancements we have today, an association website is a virtual necessity. A well-run, accessible site is critical to ease and improve HOA communication, finances, and board functionality. While not without risks, creating a community website that is easily navigated, professional, and that contains useful content for community members is well worth […]
The 5 Essential HOA Board Member Skills to Have
Whether you’ve served your association for several years, or were recently elected, it doesn’t take long to realize that board members need a variety of skills. Developing these various abilities allows associations to run optimally. Below are five skills that will help board members lead their teams effectively: Read the article……………………..
High-Rise Security and Privacy Concerns: Best Practices for Better Safety
Living on an upper floor in a high-rise building presents different challenges for security and privacy than a single-family home. There are several reasons why proactive security and privacy measures are smart for association members. While it is impossible to keep everyone safe from harm at all times, there are ways condo association board members […]
Is a Crime Watch Committee A Good Idea for Your HOA?
Imagine a way in which to reduce crime in your neighborhood while simultaneously sparking fellowship and engagement among homeowners and local law enforcement. Considering these possible benefits, a crime watch committee may appear to be an opportunity for homeowners to serve as a vital utility in securing the entire community’s safety and camaraderie. However, the […]
Golf Course & Community Liability: Who is Responsible When Balls Do Damage (TX)
Living near a golf course is a dream for those who love to play the popular sport. When the swing of a golf club sends a ball through a nearby window or into a car, questions of liability quickly arise. Someone must pay for the repairs and discovering who the responsibility belongs to isn’t easy. […]
What is Noxious Activity in an HOA?
Within any HOA, you’ll find a variety of folks with differing lifestyles, interests, and personalities. While diversity creates a well-rounded community, it can also be a breeding ground for frequent disagreements and complaints. It’s not uncommon for a homeowner to approach their HOA board when they find the actions of a neighbor offensive or bothersome. […]
What is Texas Open Meeting Law?
The Texas Open Meetings Act states that governmental bodies must hold open meetings unless there is an authorized reason for an executive, or closed, session. This is to keep government transparent and accountable, and to ensure public business shall be conducted responsibly. Read the article………………
The Most Common HOA Board Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Joining your HOA board is a great way to take more responsibility. However, many new HOA board members will make mistakes, ranging from minor to serious. The board itself often runs into errors, especially in areas such as rule enforcement. Here are some of the most common HOA board mistakes and some things you can […]
What is HOA Involvement on Encroachment?
Encroachment is a word you may hear pop up during board discussions, but what is it exactly? Essentially, encroachment means going onto someone else’s property without their permission. This is most often seen in HOA communities in the form of a person’s garden, fence, patio, or other additions crossing their property line, no matter how […]
What is HOA Insurance: Why It’s So Important
Insurance comes in many forms and fashions: life, health, auto, home, renters, etc. You insure yourself and the people closest to you, along with the things you care about most. You insure your life. You insure your health. You insure your car and your shelter because not only are you legally required to, but also […]
Every HOA Needs a Gardening Policy for Planting in Common Areas
Each year many owners want their beautification efforts to extend beyond their private yards. Without a gardening policy for common areas, an HOA is likely to experience one of two undesirable outcomes. The HOA board has to take on the time-consuming task of approving plantings on a case-by-case basis. Read the article…………………..
Booking Entertainment for Your HOA Event
It’s not hard to find great entertainment – you just need to identify the type of entertainment you’d like, make an offer, and sign a contract, right? Well … not quite! Each event is unique, and being an HOA, there’s likely a set budget to work with. If you’re the board member or committee member […]
Registering Your HOA in Texas
Some states require an HOA to register with that state, and failure to do so could result in the loss of certain rights and protections. For example, an HOA that fails to register with the state could lose their right to defend or initiate any lawsuits. However, more often than not, the infraction is easily […]
When Do Deed Restrictions Expire? (TX)
Deed restrictions are legal requirements that dictate what a homeowner can and cannot do with his property. For example, mandating which colors a homeowner can paint their house, which building styles must be adhered to, how landscaping should look, etc. The HOA imposes deed restrictions in order to maintain the neighborhood’s look and feel, and […]
How to Build a Social Committee for Social Events and Social Clubs in Your HOA
Building a social committee for your HOA is a great way to increase interaction among members. From garage sales to book clubs, such a committee can plan and promote a variety of social events. Establishing the committee is serious work, however, and before the fun comes committee structure and assignments. If you’re planning a social […]
How Does the Fair Housing Act Affect Your HOA
The U.S. Justice Department states that the Fair Housing Act applies to “individuals, corporations, associations, and others involved in the provision of housing and residential lending, including property owners, housing managers, homeowners and condominium associations, lenders, real estate agents, and brokerage services.” HOAs fall under the umbrella of the Fair Housing Act and should take […]
Legislative Update: Texas HOA Legislation in 2019
The 2019 legislative session recently ended, and we at SpectrumAM would like to inform our boards that little was passed that will impact SpectrumAM’s clients or the association management industry in general. Like many bills, most of the items discussed at the beginning of the session failed to make it out of committee, and some […]
Have a Safe 4th of July in Your HOA
Summer is in full swing and, believe it or not, the Fourth of July is just around the corner! Fourth of July events, such as a community barbeque, ice cream social, or block party, can bring neighbors together and reinforce that they live in a great HOA. This is a wonderful time to get together […]
Condo owner wins appeal against security guard service (TX)
A condominium owner won his appeal of a Harris County trial court’s decision to dismiss his negligence claim against a security guard service. The Texas First District Court of Appeals on June 6 reversed the Harris County District Court’s order dismissing Smith Protective Services Inc. from Igor Galperin’s lawsuit. Read the article………………………
HOA Overnight Parking Defined
Parking is one of the hottest issues in HOA-governed communities. Because of this, parking policies should be clearly spelled out in the association’s CC&Rs. Be sure that all expectations are clearly defined so that the rules are not open for interpretation, but rather, the homeowner can clearly determine what is expected. Read the article………………………
What You Need to Know About a Drainage Easement Fence
When it comes to purchasing property, it’s important for buyers to know their rights concerning easements and how those easements may impact plans for your new home. Read the article……………………..
How Can I Help Animals in My Community?
Wild creatures are common visitors in many neighborhoods. However, they are sometimes known to dig holes in carefully-tended lawns, scavenge vegetable gardens, and make a mess of trash bins! Because suburban areas are also part of these creatures’ natural habitats, relocating these animals can harm them; this is why we are sharing some simple tips […]
Tips for Refreshing Curb Appeal
With spring about to give way to summer, now’s a great time for homeowners to work on a few simple improvement projects that’ll wow anyone who visits your community. While it can be costly to replace siding, fencing, or to paint an entire home, members can make other significant improvements without much cost or work. […]
Serving Alcohol For an HOA Event
Summer is almost upon us! And, with it comes a plethora of exciting community events: barbecues, pool parties, music in the park concerts, movie nights, and so much more! During the summer, it may be tempting to serve alcohol at HOA events. However, serving alcohol at HOA-sponsored events comes with great responsibilities as there are […]
What is a Reasonable Long-Stay Guest Policy for Your HOA? (TX)
No one likes having their ability to host guests limited by an authority. Especially when they own their home and feel they should have full control over who comes and goes. It’s understood that rental homes need every adult resident on the lease as a matter of legal accountability. However, most people don’t realize that […]
HOA Pool Safety Reminders
Pool season is here! Children will soon be out of school for the summer, and families are sure to be visiting the HOA pool much more often – that’s why we’re providing some simple safety tips you can use to prepare your community for the pool season. Read the article…………………..
HOA 101: Basic Terms & Definitions
Like any organization, HOAs, or homeowners’ associations, use a language of their own. This can make living in an HOA community or attending an HOA meeting a frustrating or confusing experience. But, it doesn’t have to be! Once you learn the basics, you will have a better understanding of what an HOA is and how […]
Assignment of Lien’s in an HOA Community (TX)
A lien is a right to hold a piece of property belonging to another person until a debt owed by that person is paid. Associations have a lien – sometimes called a statutory lien – against all properties in the community. An assessment lien is an automatic claim that the HOA attaches to a property […]
No Soliciting Signs in an HOA
It’s Springtime, and homeowners’ associations are particularly attractive communities for commercial, religious, and political solicitors. The close proximity of homes, neatly manicured lawns, and accessible sidewalks lend appeal to neighborhood canvassers. So, what’s a homeowner to do if solicitations are not particularly desired? Read the article………………………….
A Developer Controlled HOA
An HOA is created before the ground is broken for the first home. The developer-controlled board is more or less just in charge of keeping the community afloat until the community is finished (or mostly finished). In theory they have all of the same responsibilities that an owner-controlled board has, however, in practice, the board […]
The Cost of HOA Audits
Wondering if an audit is really necessary? Not all state laws require that HOAs conduct yearly audits, yet many associations budget for them anyway. Read the article…………………………
The Mailbox Rule and What it Means for Your HOA Community
Common to all HOAs are homeowners who are at one time or another delinquent in their association fees and payments. The association will send out delinquency notices to those homeowners to collect overdue payments and resolve the issue. When homeowners still fail to make payments, an HOA may be forced to take legal action. But […]
Options for HOA’s Facing a High Past Due Billing Rate
Assessment collection is imperative to keep an HOA running smoothly. Too often, HOAs find themselves facing a high delinquency rate. This affects both individual homeowners and the community as a whole. What happens when an association’s delinquency rate is too high? What options does the HOA have to collect? Read the article……………………..
HOA Methods Handling Frequent Parking Conflicts
Home Owners Associations have always been in an interesting situation when it comes to parking management. While it may be obvious that every residence gets at least one reserved parking space, what about the extra spaces that every condo building or neighborhood has left over. For a condo association, extra spaces might be prized locations […]