7 HOA Pool Safety Rules Every Board Should Enforce

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………………………..

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 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……………………………….

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……………………………….

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 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……………………………….

HOA Committees: What Are They? How To Set Them Up?

Homeowners associations, particularly larger ones, utilize all sorts of committees to help complete day-to-day tasks. Learn how you can set up your own HOA committees below.   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……………………………….

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……………………………….

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.  […]

The Hierarchy of HOA Governing Documents

Any homeowners association board member understands the overwhelming amount of documentation that is involved with operating an HOA. The governing documents of the association can be dense and multiple and sometimes their hierarchy can be confusing.  Which document takes precedence over another?  Read the article……………………..

West Virginia Homeowners Associations Found to be Debt Collectors

In West Virginia, homeowners associations (HOAs) now need to worry about how they go about collecting delinquent fees. If HOA debt collection efforts do not comply with the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act (the WVCCPA), an HOA could face a civil suit and steep penalties. The Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia […]

WV Homeowners’ Associations Held Subject to Consumer Credit Protection Act

In a recent case argued by Martin & Seibert, L.C., the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals examined the ability of a West Virginia Limited Expense Planned Community to assert a common law lien on real property for unpaid association assessments, and the issue of whether an association’s attempts to collect delinquent assessments is governed […]

CAI Best Practices: Ethics

Simply put, when someone is employing ethics, he or she recognizes what is right and what is wrong and is choosing to do the right thing; however, as a great deal of business ethics literature will attest, “the right thing” is not always straightforward. For example, most ethical dilemmas in the workplace are not simply […]

From Good to Great: Principles for Community Association Success

Every community has its own history, personality, attributes and challenges, but all associations share common characteristics and core  principles. Good associations  preserve the character of  their communities, protect  property values and meet  the established expectations of homeowners. Great  associations also cultivate  a true sense of community,  promote active homeowner  involvement and create a  culture of […]

Introduction to Community Association Living

Community Volunteer Leadership Development Program Community volunteer leaders and members can maximize the benefits of community association living by better understanding the history, purpose, and function of community associations. One way to do so is by participating in the Center for Community Association Volunteers’ (CCAV) Community Volunteer Leadership Development Program – offered online or by […]

So Now You’re On the Board

The first steps to superior board performance are clarifying your board’s job and then following through with appropriate plans, actions and evaluation of results. The checklists presented here are intended to assist you in those tasks. They cover a significant number of your responsibilities. The checklists will apply to virtually any association. To use them, […]