Are rising HOA insurance premiums stressing your board? You may have more control than you realize! In this episode of HOA Insights, Kevin Davis and Robin Manougian delve into effective strategies for controlling HOA insurance costs and minimizing risks. They explore key factors, including the importance of proactive maintenance, budgeting for reserves, and understanding the […]
Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Management for HOAs
Homeowners’ Associations are an essential part of many communities, providing structure and maintaining the quality of life for residents. However, managing an HOA isn’t always smooth sailing. When an emergency or crisis hits—whether it’s a natural disaster, a financial issue, or a legal dispute—HOA leaders are often expected to handle the situation swiftly and efficiently. […]
The Future of Smart Home Technology in HOA Communities
Imagine this: you’re coming home on a chilly Chicago evening, your favorite playlist already humming softly as the door unlocks at your arrival. The lights adjust, your thermostat dials to the perfect setting, and security systems run a final check. There is no need for manual adjustments; it’s all taken care of, thanks to smart […]
Four Signs It’s Time to Look for a New HOA Management Company
Does managing your community feel like a never-ending cycle of paperwork, budgetary surprises, and vendor headaches? Managing a community is demanding enough, but when operational tasks pile up, communication stalls or financial clarity is lacking, the negative impacts create a domino effect through the entire board and community. Watch the video………………………….
How a Holiday Party Can Build Community in Your NYC Condo
Imagine stepping into your building’s beautifully decorated lobby, warmly greeted by neighbors who were once just faces in the elevator. In a condo or co-op, a holiday party is more than just a seasonal celebration—it’s a chance to build a genuine sense of community. Hosting a holiday gathering can help you get to know your […]
How to Increase Homeowner Engagement in Your HOA Community (IL)
Let’s be real: most of us barely know our neighbors. In fact, studies show over half of Americans don’t even know the folks living next door. If you’re a board member for your HOA, you might feel the challenge of trying to bring the community together in a world where door-knocking feels outdated, and people […]
Overcoming neglect: An Iowa community’s maintenance and reserve funding challenges
Generating adequate reserve funding in your community can seem like a daunting task, but doing so is a necessary step in providing for ongoing preventative maintenance, funding structural inspections and repairs, and safeguarding your community’s future. Take, for example, Cobblestone Owners Association, a 157-unit townhome community in Urbandale, Iowa. The community was forced to tackle […]
Exploring the Benefits of Electronic Voting in HOA Elections
Technological advancements in the community management industry continue to simplify processes and improve efficiency. One of the most important advancements that offers huge homeowner convenience is the option to conduct elections electronically. While effective, traditional voting methods come with their share of challenges that electronic voting (e-voting) can help overcome. Before considering e-voting for your […]
How to successfully live under a homeowners association
If you buy a condominium, townhouse or single-family home in a newer development, you’re likely to become a member of a community association. About 20 percent of Americans live in a community governed by a condo association, homeowners association or co-op board, according to the Community Associations Institute, which educates volunteer board members and association […]
What Every Community Association Should Know About Reserve Studies
Imagine this: Your community’s pool is reaching the end of its life. You know it’s going to need repairs soon, but the funds just aren’t there. Sound stressful? It doesn’t have to be. That’s where a reserve study comes in. It’s a tool that helps community associations plan ahead—so when it’s time for major repairs […]
Navigating HOA Meeting Protocols: The Importance of a Parliamentarian and Scheduling Flexibility (NC)
A parliamentarian serves as an adviser to the presiding officer, other officers, committees, and members on matters of meeting procedure. While common in large association membership meetings or conventions, their necessity in board meetings varies depending on several factors. Read the article…………………………….
HOA Maintenance Responsibilities: From Fallen Trees to Hurricane Damage (NC)
When natural disasters strike, such as hurricanes or severe storms, community associations often face complex questions about maintenance, repair, and replacement responsibilities. Understanding these responsibilities before an emergency occurs is crucial for both association boards and homeowners. Read the article…………………………….
Architectural Review and HOA Rules: A Comprehensive Guide to Creating and Updating Guidelines
Architectural review is a crucial component of maintaining property values and community aesthetics in homeowners associations. This comprehensive guide explores how to establish, update, and enforce architectural guidelines effectively while ensuring fairness and legal compliance. Read the article…………………………….
Effective Management of Retention Ponds and Tree Care in Common Areas
Environmental stewardship is a crucial responsibility for Homeowners Associations (HOAs). This guide covers two essential aspects of environmental management: retention pond maintenance and tree care in common areas. Both elements require careful attention and regular maintenance to ensure community safety and environmental protection. Read the article…………………………….
Create the Best HOA Reserve Funding Plan (Are You Funding Enough?)
Just like any building or asset, your community has components that will deteriorate over time. HOA reserves are the funds set aside to address these inevitable repairs and replacements, preventing special assessments and protecting property values. It’s the money you collect to pay for future repairs and replacements of your common areas like pools, roofs, […]
Understanding the Fiduciary Duties of an HOA Board
The role of an HOA board is more than just overseeing community management—it’s a responsibility steeped in trust and legal obligations. For those serving as board members, understanding and fulfilling their fiduciary duties is crucial to maintaining a well-functioning community where residents feel confident in their leadership. Read the article…………………………….
A Step-by-Step Guide to Updating HOA Governing Documents (CA)
Changes to governing documents are needed as communities evolve. The original CC&Rs and Bylaws that were established when the property was first built may no longer apply to the homeowners who live there today. Read the article…………………………….
How to Plan HOA Reserve Funding for Long-Term Success
HOA reserve funding plays a vital role in successful community management and financial stability. Communities that plan properly protect their property values and avoid unexpected special assessments. These well-managed reserve funds shield homeowners from sudden financial burdens and help maintain community standards. Read the article…………………………….
HOA Special Assessments: Planning, Communication, and Payment Strategies
HOA special assessments represent a critical funding mechanism that homeowners associations employ to address significant community needs beyond their regular operating budgets. When existing reserve funds prove insufficient for major repairs or vital community improvements, these special assessments become essential tools for maintaining community standards and protecting property values. The implementation of effective payment plans […]
Effectively Using Fines to Enforce Illinois Condo & HOA Bylaws
Enforcing the governing documents plays a key role in successfully operating a community association. Unruly behavior by a unit owner can lead to unhappy neighbors and a potential decrease in property values. Therefore, it is imperative that a community association’s board understand the remedies at its disposal to address improper conduct. One potential remedy is […]
HOA Trips & Slips
Tripping and slipping can involve both embarrassment and serious injury. The ubiquitous banana peel slip always gets a chuckle, but too often the gravity (both the law and seriousness) of the situation can cause real and lasting injury. In most of the world, the policy of Always Look Down (ALD) is essential to avoid injury. […]
What Is the Difference Between Mediation and Arbitration? (FL)
Whether you are a member of a condominium association or homeowners’ association, the respective statutes require the owners and the association to engage in alternative dispute resolution for certain disputes before a complaint is filed in court. The two types of alternative dispute resolution recognized by the Condominium Act and the Homeowners’ Association Act are […]
When Disaster Strikes Your Community Association: Property Damage and Risk Assessment
A wide range of disasters affect a community association’s property, infrastructure, financial stability, and the safety of its residents. Natural disasters that can impact condominium, homeowner (HOA) and townhome community associations include fire, hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, flooding, wildfires, landslides, and storms. Negligence and accidents can also create or contribute to a disastrous consequences. Read the […]
Can HOAs withhold privileges over unpaid fees? (CT)
Keeping a community thriving depends largely on the regular collection of HOA fees. Yet, many HOAs struggle with residents who fall behind on their payments, affecting essential services and causing frustration among those who do pay on time. Is it legal for HOAs to restrict certain privileges to motivate timely fee payments? Read the article…………………………….
4 Essential Things Finance Leaders at Community Management Companies Must Know to Prepare for 2025
The finance landscape for community management companies is evolving rapidly, and 2025 is set to bring new challenges and opportunities that finance leaders must be ready to tackle. With increasing demands to drive efficiency, adopt emerging technologies, and safeguard against rising fraud risks, finance professionals in this sector are being asked to do more than […]
Higher Insurance Costs, Lower Coverage Squeeze Co-op and Condo Boards (NY)
The blows keep coming for Logan Browne and his neighbors. As president of his condo board in Bushwick, Brooklyn, Browne watched the building’s insurance rates triple last year. Then, after the board filed two insurance claims when heavy rainfalls flooded the basement in 2020 and 2023, the insurance carrier declined to renew the policy. When […]
Board Members’ Fiduciary Duties – What Does That Mean?
When homeowners get upset with their HOA board members, they oftentimes accuse directors and officers of violating their “fiduciary duties”. But ironically, most people can neither define “fiduciary”, nor define “fiduciary duties” when asked. So, what does “fiduciary” mean and how does it apply to board members, if at all? These are the questions this […]
Trash Talk: What To Do When Animals Are Attracted to Trashcans in Your Community (CO)
With rapid property development throughout Colorado, wildlife sightings in residential communities are becoming more and more frequent. From raccoons to bears, these animals are often attracted to trash cans left outdoors prior to or after pick-up, which can lead to headaches for associations. Several options exist when it comes to limiting these types of encounters, […]
Essential Budgeting Strategies for Community Associations
Budgeting is one of the most critical responsibilities for community associations, as a well-constructed budget provides the backbone for financial stability and operational efficiency. Thoughtful budgeting helps maintain property values, ensure smooth operations, and foster a harmonious community. Below are best practices and strategies to help your association create and manage an effective budget: Read […]
Political Signs and Holiday Decorations in Community Associations (NJ)
With election and holiday season upon us, community association boards are typically tasked with the best way to promulgate rules and regulations concerning political signs and holiday decorations. Living in a pluralistic society can have its challenges. However, a lawful, well-crafted, objective, and non-discriminatory policy can help a community live harmoniously while respecting the beliefs […]
The Reality of EV Charging Stations for Communities
So how popular are electric vehicles these days, really? According to Kelley Blue Book estimates, about 7.6 percent of new cars sold in the United States in 2023 were electric, and some sources predict that that number will rise to 10 percent for 2024. While that might not sound like a lot, the growth curve […]
Developing a Comprehensive HOA Disaster Preparedness Plan
As an HOA, you play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of your community, especially during emergencies. A comprehensive disaster preparedness plan is essential to minimize risks, protect lives, and facilitate a swift recovery. Read the article…………………………….
Spread the Cheer by Hosting a Joyful Ho-Ho-HOA Holiday Event
The holidays are upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by bringing your community together for a festive community association holiday party? Whether you’re dreaming of a winter wonderland or planning a spirited Ugly Sweater Contest, hosting a jolly event is the perfect way to spread goodwill and build connections. Read the article…………………………….
Biff: Quick Responses to High Conflict People, Their Personal Attacks, Hostile Email and Social Media Meltdowns
[NOTE: we do not get any commission or kickback from this] We live in an age of rapid change and instant communication. We also live in a Culture of Blame and Disrespect, creating a need to manage our responses to high conflict people (HCPs). A BIFF Response® can be applied in any communication anywhere: in […]
How to celebrate election season while living in an HOA community (AZ)
Whether by voting, attending a campaign rally or simply talking with their neighbors, Arizonans across the state are making their voices heard. Another popular method to support a candidate is through putting up a yard sign outside a home. Yard signs are a great way for voters to show support for their candidate or cause […]
Homeowners Insurance Not Renewed? Premium Skyrocketed? Here’s What to Do Next.
Miraculously, Laura Morris’ house in Greenville, S.C., survived the punishing winds and rain of Hurricane Helene this past September. While her neighbors had trees fall on their homes or in their yards, her home suffered only minor damage. But just a few weeks after the hurricane, the Morris family faced another potential disaster: a notice […]
Comparing the U.S. Election to a Condo Election: Key Similarities and Differences
When most people think of elections, the intense debates, party lines, and media attention of national elections like those in the United States often come to mind. Yet, at a smaller scale, condo elections — where board members are chosen to make crucial decisions for a building or community — follow many similar principles. Whether […]
Top 5 Trending Issues for California HOA Members
Homeowners associations (HOAs) in California have a significant impact on members’ lives, affecting everything from governance procedures to personal freedoms within the community. Of the plethora of issues that arise every day involving HOAs and their members, there are five that seem to be getting a lot of attention. These trending topics—from modernizing voting methods, […]
Successful Social Programming: The Value of Building Relationships
Fostering a sense of community in multifamily buildings and HOAs is essential —not only for the health and happiness of residents, but also for the overall well-being of the property itself. As we navigate our fast-paced, post-pandemic world, nurturing relationships has become vital. Creating connections through social programming helps engage residents, enhances their day-to-day living […]
Exterior Safety Inspections: Why They Matter for Your Building
Among the most important elements of building maintenance is inspecting and securing the facade, whether it’s brick, stone, stucco, glass, or some other material. Improper installation, neglected maintenance, and plain old natural deterioration over time can all destabilize your building’s exterior, posing a serious risk to both residents and passers-by in the form of falling […]
Shining a light: Diversifying your community’s holiday decor
For people across the world, holidays bring together neighbors, friends, and family. For those living and working in community associations, the holiday season presents an opportunity to strengthen ties as communities celebrate with lights, decorations, and special events. It might be the most wonderful time of the year, but not everyone celebrates the same holidays. […]
Operating Rules Should be Enforceable, Not Aspirational (CA)
Operating rules are important tools for community associations. They supplement the CC&Rs and can provide important details regarding the use of the common area and the separate interests within the development. However, we are frequently presented with rules adopted by boards that are impossible to enforce. Rules are not self-enforcing; therefore, rules cannot simply be […]
What is the Difference between Mediation and Arbitration?
Whether you are a member of a condominium association or homeowners’ association, the respective statutes require the owners and the association to engage in alternative dispute resolution for certain disputes before a complaint is filed in court. The two types of alternative dispute resolution recognized by the Condominium Act and the Homeowners’ Association Act are […]
Community Association Management Contracts Considerations: Terms and Notice Provisions (VA)
Community association management contracts play a crucial role in defining the relationship between community associations and their management companies. This is the second installment of the series focusing on some key provisions of community association management contracts. In the first post, we discussed the concept of indemnification and indemnification provisions in such contracts. Read the […]
Understanding Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions (TX)
When you buy a property in a planned community or subdivision, you’re not just buying a home; you’re also agreeing to abide by a set of rules known as Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). These are legal obligations that dictate how you can use and enjoy your property. Think of them as the guidelines for […]
3 Best Practices for Regulating Political Signs in Your Condo or HOA (MI)
Election seasons these days never seem to end, with dozens of national, state, and local races and issues up for consideration in any given year and new campaigns that begin as soon as an election cycle ends. With all these races and protracted campaigns comes a proliferation of political signs in yards and homes in […]
ChatGPT’s Opinion About HOAs
You may have heard about ChatGPT but not really know what it is or what it does. “ChatGPT[a] is an artificial intelligence chatbot developed by OpenAI and launched in November 2022.”[i] But what is an artificial intelligence chatbot? I am not a computer programmer, but from my non-technical perspective, it is an interactive computer-based chatroom. […]
Capital Reserve Studies: Best Practices for Accurate Budget Planning
Capital reserve studies are essential for accurate budget planning in churches, nonprofit organizations, and other entities managing significant assets. These studies provide a comprehensive analysis of an organization’s financial health and long-term funding needs. By examining current reserves and future expenditures, they help leaders make informed decisions about maintaining and replacing critical components. Read the […]
FEMA offers assistance for damaged private-owned roads and bridges (VA)
FEMA is offering assistance for those whose private-owned roads and bridges were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene. To receive home repair assistance for privately-owned access routes, the following conditions must be met, Read the article…………………………….