Stories, tips and insights into property management, accounting and community
Homeowners associations rely on people to make decisions and perform organizational functions. For constitutional matters, a vote comes from all HOA members. For day-to-day affairs, an association acts through its board of directors and officers.
Read MoreHomeowners living in HOA Communities face a variety of requirements, regulations, and rules by choosing to live in these private communities. One of the requirements for members is the payment of HOA fees. We want to give members the necessary information concerning HOA fees and the many issues that arise when homeowners fail to pay.
Read MoreAs we have seen, an HOA cannot just decide that it wants to prohibit short-term rentals one day. The prohibition must be grounded in some authority derived from the community declaration. For the most part, a community with an existing rental restriction in its mandate will have the right to enforce the regulation.
Read MoreIf the Association's declaration prohibits rentals (short-term or long), the HOA can likely enforce the prohibition unless there is some other reason why the restriction is unenforceable.
Read MoreDid you know that you don't have to be interested or involved in a specific cause to serve on a nonprofit board of directors? The fact is that there are lots of nonprofits right in your community that has vacancies on their boards of directors. A great deal of the time, they don't even require prior experience. Read on to learn more!
Read MoreDid you know that you don't have to be interested or involved in a specific cause to serve on a nonprofit board of directors? The fact is that there are lots of nonprofits right in your community that has vacancies on their boards of directors. A great deal of the time, they don't even require prior experience.
Read MoreThe board's job is to make decisions. HOA association management companies work on the association's behalf. Management companies have no decision-making power over the HOA. However, they do act at the board's behest. The management's job is to carry them out.
Read MoreWe base the best relationships between HOAs and the management companies on open communication and clear expectations. However, suppose you're not exactly sure what your management company should be doing for your association. In that case, it can be challenging to determine if you're getting the total value of your service agreement. Here's how to set appropriate expectations with your management company—and why it's crucial.
Read MoreWhile keeping dues as low as possible sounds like a good idea, it's not always the best idea. Read on to discover when raising dues is actually in a community's best interest.
Read MoreHomeowners associations can do their part to protect and preserve our freshwater supply by adopting sustainable landscaping practices.
Read MoreUnder Florida law, an association attempting to enforce a covenant or restriction against one homeowner while allowing another homeowner to violate the same regulation without consequences constitutes selective enforcement. Unfortunately, this is a common problem for association boards.
Read MoreIn the months after the devastating collapse of Champlain Tower South Condominium Association in Surfside, Florida, residents and board members are questioning how to keep themselves and their property safe.
Read MoreBenefits of using best practices include improved quality and performance, better planning and evaluation methods, innovative approaches to operations and management, and increased organizational accountability.
Read MoreMost board members take their position seriously. However, there are a fair number of potential pitfalls and possible liability issues if a board member isn't careful. For these reasons, it can be a huge advantage to work with a community association manager who can help board members avoid snags and ensure the association runs smoothly.
Read MoreA homeowners association is the cornerstone of a planned community. When run properly, it brings continuity, preserves architectural integrity, maintains common areas, protects property values, and promotes the concept of "community." Every association should be responsible for its assets and operation following state laws and the community's governing documents.
Read MoreHas your board instituted an ethics policy for all directors and committees? Typically, the first requirement is that all nominees for directors sign a confidentiality promise never to sue the board. So, if a board member does something wrong, illegal or unethical, how can the HOA get relief?
Read MoreThere are numerous considerations when allowing third parties to use a common area clubhouse to provide classes or other services. However, it is the facilitation of exercise classes that raises the most concern.
Read MoreFor many associations, the Board of Directors' most significant issue is dealing with demanding homeowners. Even the most even-tempered folks have "hot buttons." Dealing with the emotions entwined in ownership of one's home can push those buttons and create problems in an association.
Read MoreDoes your community association manage a playground? You may be wondering what you can do to make sure you and your family are safe and compliant. Playgrounds are a great gathering place in the community—but unfortunately, they can spell danger for HOAs if they aren’t properly inspected and maintained.
Read MoreAssociations handle personally identifiable information daily, including homeowner names, addresses, bank account information, credit card numbers, credit histories, and Social Security numbers. Unfortunately, these items are attractive to cybercriminals, and as data thieves grow more sophisticated in their tactics, the potential risks of a data breach increase for an association.
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