Most homeowners associations choose to employ a highly-qualified professional community manager. Residents should know what the manager has and has not been hired to do. The manager has two primary responsibilities: to carry out policies set by the HOA board and to manage daily operations of the Association.  Some residents expect the manager to perform certain tasks that just aren’t part of the job. When the manager doesn’t meet those expectations, residents naturally are unhappy. Since the board wants residents to be happy, here are a few clarifications to help you understand what the manager does.  

The manager is trained to deal with conflict, but he or she will not get involved in quarrels you might be having with your neighbor. However, if Association rules are being violated, the manager is the right person to call. The manager does not set policy. If you disagree with a policy or rule, you’ll get better results sending a letter or e-mail to the board than arguing with the manager.

While the manager works closely with the HOA board, he or she is an advisor, not a member of the board. Also, the manager is not your advocate with or conduit to the board. If you have a concern, send a letter or e-mail directly to the board.

Although the manager works for the board, he or she is available to residents. That doesn’t mean the manager will drop everything to take your call. If you need to see the manager, call and arrange a meeting.

If a matter is so urgent that you need an immediate response, call the homeowners association emergency number or 911.

 
The manager is always happy to answer questions, but he or she is not the information officer. For routine inquiries, like the date of the next meeting, please read the newsletter or check your homeowners association website.

The manager is responsible for monitoring contractors’ performance, but not supervising them. Contractors are responsible for supervising their own personnel. If you have a problem with a contractor, notify the manager, who will forward your concerns to the HOA board. The board will decide how to proceed under the terms of the contract.

The manager inspects the community regularly, but even an experienced manager won’t catch everything. Your help is essential. If you know about a potential maintenance issue, report it to the manager.
 
The manager has a broad range of expertise, but he or she is not a consultant to the residents. Neither are they an engineer, architect, attorney or accountant. The manager may offer opinions, but don’t expect technical advice in areas where he or she is not qualified.

These are just five common duties of an HOA manager. There are many more and some that may be specific to your Association.

Please remember to be considerate of your homeowners association management and volunteer HOA board. They are there to help and usually want the same common goal that you do.

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