5 Possible Solutions to Short Term Rental Problems in an HOA
October 19, 2018 / by HOA Manager
Short term rentals have become a hot-button issue in HOA communities. More and more homeowners are choosing to rent their homes through sites such as Airbnb or VRBO as a convenient, low-cost way to earn additional income; however, the popularity of short-term rentals is raising concerns in associations and even opening them up to liabilities.
Things an HOA Board Should Consider When Planning Next Year's Budget
October 1, 2018 / by HOA Manager
Preparing next year's budget for your homeowners is one of the most important undertakings for the HOA board. Fiduciary responsibility is something you pledged to look after for your community and this is an area where that really comes into play. There are a few things the Board should consider for next year's Association budget.
Can a Board Use Reserves for an Item Not Listed in the Reserve Study?
September 21, 2018 / by HOA Manager
The purpose of the reserve fund is to plan for future repairs and replacements in the association. But what about components that you can’t see and aren’t listed in the reserve study? For example, plumbing supply lines that aren’t included in the reserve study and will end up costing somewhere in the ballpark of $50,000 to repair or replace.
Steps to Take When HOA Board Members Can’t Make Decisions
September 14, 2018 / by HOA Manager
Some HOA boards have the need to discuss things ad nauseum and yet never come to a decision. It can be extremely frustrating when the same topic comes up on the agenda month, after month, after month, and after hours of discussion, nobody's willing to say either yes or no. They either need more information, want to hear from so-and-so who's not there, or avoid the topic altogether. So how can decision-making be improved for your Board?
The #1 Problem Homeowners Associations Have With Management Companies
September 7, 2018 / by HOA Manager
Are you tired of the lack of customer service from the management company your association has had for a number of years? It's possible that the company was inherited from past HOA board members. Maybe they hired the management company because they liked a specific manager, but that manager no longer works for the company and your HOA is no longer receiving the care and attention it once was. It may be time to hire a new management company to breathe new life into your association community.
What is an Official Meeting: In 200 Words or Less
August 24, 2018 / by HOA Manager
Board meetings, executive sessions, and membership meetings are the most common in an HOA. They require a quorum to be present to qualify as an official meeting. The governing documents for each association define a quorum, typically in the Bylaws.
Why HOA Boards Must Hold Regular Scheduled Meetings
August 21, 2018 / by HOA Manager
One of the first things you learn as you enter the world of homeowner’s association management is all items must be discussed at a board meeting and all decisions must be made in a meeting. In my eight years as an HOA Portfolio Manager, I’ve never had a Board who hasn’t met on a regular scheduled date, until recently. I took over an association and they haven’t had a meeting in over a year! That’s just crazy! Let me explain the importance for you.
Can You Install Solar Panels on Condominium Common Areas?
August 14, 2018 / by HOA Manager
The Board of Directors for most condominium associations in California have felt very comfortable in the past letting owners know that they could not install solar on the common area roof. The roof is common area after all and its maintenance and replacement are the association’s responsibility. Those things remain true but with the passage of AB 634 the association must allow the installation of solar on the common area roof, as well as roofs of the exclusive use carport or garage of a condominium.
A Self-Serving Board Member Might Look Something Like This
August 10, 2018 / by HOA Manager
You ran for the board on the platform of remodeling the clubhouse that has become outdated. What you haven’t shared with the members of the association is that your daughter is getting married next year and the clubhouse would be the perfect place for a reception.
The association has never charged for members to use the clubhouse for gatherings and you know that this will be a great way to save some money on the reception, but the brown plaid furniture will never go with your daughter’s theme for her reception.
4 Tips to Find and Keep Good Vendors for Your Homeowners Association
August 8, 2018 / by HOA Manager
A new member has been elected to your HOA board. Suddenly, you learn that they seem to have a general mistrust of any current vendors of the association, perhaps because they did not choose them. They call for at least three bids on every project, no matter how small. This person seems to be trying to fix something that may not have been broken in the first place.
A board of directors will have its fair share of challenges with new board members automatically calling for new vendors, even when the ones they are working with are really solid.