Homeowners associations have a wide range of responsibilities when it comes to maintaining community standards. One question that frequently comes up in Florida communities is whether the HOA is responsible for pest control.

What Counts as HOA Pest Control?

In most cases, the HOA is in charge of pest control in shared or common spaces. Think about the clubhouse, playground, sidewalks, lawns, or the pool area. The board typically hires a pest control service to treat those areas on a regular schedule, keeping bugs and rodents at bay.

But inside your own home? That’s where things can get a little fuzzy. If pests are confined to a single unit, the homeowner is usually on the hook. On the other hand, if the problem starts in a shared space or begins affecting multiple homes, it might fall back into HOA territory. That’s why having a written pest control policy is important—it helps spell out where the HOA’s role ends and yours begins.

Common Pests in Florida HOAs

Florida’s warm weather might be great for beach days, but it’s also prime real estate for pests. Some of the common pests HOAs across the state regularly deal with include:

• Fire ants – These aggressive pests often build mounds in yards and can deliver the most painful stings when disturbed.
• Cockroaches – Since they’re drawn to moisture, roaches are quick to infest kitchens and bathrooms, and they can carry germs that affect indoor health.
• Termites – Silent but destructive, termites feed on wood and can cause serious damage to a home’s structure over time.
• Rodents – Mice and rats are sneaky invaders that can chew through wiring, get into food, and spread diseases.
• Mosquitoes – These pests breed in standing water and are known for spreading illnesses like West Nile and dengue.
  

These pests can cause serious property damage, lead to health issues, and lower the overall appeal of the community. Prompt, community-wide action is often necessary, especially when infestations are detected in shared spaces or start spreading between homes.

Pest Control in HOA: What the Governing Documents Say

Every association has a set of governing documents—the CC&Rs, bylaws, and so on—that lay out how the community is managed. If you’re wondering who should call the exterminator, that’s where you should start.

Most Florida HOAs clearly state they’re responsible for pest control in shared spaces. Some go a step further and include regular pest inspections in the monthly dues, spreading the cost across all residents.

Is the HOA Responsible for Rat Control?

Rat and mouse infestations are a growing concern in many Florida communities. So, is the HOA responsible for rat control? The answer once again depends on the location of the infestation and the terms laid out in the governing documents.

If rats show up in common areas, such as near the dumpsters or shared utility rooms, the HOA is typically responsible for cleanup and prevention. But if they’re inside your home, it depends on where they came from. If it’s traced back to a common area, the HOA may step in. If not, it’s usually up to you.

That’s why many associations hire licensed pest professionals to help determine where an infestation started before assigning responsibility. Either way, prevention is key, and closing off entry points, cleaning up trash areas, and scheduling treatments can all help.

Why a Clear HOA Pest Control Policy Matters

Unclear policies lead to conflict. If your HOA doesn’t have a documented pest control policy, it’s a good idea to develop one. A comprehensive policy should clarify:

• The types of pests the HOA is responsible for.
• The areas covered under the HOA’s responsibility.
• The homeowner’s role in maintaining a pest-free property.
• Reporting procedures for pest sightings.
• Frequency and scope of routine pest inspections and treatments.

A good HOA pest control policy protects the association from liability, ensures resident cooperation, and helps maintain the community’s integrity. It also sets expectations so that residents aren’t surprised when they’re expected to handle specific pest issues themselves.

Handling HOA Pest Control

Pest control in homeowners association settings often involves a professional service contracted by the HOA. These services typically perform regular inspections of common areas, treat visible infestations, and may even educate residents on prevention strategies.

Some associations also offer optional pest control services for residents at a discounted group rate. This can be a win-win situation, encouraging homeowners to take preventive measures while maintaining a higher standard across the community.

Homeowner Responsibilities

While HOAs play a large role in maintaining shared spaces, homeowners also have their part to play. Keeping garbage secured, eliminating standing water, maintaining landscaping, and sealing potential entry points are all ways homeowners can help reduce the risk of infestations.

When pest problems arise within a unit, it’s important for homeowners to act quickly. Delayed responses can make the problem worse and increase the chance that the infestation spreads. In these cases, failure to address the issue may result in violations if the problem affects neighboring homes or shared walls.

Community Problems Need Community Solutions

Pests don’t care about property lines. If one home has termites, it’s only a matter of time before the neighbors do, too. That’s why the most effective approach is a united one.

HOAs can schedule treatments for entire buildings or blocks, host info sessions with pest experts, and send out prevention reminders. When residents and boards work together, pest problems get solved faster.

A Quick Note on Legal Obligations

Under Florida law, HOAs have a legal duty to maintain shared areas and protect property values. That includes handling pest problems when they threaten the community as a whole. But that duty doesn’t usually extend into your home—unless your infestation is impacting shared walls or spreading beyond your space.

When complaints escalate to court, governing documents are often the primary focus of the courts. A strong, detailed pest control policy can help reduce disputes and protect both the board and the homeowners.

Pests are a Shared Concern

No matter how well-maintained a property is, pests can still find their way in. And once they do, it often takes a coordinated effort to remove them. That’s why homeowners and associations need to work together.

Education, routine maintenance, and a clear plan of action can make all the difference. Whether it’s fire ants in the lawn or termites in the walls, swift action protects both property and peace of mind.

Controlling Critters

Understanding the division of responsibilities and maintaining open communication helps prevent infestations from becoming community-wide problems. With a solid HOA pest control policy and cooperation from residents, your community can stay cleaner, safer, and pest-free year-round.

Freedom Community Management provides HOA management services in Florida. Call us at 904-490-8191 or contact us online to learn more!

Trees add beauty, shade, and value to a neighborhood. But sometimes, they can become safety hazards and create issues between neighbors. When that happens, your association needs to have a clear HOA tree trimming policy, which helps to prevent misunderstandings and maintain harmony within the community.

HOA Tree Trimming Responsibilities: Who Does What?

Your HOA’s governing documents will contain the rules you must follow regarding tree maintenance. With these policies, you can ensure the community’s landscaping adds to the beauty and safety of your neighborhood. 

Your governing documents will outline who is responsible for trimming trees in certain areas of the community, how often tree trimming should occur, and the repercussions of non-compliance. 

Here’s what homeowners and HOAs are responsible for when it comes to tree maintenance:

Homeowner Responsibilities

In most HOAs, the residents are in charge of tree maintenance within their private property. Part of this upkeep is ensuring branches don’t extend into your next-door neighbor’s yard. They should also ensure branches don’t block driveways and sidewalks, rest on power lines, or pose a safety hazard.

Homeowners also have to trim trees regularly to avoid excessive leaf shedding. It’s also good practice so you don’t have to worry about damaging fences, roofs, or even plumbing systems. 

If you have a diseased or dying tree on your property, you, as the homeowner, are responsible for getting rid of it before it becomes a safety risk. 

Many HOAs require residents to follow a specific set of rules for tree upkeep. If they neglect their responsibility or go against the rules, disputes may occur, and potential penalties may be imposed.

HOA Responsibilities

On the other hand, your HOA is responsible for maintaining trees in common areas. These may include the parks, sidewalks, gates and entranceways, and any other shared green spaces in the neighborhood.

The HOA needs to regularly trim the trees in these areas to avoid damages or disruptions. It should have seasonal tree maintenance schedules. For large-scale upkeep, they can work with professional landscaping surfaces.

The HOA should be in charge of removing dead and diseased trees in common areas. In non-emergency cases, they will need to seek local government or homeowner approval. But if the dead tree is an immediate safety risk, the HOA is often allowed to remove it without prior approval.

City or County Responsibilities 

Sometimes, the local government has jurisdiction over tree maintenance near roads, sidewalks, and public rights of way.

Municipalities or cities are usually in charge of trimming trees along public roads. They need to ensure that traffic signals, road signs, and visibility are not obstructed for both drivers and pedestrians. In some cases, ordinances are passed outlining tree upkeep and the proper way of reporting or removing dead or dangerous trees. 

HOA Tree Removal Policy: When is it Necessary?

Trimming trees should be part of routine maintenance. Some cases, however, call for a full removal. For this, the HOA tree removal policy and process usually varies by community, but they typically include conditions under which a tree must be removed. These may be the following:

• Dead or dying trees that pose a safety risk
• Trees causing structural damage to sidewalks, driveways, or homes
• Trees that block roadways, sidewalks, or interfere with utility lines
• Invasive species that threaten native plants or local ecosystems

In most HOAs, residents need the association’s approval to remove trees. This is usually needed when removing trees that can affect the neighborhood’s look or when removing heritage trees. People who remove trees without approval may face penalties. 

Dealing with Untrimmed Neighbor Trees

One of the most common complaints in HOAs involves a neighbor’s overgrown trees. A homeowner may wonder, “My neighbor doesn’t trim his trees—what can I do?” In most cases, the HOA’s rules will dictate how such disputes should be handled. Here are a few common approaches:

• Direct Communication: Residents can first try talking to their neighbors about the overgrown tree. Usually, a polite conversation can easily resolve the issue without escalating further.
• HOA Intervention: If politely asking your neighbor doesn’t work, the association may mediate the issue. The HOA may step in by issuing a notice to the homeowners reminding them of their obligations under community guidelines.
• Legal Rights: In many states, homeowners have the right to trim branches that grow onto their property as long as they do not destroy the tree’s health. However, the specifics vary by location, so it’s best to check state and local laws.

The Impact of Trees on Pedestrians and Safety Considerations

Overgrown trees typically pose safety risks on top of aesthetic issues. Untrimmed branches may:

• Obstruct sidewalks and force pedestrians into the street
• Block stop signs or streetlights, reducing visibility
• Increase the risk of falling branches during storms

HOAs should ensure that community trees are regularly maintained to prevent these hazards. If a homeowner’s tree interferes with public safety, the HOA may require them to trim it or, in extreme cases, arrange for the work to be done and bill the homeowner.

Enforcing HOA Tree Trimming Policies

To maintain order and prevent disputes, HOAs must enforce tree trimming policies consistently. Some best practices include:

Routine Inspections

Regularly checking the neighborhood for tree-related issues can help prevent problems before they escalate. As a best practice, your HOA needs a structured inspection schedule. This will ensure that trees in both common areas and private properties are evaluated at least once or twice a year. 

During inspections, HOA representatives or hired arborists can identify trees that pose safety risks, block public pathways, or encroach on neighboring properties. Routine inspections allow HOAs to address issues proactively before they lead to disputes among homeowners. 

If hazardous conditions are found, the HOA can issue maintenance notices to responsible homeowners, ensuring that problems are resolved on time.

Clear Guidelines

Providing homeowners with written guidelines on tree maintenance expectations can reduce confusion. These guidelines should specify trimming frequency, acceptable tree heights, and regulations regarding trees that extend into neighboring properties. The HOA should also outline procedures for handling disputes involving tree overgrowth and penalties for non-compliance. 

Having clear policies in place ensures that all homeowners understand their responsibilities and rights regarding tree maintenance. Many HOAs distribute these guidelines in welcome packets for new residents and publish them on community websites or newsletters to keep homeowners informed.

Fines and Penalties

If a homeowner refuses to comply with tree trimming requirements, the HOA may impose fines or, in some cases, hire a professional to trim the trees and charge the homeowner for the cost. Penalties can escalate based on non-compliance severity, starting with warning notices and increasing to monetary fines if the homeowner fails to take action. 

In extreme cases where an untrimmed tree poses a danger to the community, the HOA may handle the trimming directly and send the homeowner an invoice for the incurred costs. 

Some HOAs also place liens on properties if fines remain unpaid, ensuring compliance through financial accountability. Enforcing penalties fairly and consistently helps maintain community standards and prevents ongoing disputes over tree maintenance.

Safety and Harmony

Tree maintenance is a crucial aspect of living in an HOA community. If your HOA lacks a well-defined tree trimming policy, now is the time to prevent future conflicts and keep your neighborhood looking its best.

Freedom Community Management provides HOA management services in Florida, including HOA policy enforcement. Call us at 904-490-8191 or contact us online to learn more!

If you’re a part of a planned community, you may wonder if it’s better to have a self-managed HOA vs HOA management. Both options have their own merits and challenges, and the right choice may vary depending on your neighborhood’s needs and goals.

What is a Self-Managed HOA?

When you have a self-managed HOA, the board members and other volunteers oversee everything in your community. This means they will handle all administrative, financial, and operational responsibilities needed to run the neighborhood. This may range from collecting HOA dues to enforcing rules and community maintenance.

Typically, this way of running the HOA works for smaller communities with fewer people. The workload for such communities is more manageable, and usually, the residents are proactive.

What is HOA Management?

On the other hand, HOA management, or more specifically, professional HOA management, involves outsourcing administrative and operational duties to an HOA management company. These firms provide HOA managers with the expertise and resources to do daily operational tasks like accounting and scheduling. 

HOA management is best suited for larger communities or neighborhoods with complex needs. Having a management company helps achieve smoother operations without overwhelming the board members.

Self-Managed HOA vs HOA Management: What to Choose?

As an HOA board member, consider what suits your community best. When deciding, keep in mind the following factors.

Cost Considerations

One of the biggest concerns for many board members is the cost. If you have a self-managed HOA, you significantly lower your community’s expenses since no management professional is paid for their services. Instead, the board members are run by volunteers who provide their time for free. The HOA budget is then entirely allocated to operating expenses and reserves instead.

But keep in mind that self-management is not entirely free. The HOA board will still need to invest in the solutions and software needed for accounting and housekeeping. They may also choose to hire occasional specialist contractors for specific needs. Yes, this is still more affordable for small communities; it may have the opposite effect for larger neighborhoods.

Meanwhile, with professional HOA management, the HOA will need to allocate a regular fee that will be paid to the management company. The cost may vary, depending on the community’s size and the services provided. 

Although having a professional company manage your HOA calls for an additional expense, the association can save money in the long run. With professionals, you can ensure that your HOA reduces costly errors, ensures compliance with the law, and handles tasks correctly. If not, that can lead to HOA fines or disputes. 

Administrative Efficiency

If you have a self-managed HOA, your board will have direct control over all the operations in your community. This helps with faster decision-making and a personalized approach to addressing the concerns of your residents. Board members tend to be invested in the community and are usually more approachable to residents.

However, not all board members have the necessary skills for the complex tasks that the association has to do. Many may not know how to prepare financial statements, understand legal issues, or enforce rules without bias. Here’s where professional management companies enter. They provide management professionals with the skills, experience, and resources to do complex tasks for the HOA. Given their expertise, these professionals can also handle these tasks efficiently and properly. 

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Other than the daily operations, rule enforcement, and maintenance duties of the HOA board, they also need to ensure that the community adheres to local, state, and federal laws.

When comparing a self-managed HOA vs HOA management regarding legal compliance, your association can benefit from having the latter.

In self-managed HOAs, the board of directors may find this daunting since many may not know how to do so. They must stay up-to-date on legislation that may apply to their community. They can make compliance mistakes if they don’t, resulting in legal disputes and fines. 

Meanwhile, professional HOA management companies have dedicated personnel who are legal and regulatory compliance experts. They must stay informed on relevant HOA laws to ensure your association runs within legal parameters. 

Time and Commitment

Managing a homeowners association consumes a lot of time from every board member on top of their professional and home lives. Tasks like organizing meetings, collecting and accounting for HOA dues, managing vendor relationships, and responding to resident complaints are time-consuming. Yes, this can still be manageable for small communities, but as it grows bigger, the board members may be overwhelmed.

HOA management companies, meanwhile, help lighten the load on the board members by taking on these responsibilities. They will assign dedicated staff members to handle the time-consuming tasks, letting the board members focus on decision-making instead of administrative duties.

Key Considerations for Making the Choice

When deciding between a self-managed HOA vs. HOA management, board members should consider these factors:

1. Size of the Community: A self-managed HOA can be more practical and cost-effective if you have a smaller community with limited needs. Larger and more complex communities usually benefit more from working with professional management companies.
2. Board Member Expertise and Schedules: Not all HOA board members have the relevant skill sets or enough time to run the HOA effectively. Outsourcing may be a better option if the board lacks expertise in areas like accounting, legal compliance, or vendor management.
3. Budget: Self-management will save money upfront, which is good for smaller communities. However, the bigger the community, the higher the potential for costly mistakes. To avoid such cases, consider hiring a professional management company.
4. Community Dynamics: If you want a community where every resident is close, self-management may be the way to go. However, professional management offers a good alternative for communities prone to conflict and disputes or needing impartial enforcement of rules.

Which One is Best for Your HOA?

When deciding between having a self-managed HOA vs HOA management, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It all depends on the needs and goals of your communities. Those seeking a close-knit community, a self-managed HOA can be a good option .Meanwhile, hiring a professional management company would be more beneficial to larger or more complex communities.

Freedom Community Management provides HOA management services in Florida, including administrative and financial tasks. Call us at 904-490-8191 or contact us online to learn more!

Leading a sustainable HOA community can benefit both residents and the environment. A sustainable approach will help save resources, reduce expenses, and create a healthier living space. When an HOA implements sustainable practices, it can ensure it thrives longer.

What is a Sustainable HOA Community?

A sustainable HOA community uses environmentally friendly practices in every aspect of its operations. The board must make decisions that reduce the community’s environmental footprint to achieve sustainability. These decisions can affect the use of energy, waste management, and the conservation of resources. A sustainable HOA community balances its current needs with those to come.

The Importance of Sustainability in HOAs

Sustainability is crucial for the long-term success of any organization, including HOAs. For one thing, it can lower the operating costs of the community. For example, energy-efficient upgrades and water-saving measures can help reduce utility bills. These things benefit both the HOA and its residents. Plus, the board can reinvest these savings into the community.

Sustainable practices also make the community more attractive to potential homebuyers. More and more people are becoming environmentally conscious. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are more keen to track their environmental impact. These values will come into play when they consider homes. A sustainable HOA community can command higher property values and draw in buyers who care about eco-friendly living.

Sustainable Practices in HOA Community

Believe it or not, plenty of strategies can help achieve a sustainable HOA community. While associations need not implement all of these, even just a few can make a difference.

Here are some sustainable living practices in HOA communities.

1. Implement Sustainable Landscaping

Sustainable landscaping is one of the easiest ways for an HOA to reduce its environmental impact. Traditional lawns require a lot of water, pesticides, and fertilizers. Instead, HOAs can opt for drought-tolerant plants and native species better suited to the local climate.

Xeriscaping, for example, cuts down on water consumption and chemical treatments. Another option is installing rain gardens that collect and filter stormwater. These practices save water and create a more visually appealing landscape that thrives naturally.

In some states, laws are already in place to protect the right to use drought-tolerant plants. California is one such state, as per Civil Code Section 4735.

2. Encourage Wildlife Conservation

Protecting local wildlife is another key aspect of a sustainable HOA community. Associations can create green spaces that support biodiversity. They can do this by planting native trees, shrubs, and flowers. The community can also install birdhouses, bat boxes, and pollinator-friendly plants to attract and support wildlife.

Additionally, refraining from using harmful pesticides is essential to wildlife conservation. Chemical treatments can negatively impact the local ecosystem. With organic lawn care, associations can help ensure that local wildlife thrives. Offering educational materials or hosting workshops on wildlife-friendly gardening can also engage residents in conservation efforts.

3. Conserve Water

Water conservation is critical in a sustainable HOA community. Boards can install low-flow fixtures in common areas to reduce water waste. In outdoor spaces, smart irrigation systems can control when and how much water is used. These systems adjust based on weather conditions, thereby preventing overwatering.

Furthermore, the HOA board can encourage residents to use rain barrels to conserve water. They can use these barrels to water plants. Residents should also ensure they fix leaks as soon as possible to avoid wasting water. This, in turn, can save them money on their water bills.

4. Enact “Green” Guidelines for the Community

To maintain sustainability, HOAs should establish “green” guidelines for residents to follow. These guidelines can promote energy conservation, waste reduction, and environmentally friendly practices. For example, the association can encourage residents to turn off lights when not in use, and carpool or use public transportation when possible.

5. Implement Green Building Standards

Energy-efficient building standards are essential for creating a sustainable HOA community. Green building techniques can include using eco-friendly materials, improving insulation, and installing energy-efficient windows and appliances. These practices help reduce energy consumption, lower utility bills, and minimize the community’s overall carbon footprint.

The HOA can opt to install solar panels in common areas. LED lighting in outdoor spaces and common areas is also cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Associations can encourage residents to use the same standards for their own homes, too.

6. Start a Waste Reduction and Recycling Initiative

Waste reduction is a critical part of any sustainable HOA community. Boards can establish a comprehensive recycling program that includes paper, plastic, glass, and electronic waste bins. Providing convenient recycling stations in common areas makes it easier for residents to join in.

7. Invest in Solar

Solar energy is one of the most effective ways for an HOA to become more sustainable. Solar panels can be installed on community buildings or shared spaces to generate renewable energy. This reduces the community’s reliance on fossil fuels. It can also significantly lower energy costs over time.

Moreover, board members can encourage residents to install solar panels in their homes. The benefits of solar energy extend beyond cost savings. It is a clean, renewable source of energy that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

8. Educate Residents

Education is vital for the success of any sustainable HOA community. Hosting workshops, events, or webinars about sustainability topics can increase awareness and engagement. Boards can distribute newsletters or social media to share tips on living a more sustainable lifestyle.

The more residents understand sustainability, the more likely they are to participate in community-wide efforts. A well-educated community will be more committed to eco-friendly practices. This strengthens the overall sustainability of the HOA.

Protecting the Future Through Sustainable Living

A sustainable HOA community benefits everyone, from residents to the environment. By adopting eco-friendly practices, HOAs can reduce costs, enhance property values, and protect the planet. Leading a sustainable HOA is a choice that ensures a better future for all.

Freedom Community Management provides HOA management services in Florida, including assistance with sustainability planning. Call us at 904-490-8191 or contact us online to learn more!

An HOA manager can positively impact your community. A manager possesses the proper training, experience, and tools to ensure smooth operations and successful HOA management. This can certainly prove helpful for a volunteer HOA board.

What Is an HOA Manager?

An HOA manager is a professional manager that an HOA or its board of directors hires to assist with community management. Some states require HOA managers or community managers to carry a license to practice. 

For example, in Florida, most situations require these managers to have a license to work. Managers can obtain a license in the Sunshine State by submitting specific requirements. This includes going through an application process, taking an exam, and receiving proper training.

There are two types of HOA managers: those who work for a management company and those who work independently. An independent HOA manager works as an individual and is hired directly by the association. In contrast, homeowner association management companies can employ managers and assign them to client communities.

What’s the Difference Between a Property Manager and a HOA Manager?

While many people use property manager and HOA manager interchangeably, there is a clear distinction between the two. An HOA manager is a professional who manages community associations, such as HOAs, townhomes, and condominiums. They can sometimes be referred to as community managers or association managers.

Meanwhile, a property manager is a professional who manages rental properties. They answer to landlords or rental property owners and handle things like collecting rent, addressing tenant complaints, and enforcing the lease agreement.

The exact duties of an HOA manager depend heavily on the agreed-upon services highlighted in the management contract. Some communities require full-service management, complete with all the bells and whistles. However, other communities only need select services, such as financial management, administrative work, and remote management.

Top Reasons Why Hiring an HOA Manager Is Beneficial

It is understandable for your HOA board to think twice about hiring a professional manager. After all, managers don’t come free. Apart from the apparent advantages of lessening the board’s workload and giving you more free time, there are plenty of other reasons to hire an HOA manager.

1. They Are Experienced Experts

Professional managers have many years of HOA experience under their belt. They know how to easily manage associations and understand what to do in certain situations. They also know the best practices in the industry.

Trained professionals can also focus on fulfilling their HOA manager responsibilities. Volunteer board members don’t always have the same luxury, as they have other priorities in life. Meanwhile, HOA managers are specifically trained and hired to care for your community.

2. They Are Utmost Professionals

Board members often find it difficult to detach themselves emotionally from the job. When a homeowner comes to them with a problem, board members might let their personal judgments and biases influence their decision. After all, homeowners are more than just their constituents – they’re neighbors.

In comparison, an HOA manager is a neutral third party who can professionally make decisions. Managers have an easier time removing themselves from the situation and looking at things objectively. They won’t think twice about enforcing a rule or collecting a past-due assessment. Professionalism and fairness also prove helpful when resolving disputes.

3. They Help With Administrative Work

An HOA manager typically handles administrative work to keep the community functioning. Tasks include planning board meetings, organizing paperwork, and maintaining the community website. If your association hires a management company, administrative work is usually delegated to a team of back-office staff members.

4. They Enforce the Rules

Enforcing the rules is a vital function of the HOA board. Unfortunately, not all board members have time to accomplish this in a procedurally correct manner. This is where an HOA manager comes in handy.

An HOA manager can inspect violations frequently, send violation notices, and plan disciplinary hearings. The HOA board can then decide on the penalty, which the manager can help carry out.

5. They Make Collections and Finances a Breeze

The HOA manager can assist the board with budget preparation and tracking. This keeps the association in good financial standing. The manager can also help collect dues, offering several payment methods. This gives homeowners more options, thereby minimizing late or missed payments.

If a homeowner does default on their fees, the community manager can also enforce the HOA’s collection policy. This can include charging late fees, temporarily suspending owner privileges, taking legal action, attaching a lien, and even initiating foreclosure proceedings.

In addition to collections, the association manager can also help with accounting and financial management. Tasks include preparing financial statements, maintaining the books, assisting with tax preparation, and planning the reserves.

6. They Handle Maintenance and Repairs

Every HOA community needs proper and regular maintenance to ensure functionality, maintain curb appeal, and preserve property values. If your HOA board doesn’t have the time and resources for this, an HOA manager is the key to your problems.

Managers can schedule routine maintenance and facilitate repairs. They can hire the right vendors to complete the job and monitor progress to ensure quality. If your HOA hires a management company, the company may have in-house maintenance personnel for this type of work.

7. They Liaise With Vendors

Homeowners associations rely on vendors for many things, including maintenance, cleaning, legal work, and insurance. Coordinating and communicating with these vendors can be a handful. With a community manager, though, your board can delegate the job to a trained professional.

In addition to coordinating with vendors, managers can help with the vendor-hiring process. This includes sending out RFPs, screening potential applicants, negotiating vendor contracts, and monitoring performance.

8. They Are Communicators

Communication is a pillar of success, especially when managing a community. Board members might need more time or energy to ensure good communication. However, an HOA manager can step in to fill this gap.

Managers can communicate with homeowners and send notices as necessary. They can also respond to resident concerns and address their complaints. Beyond that, managers can help with board communications, even attending their board meetings.

9. They Can Provide Legal Help

Board members should seek legal assistance from a lawyer. However, managers can typically provide sound advice for minor issues.

Community managers are well-versed in the federal, state, and local laws that may affect HOAs. It is also part of their job to keep up with legislative changes. This allows them to ensure that your association complies with all regulations. They can also help with other legal aspects, such as filing reports with the Secretary of State, recording liens, and amending governing documents.

Worth the Money

As you can see, every community association can benefit significantly from having an HOA manager. While it does cost money to hire one, it is undoubtedly well worth the price, considering what you get in return.

This is where Freedom Community Management comes in. Call us today at 904-490-8191 or contact us online to learn more about what we can do for you!