The importance of having a good HOA property management company is something that should not be overlooked. When you have a HOA, you need to be able to manage your community in a way that makes everyone feel like they are part of it, and that there are equal standards for everyone.
Common responsibilities of an HOA property manager
A HOA property manager has a lot on their plate. They must maintain a positive operation, address issues quickly, and respond to residents’ needs.
A good manager must be well-organized, communicative, and knowledgeable about state and federal laws. He or she must also be able to effectively negotiate with residents and other stakeholders.
A good property manager is responsible for keeping track of important documents and records. He or she may also need to consult with other professionals, such as contractors or lawyers.
A great HOA manager will have experience in both the real estate and business sectors. This can help the community develop a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
A management contract usually lasts from one to three years. The contract should clearly spell out all of the manager’s responsibilities. It should also include any costs.
An HOA can sue for damages if the manager fails to stick to the terms of the contract. Ideally, the contract should give the HOA enough time to hire a replacement company. If the HOA cannot hire a new property manager within the deadline, the board can terminate the contract.
Avoiding fees from an HOA property management company
If you are one of the many homeowners who is struggling to pay HOA fees, there are several ways you can avoid those dreaded hikes. The first thing you should do is look at your budget and make a plan for the future.
A good way to reduce your HOA costs is to ask your management company for deferred maintenance. This means you can have your roof repaired or paint the hallways instead of paying for them immediately.
Similarly, you may want to rethink your community’s insurance policy. Insurance is a big part of your HOA’s budget. You can contact an insurer to see if you can get a better deal.
Finally, you may wish to consider moving to a new community. While this is an option, if your HOA is too high in fees, you could end up spending hundreds of dollars more on your monthly mortgage than you would in a new community.
Protecting your HOA from HOA management fees
If you’re struggling with HOA management fees, you’re not alone. Nearly one-third of homeowners in the United States were delinquent on HOA fees in 2020. Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself.
First, you’ll want to read the contract. Most HOAs accept multiple forms of payment. In addition to the usual check, credit card is a common choice.
You should also ask your management company about any additional fees you might be required to pay. Some companies will charge a termination fee, general contractor fees, newsletter printing costs, and document preparation fees.
While some may argue that HOA fees are a tax on home ownership, these are necessary to keep a community healthy. The money goes to pay for services and amenities in your neighborhood. They also help keep your property in good condition.
As you’re looking over your finances, you should also look at your HOA budget. If your dues are high, consider ways to reduce them. This could include selling your home, moving into a neighborhood without an HOA, or increasing your income.
Managing community issues with equal and fair standards
Homeowner association (HOA) property management must adhere to clear standards and rules to ensure that all members of the community are treated equally. To prevent conflicts between residents, it is important that HOAs enforce policies that make it clear who is responsible for violating the rules.
The Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) is a legal document that grants authority to the HOA. This legal document defines rules for all property owners. These rules include rules for maintaining the yard, parking, and other common areas.
If a homeowner has a dispute with his or her neighbor, they can go to a HOA board meeting. A homeowner can also file an administrative housing complaint with the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Fair Housing, or they can file a lawsuit in a state court.
If the HOA cannot resolve the dispute in an acceptable manner, the homeowner can seek help from a mediator. During the mediation, an impartial party can provide an opinion and convince the HOA board to change its position.
