Clarifying the Association Manager’s Role

Our association employs a highly-qualified professional community manager, and we think 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 board and to manage the association’s daily operations. Some residents expect the manager to perform certain tasks that just […]

Community Policy on Security Cameras

We know you want to feel safe at home and you should. Maybe you’ve tried trimming foliage, increasing exterior lighting and installing a home security system. Maybe you’ve even considered installing video cameras outside your home to feel more secure. Before you invest in a high-tech video system, there are a few things to consider. […]

Association Documents Open to Owners

Have you lost your copy of the bylaws? Would you like to read minutes from past board meetings? Would you like to read a resolution for background information on an association policy? Some of these documents can be found on our association website. However, these and other association documents are available to all members for […]

Community Association Fundamentals

Even though we live in an association, you might be surprised how many of our neighbors—owners and renters alike—don’t really understand the fundamental nature of common-interest communities. And we know that many others, including the media and government officials, lack a true understanding of the community association (or condominium) concept. Community Associations Institute (CAI), a […]

All Residents Welcome at Annual Meeting

The association’s annual meeting is the best opportunity for you to learn about this year’s events and get caught up on everything happening in our community. Here are a few agenda items and meeting activities you won’t want to miss: Meet board and committee members and the manager. Learn about the association’s mission statement. Get […]

Who’s Responsible for What?

Who’s responsible for what? It’s an important question often asked by residents, and the answer is sometimes more complicated than you’d think. Generally, the association is responsible for repairing or replacing common, or shared, elements and owners are responsible for maintaining their own homes. But there are two problems. First, some areas are neither common […]

What Our Accountant Does for Us

The accountant is a vital part of our association’s professional team. A staff member or volunteer may take care of the bookkeeping for the association, but the CPA is needed to conduct an audit at the end of the year. In addition, our accountant: Conducts association financial audits Prepares association tax returns Reviews financial data, […]

Electronic Payment an Option for Assessments

The association board and manager encourage all members to take advantage of the association’s electronic payment program to pay monthly assessments because it provides numerous advantages to you, the association and the environment. For association owners, electronic payment is very convenient. Once we’ve set up your account, you no longer have to worry about lost […]

The HOA Secretary

Our community board has several officers including president, treasurer and secretary. The association secretary is responsible for preserving the association’s history, maintaining its records and protecting it from liability. In some instances, the secretary delegates some or all of the secretarial tasks to the manager. They include: Recording minutes for all association meetings—board meetings, special […]

What is a Board Resolution?

A board resolution is a motion that follows a set format and is formally adopted by the board. Resolutions may enact rules and regulations or formalize other types of board decisions. There are four types of resolutions for a community association: 1. Policy Resolutions affect owners’ rights and obligations such as rules for the use […]