Homeowners management is the responsibility of those in charge of managing a community, whether that be an area made up of single-family homes, condominium complexes or townhomes, or multiple-family neighborhoods. It involves caring for common areas while guaranteeing all covenants, restrictions, and rules are adhered to by homeowners.
In a typical community, homeowners submit maintenance requests regularly which are then reviewed by the HOA board. If a homeowner fails to submit their request on time or in an acceptable format, then the board may issue a warning to them.
If homeowners fail to adhere to their board’s warnings, the board can place a lien on the property in order to collect unpaid dues. In such cases, management companies will send homeowners notice of the impending lien and inform them of when they must make payment.
Furthermore, the management company can be held responsible for responding to urgent repair needs on behalf of property owners in a community. For instance, if a lawn does not get cut after being warned by the association, they can hire landscapers to take care of it and charge the owner an additional fee.
Another aspect of homeowners management involves upholding the rules and covenants found in CC&Rs or bylaws. These can include operating rules, architectural guidelines, safety regulations, as well as any other policies set by the association for its community.
In most cases, the management company assists the board by sending correspondence and reports on these matters. For instance, if a homeowner submits an ARC request to them, they will review it and send it on to the board for approval or denial. However, they cannot make any changes to governing documents nor excuse any violations that might have taken place.
Additionally, the management company can advise the board about matters they may not be familiar with. For instance, if multiple homeowners want to install solar panels, it might suggest that the board alter its governing documents to enable such construction.
The management company can also educate the board on more recent trends, such as green building practices. For instance, many boards are getting behind the movement to install more solar power systems in their communities.
They also assist the board in creating a strategy to enhance the community, such as adding sidewalks or planting more trees and flowers. These services can save money over time by decreasing utility expenses and helping the association avoid lawsuits or fines.
Many companies provide additional services as well, such as financial advisor to the board. An accounting manager can guarantee that an association has enough funds for future repairs and upkeep costs.
Some companies even assist the board with administrative tasks, like scheduling meetings and creating budgets. This frees the board up to focus on making major decisions and addressing more pressing matters. Furthermore, the management company helps maintain open communication between board members and homeowners.
