There are more than 370,000 homeowners associations (HOAs) operating in the United States. They represent more than half of all households in the country, at around 40 million homes.
Almost every homeowner's association is governed by an HOA board. These are generally volunteer positions. Members are responsible for carrying out the goals and vision of the community.
If you are considering moving to a Boca Ratan neighborhood with an HOA or running for a board seat, keep reading. The information below categorizes the main responsibilities of HOA boards. It will help you get a better idea of their roles and function.
1. Common Area Maintenance and Improvements
One of the main duties of an HOA board is to maintain all common areas of the neighborhood or condo complex. This includes buildings and green spaces. It extends to entryways, gates, and fences.
This aspect of the job can involve lining up pest control for buildings. It may entail the upkeep of amenities, such as tennis or basketball courts, gyms, or pools.
HOA meetings also might involve evaluating community improvement proposals. These include things like parks, walkways, or gardens.
For these reasons, board members must stay in regular contact with community members. They must ensure they are representing residents' interests in the HOA.
HOA boards also may be in charge of approving proposed home projects. Most HOAs require approval of things like decks, pergolas, or any structural additions to the home.
2. Financial Management
HOA boards also handle the financial management of the community. This includes collecting annual dues that residents pay and deciding how best to spend these funds.
They must put together a budget for the needed services mentioned above. They also must decide how best to spend surpluses on proposed community improvement projects.
HOA board members might explore and buy insurance policies for the neighborhood. They also could deal with legal issues that the community faces.
3. Enforcing Community Standards
Finally, an HOA board is responsible for determining and enforcing community standards. This first part involves drafting or familiarizing themselves with governing documents. It also may mean being familiar with federal, state, or local laws that can impact the communities they are serving.
The enforcement aspect has to do with ensuring a uniform aesthetic throughout the neighborhood, which helps retain or increase home values. It requires regular communication with residents, especially about any changes to community standards.
It can entail sending letters notifying residents about overdue annual fees. They also may send communication about violations of community guidelines. It can even involve disciplinary action, including fines against residents who fail to meet these standards.
This can be one of the least popular roles of board members. For this reason, they often outsource these responsibilities to a property management company. It allows professionals to tackle the unpleasant task of notifying residents of fines or other matters.
Learn More About HOA Board Responsibilities
Now that you understand the main duties of an HOA board, you can determine the right structure for your members. With a little bit of time and planning, you will set clear expectations and achievable goals.
PMI Beach Properties is a full-service property management company. We provide a range of services, including HOA management. Reach out to us today to learn more.
