Professional HOA management comes with many benefits, but there are just times when the HOA management company and the community aren’t a good fit. When is it time to change HOA management companies? How can communities go about this? Let’s examine both questions below.   When Is It Time to Change HOA Management Company? HOA management companies are not always perfect and can make mistakes here and there. Small errors or missteps don’t necessarily mean it’s time to switch. Sometimes, all it takes to make the relationship work is better communication or a tweak in the contract terms. Howev ..read more

There are several federal laws on HOAs that communities must comply with. The board needs to understand these laws to make sure they avoid liability.   What Are the Federal Laws on HOAs? Homeowners associations are generally limited by what’s stated in the governing documents. However, just because something is not prohibited in the community’s CC&Rs or bylaws doesn’t mean the HOA has free rein. The board must also review any federal laws that might affect how they can govern the community. What are the federal laws on HOAs that communities should know about? Here is a rundown of all ..read more

Every homeowners association will need to hire vendors to maintain common areas. However, one thing that board members don’t always think about is vendor insurance. Is it necessary? How much coverage should vendors have? Let’s find out.   What Is Vendor Insurance for HOAs? Homeowners associations work with various vendors. They hire vendors for landscaping, janitorial, and even security work. While these vendors provide essential community services, they expose the HOA to potential risks. Their jobs could damage property or cause accidents. As a result, the HOA may be held liable for any ..read more

It is not uncommon to find hoarders in HOAs. While the act of hoarding itself should not affect an HOA, it has an indirect impact on the community’s appeal to would-be homeowners. Most people keep their hoarded items inside the house, but when they get out of hand, they can easily spill over to yards, driveways, and sidewalks. This leads to a drop in curb appeal and, potentially, property values.   Hoarders in HOAs: A Growing Problem Hoarding is a behavioral disorder marked by an overwhelming accumulation of possessions, often leading to living spaces becoming cluttered and impractical. I ..read more

It pays to know what states have the most bugs in America, especially for homeowners associations. Common area maintenance is a big part of managing an HOA community, and pest control is crucial. Unfortunately, an unfamiliarity with pests and their prevalence will keep HOA boards in the dark about what to do. After all, knowledge is power.   Which States Have the Most Bugs in the U.S.? A recent examination of Google searches for pests across the United States unveiled compelling insights into the states struggling the most with pests. California tops the list, with approximately 47,000 mo ..read more

Homeowners don’t always have free rein when it comes to putting up political signs in HOAs. These communities are known for their strict rules, and many prohibit or regulate things like signs, flags, and general decor. Whether or not an HOA can permit political signs depends largely on state laws and its governing documents, though the question of should is a bit more nuanced.   Can Homeowners Display Political Signs in HOAs? Homeowners can typically do what they wish with their homes, provided they operate within state and city ordinances. They can paint them whatever color they cho ..read more

Many homeowners associations have rules about HOA landscaping — what plants residents can use, how often to mow their lawns, and other similar regulations. It is important to understand these rules so homeowners can follow them to the letter. After all, noncompliance can result in various unsavory consequences, ranging from monetary to legal.   Who Is Responsible for HOA Landscaping? In a homeowners association, landscaping is important in preserving property values. While an association’s governing documents can go into more specifics, an HOA is generally responsible for the landscaping ..read more

Who is responsible for HOA snow removal in Ohio? Many state laws, local legislation, and city ordinances mandate snow and ice removal in public walkways and sidewalks adjacent to properties. However, whether the homeowner, association, landlord, or tenant is responsible depends on several factors.   HOA Snow Removal Policy in Ohio Unlike many other states, Ohio does not require homeowners to shovel natural accumulations of ice and snow. The Ohio Supreme Court maintained this position in December 1993 when a guest slipped and fell outside the homeowner’s Franklin County home. They attempte ..read more

Board members may feel tempted to conduct an HOA informal meeting, especially if they wish to discuss matters before deciding at an actual board meeting. However, informal meetings are not always advisable. In some cases, they may even go against state laws. Board members should understand what actions are permissible to avoid exposing the association to potential liability.   What Is an HOA Informal Meeting? An HOA informal meeting is exactly what it sounds like — it is a meeting wherein board members discuss HOA matters outside of scheduled board meetings. A distinct characteristic ..read more

Can an HOA tow cars that are parked on the streets? Many homeowners associations do this to enforce their parking rules and reduce parking violations. However, this choice can be controversial in many communities.   Can an HOA Tow Cars? The most pressing question for many homeowners is this: can an HOA tow your car? Is it even legal? The answer is yes, HOAs are generally allowed to tow vehicles inside the neighborhood. However, there are a few caveats to this. Firstly, the governing documents must have HOA towing rules that allow this. The members may contest HOA towing cars within the co ..read more