Looking for tasty Memorial Day recipes to make your celebration unforgettable? You’ve come to the right place. There is a variety of delicious dishes perfect for the holiday. From classic barbecue favorites to refreshing summer treats, these recipes will surely please your guests and make your Memorial Day gathering one for the books.   7 Amazing Memorial Day Recipes to Satisfy Your Taste Buds Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to plan a gathering of family and friends. And what better way to celebrate the holiday than with delicious meals made with love and care? For a personal tou ..read more

HOA taxes are a confusing topic for many community associations. Despite being non-profit organizations, HOAs are still required to pay taxes. How does it all work and are dues tax deductible? Let’s find out.   Do HOAs File With the IRS? Are HOAs tax exempt or do they need to file their taxes just like other organizations? The short answer is: yes, homeowners associations file taxes with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Federal tax laws classify HOAs as corporations. As such, they need to follow corporate rules regarding taxation even as non-profit organizations. On the other hand, the ..read more

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