There is plenty of overlap regarding the roles and responsibilities of an HOA Board and an HOA management company. These two groups work together to help run a homeowners association and the community, keeping everything running smoothly. Because of this, the lines of accountability become blurred, and either could be taking on tasks that aren’t part of their mandate.
To avoid misunderstandings and ensure that HOA management companies stay within their contractual obligations, Innovative Management has shared a guide for HOA members. Keep reading to learn more.
HOA Board Member Roles and Responsibilities
When it comes to the HOA Board, their main mandate leans toward the administrative aspect of operations. While the homeowners are in charge of caring for their properties, the HOA Board takes care of the community as a whole.
The HOA Board has specific fiduciary duties, and they have the power to create and mandate rules that help maintain a certain standard for the community. In addition, the Board is in charge of shared properties and communal areas. This includes shared walls, clubhouses, and neighborhood signs.
Role of an HOA Management Company
An HOA management company assists in the daily operations of maintaining a community. Most Board members do not have the skills nor time to handle the work needed, so they hire an HOA management team.
These tasks often include maintenance and repairs, daily communication with homeowners, businesses, and contractors, collection and processing fees, and sending letters detailing decisions or instructions from the Board.
Real-World Examples
Here are a few concrete scenarios that help differentiate the HOA Board and HOA management responsibilities:
- Only the Board has the authority to establish and enforce regulations and fines. The HOA management team can only collect and process fees. In addition, they cannot waive them. It’s the Board that can make the final judgment.
- For architectural improvements or additions, only the Board and its architectural review committee can oversee, review, and approve requests. On the other hand, management can only serve as the middleman for communication.
- Regarding finances and audits, HOA Boards can allow HOA managers to sign checks on their behalf. But in most cases, the Board hires another accountant to conduct financial reviews.
Work With a Trusted HOA Management Company
The daily operations of an HOA shouldn’t fall solely on the Board members. These tasks can impede your personal schedule, and your team may not have the skills to handle the work in the first place. That’s why working with an HOA management company like Innovative Management is much more effective. Please get in touch with us today for more information about the benefits of having an HOA management company.
