HOA & Community
Boards, reserves, meetings, and living in an HOA.
HOA Annual Budget Worksheet — Four Sections Every Board Needs
Most HOA boards organize their annual budget into four sections — operating expenses, contracted services, reserve contributions, and contingency — to keep assessments predictable.
HOA ADA Common Area Accessibility — What Boards Must Confirm
Not all HOA common spaces fall under ADA, but rental clubhouses and open-to-public pools often do — here's what triggers federal accessibility rules.
HOA 1099 Vendor Issue — What Boards Must Do to Stay IRS-Compliant
HOAs that paid vendors $600+ in a calendar year must issue 1099s by January 31 and file with the IRS — late filings trigger penalties starting at $60 per form.
How to Run for Your HOA Board
Running for an HOA board starts with checking your bylaws' eligibility rules, then nominating yourself before the deadline and campaigning honestly to neighbors.
HOA vs. Condo Association — What's the Difference?
HOAs govern individually-owned lots with shared common areas; condo associations (COAs) govern units where the building structure itself is shared property.
What Boards Should Check Before Signing an HOA Vendor Contract
Before signing any HOA vendor contract, boards should verify insurance certificates, termination terms, price escalation clauses, and whether competitive bids were collected.
What Is an HOA Resale Certificate?
A resale certificate (or estoppel letter) confirms an HOA account is current and discloses fees, pending assessments, and violations before a sale closes.
HOA Rental Restrictions — What Owners Need to Know
Many HOAs cap the percentage of homes that can be rented, require minimum lease terms, or restrict short-term rentals entirely — check before you buy to rent or convert to a rental.
What Records Must an HOA Keep — and For How Long?
HOAs are typically required to keep financial records, meeting minutes, governing documents, and owner records — often permanently for some, several years for others.
How HOAs Enforce Pet Policies
HOA pet policies commonly cover breed/weight limits, per-unit pet caps, leash rules, and waste cleanup — with fair housing exceptions for service and support animals.
How HOA Parking Rules Get Enforced
HOA parking enforcement ranges from warning notices to fines to towing — towing rules are heavily regulated by state law and require specific signage and notice.
HOA Open Meeting Laws — Can Owners Attend Board Meetings?
Most states require HOA board meetings to be open to owners, with exceptions for executive session topics like legal matters, delinquent accounts, and personnel.
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