Addressing Issues in HOA Management

Ongoing Challenges with HOA Management

Board members and homeowners frequently express frustration with their homeowners’ association (HOA) management teams. Common complaints include unresponsiveness, frequent changes in managers, a lack of regular board meetings, absence of financial reports, late tax filings, skipped voting procedures, and neglected site visits. Despite these failures to meet contractual obligations, management companies continue to bill the community, raising serious concerns about improper practices within HOA management.

Impact on Homeowners

What makes this situation particularly troubling is the sense of powerlessness that many residents feel. When homeowners seek answers, responses from management are often vague or deflective, further eroding trust and deepening concerns about transparency. The apparent disregard for the HOA’s own leadership leaves homeowners questioning whether their voices matter. This persistent cycle of neglect and poor communication not only feels unfair but also undermines the fundamental purpose of a homeowners’ association—to foster a safe, well-managed community where everyone’s interests are protected.

Lack of Oversight and Accountability

Another major concern is the insufficient oversight from regulatory bodies or state authorities who are responsible for ensuring that community association managers uphold their responsibilities. Without regular board meetings, transparent financial reporting, timely vendor payments, and basic communication, residents are left to question the legitimacy of management’s actions. The continued collection of fees with little to show in terms of actual service only intensifies homeowner frustration. In the absence of clear standards and enforcement mechanisms, management companies may operate unchecked, putting homeowners’ rights and investments at risk and making meaningful change seem unattainable.

Safeguarding the Community

Faced with these challenges, homeowner communities can take proactive steps to protect themselves and demand accountability from underperforming management. By organizing collectively, residents can insist on regular board meetings, request detailed financial disclosures, and establish direct channels for reporting and addressing concerns. Advocating for explicit service benchmarks in management contracts, along with provisions for penalties or termination in cases of nonperformance, empowers homeowners to enforce higher standards. Seeking assistance from independent legal counsel or state agencies can also help clarify rights and identify recourse options. Ultimately, promoting a culture of vigilance and collective action is crucial to ensuring that the HOA truly serves its members and that management companies fulfill their responsibilities.

The Importance of Integrity and Service

Homeowners’ association management fees should correspond to the actual services provided; failing to deliver on paid-for services is equivalent to theft from the community. Continued neglect by community association management calls for decisive action from board members and homeowners. By staying informed, collaborating with neighbors, and demanding transparency and accountability at every level, communities can reclaim their voice and prevent management companies from evading their responsibilities. If the current management does not meet the community’s expectations, consider transitioning to a provider dedicated to serving residents rather than merely collecting monthly fees. The integrity of service is determined not by the size of the management company, but by its leadership and commitment to professionalism and the well-being of the community.

Enough is Enough

As I reflect on my journey into the HOA management field, I have often wondered whether I should have started sooner. However, I have come to realize that my path has been shaped by experiences and opportunities that have allowed me to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to excel as a Community Association Manager. This role uniquely enables me to utilize all of my expertise in one position, allowing me to effectively manage homeowners’ associations and make a meaningful impact.

Upon entering industry, I quickly became aware of a troubling trend: many management companies view their communities simply as business accounts, prioritizing profit over genuine care for residents. This perspective was difficult for me to accept, as my own ideals of community service extend well beyond the monthly assessments paid by homeowners. My commitment lies in ensuring that communities are clean, that residents’ concerns are heard and addressed, and that issues are resolved rather than overlooked or forgotten. I believe that homeowners deserve exceptional management in return for their hard-earned money, and my goal is for them to feel proud to live in a community managed with urgency and dedication.

Starting with my own management company presented its own set of challenges, especially as I consider the balance of increasing responsibilities with my personal journey. Despite this, my conscience will not allow me to stand by while homeowners' associations are underserved. I am committed to changing the culture of the industry, demonstrating that trustworthy and dependable management companies exist. I want every HOA to recognize that there are managers who truly care about each homeowner, and who see themselves as partners in building stronger, more vibrant communities. The negative reputation created by indifferent management must be corrected, and I am determined to be part of that change.

For me, the role of Community Association Manager means being involved in every aspect of managing a community: from answering financial questions, to communicating with vendors, conducting project walkthroughs, overseeing ongoing projects, and ensuring that every vendor is paid promptly for their work. I believe that nothing and no one should be overlooked. When vendors are treated well, they take greater pride in their work, which leads to better results for homeowners and enhances the community’s reputation. Ultimately, this level of commitment ensures that homeowners see the true value of their investment in the association.

I am on a mission to transform the HOA management industry by advocating higher standards and a renewed sense of responsibility among management companies. My hope is that this dedication and drive will inspire established companies to reevaluate their practices and take greater accountability for the communities they serve. By promoting genuine care, transparency, and responsiveness, I aim to encourage industry to move beyond profit-driven motives and embrace a culture of service that truly benefits homeowners and strengthens communities.

I am dedicated to fostering improvement in both Homeowners Associations and Condominium Associations. My mission is to ensure that every community receives the attention, care, and professionalism it deserves. By advocating for higher standards and genuine responsiveness, I strive to create associations where residents feel valued and proud of where they live. This commitment extends to every aspect of management, reflecting my belief that the foundation of strong communities lies in trustworthy, dependable leadership and a service-oriented approach.