H-O-A
Home > Home Owners Association
H-HOMEOWNERSHIP
HOMEOWNERSHIP- HOA Unlimited LLC recognizes the significance of homeownership and is committed to enhancing property values. Our core competency with deep understanding of the importance of homeownership suggests a focus on fostering strong communities and contributing to the overall appreciation of real estate assets. Through their initiatives and practices, HOA Unlimited LLC aims to positively impact the housing market by prioritizing the well-being of homeowners and the value of their properties. Our experts that manage your home have the following designations:
DESIGNATIONS
HOA Unlimited LLC - We value professional designations assuming paramount significance, as they accentuate an individual's qualifications and specialized expertise. We take pride in the noteworthy fact that 100% of our team members posses any one of the following credentials:
CCAM®
The Certified Community Association Manager designation underscores an individual's extensive understanding of property management, encompassing fundamental association management, state-specific governance, financial proficiency, maintenance expertise, and a commitment to ethical standards.
CMCA®
The Certified Manager of Community Associations is a globally recognized accreditation that acknowledges individuals for their demonstrated expertise in overseeing various types of community associations. These encompass condominium associations, homeowner associations, resort communities, and commercial tenant associations. Proficiency in key areas such as board governance, meetings, budgeting, reserves, risk management, contracting, legal matters, and more is integral to achieving this certification.
AMS®
The Association Management Specialist designation, the second-highest accreditation offered by the Community Associations Institute, concentrates on specialized knowledge areas. These encompass facilities management, association communications, risk management, community leadership and governance, as well as financial management.
PCAM®
The Professional Community Association Manager certification stands as the most advanced accreditation attainable, necessitating a minimum of five years of practical experience, completion of six courses, and a comprehensive PCAM case study. Mastery of knowledge areas encompasses an in-depth understanding of facilities management, risk management, community governance, association communications, community leadership, and financial management.
O- ORGANIZATION
ORGANIZATION-HOA Unlimited LLC recognizes the paramount importance of effective property management. Understanding the critical role that property management plays in maintaining and enhancing real estate assets, the company is dedicated to implementing practices and strategies that ensure the optimal organization and oversight of properties under their care. Through a comprehensive approach to property management, HOA Unlimited LLC aims to uphold the value of real estate and meet the diverse needs of property owners, fostering a sense of trust and satisfaction within the communities they serve.
A-ASSOCIATION GOVERNANCE
HOA Unlimited LLC recognizes and values the critical importance of Association Governance. Understanding that effective governance is essential for the well-being of communities, the company is committed to implementing sound practices and policies to ensure the smooth functioning of homeowners' associations. By prioritizing robust Association Governance, HOA Unlimited LLC seeks to enhance transparency, accountability, and overall community satisfaction, fostering a positive and harmonious living environment for residents under their management.
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What is a homeowners association?A homeowners association, also known as a common interest development (CID), is a non-profit corporation, controlled by a volunteer Board of Directors elected by the members of the association. Their duty is to protect and maintain the community assets, and to equitably enforce the governing documents. The benefit to these restrictions is protection of your property values through a system of self-governance.
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Who makes decisions on behalf of the Homeowners Association?The Homeowners Association's operational decisions are made by a Board of Directors, comprising volunteers initially appointed by the developer and subsequently elected by the community residents during the annual membership meeting. The Board, influenced by the association's size, appoints officers, such as President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and member-at-large. Often, individuals can hold multiple offices as per the By-Laws. Depending on the association's size, the Board's role may vary. Additionally, the Board has the authority to appoint other residents to committees, such as Landscaping, Finance and Budgeting, Maintenance, Social, and Architectural Committees, to aid in various operational aspects.
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What are the Board of Directors responsible for?The Board of Directors bears the responsibility of rendering pivotal operating and enforcement decisions on behalf of the homeowners' association. These decisions encompass, but are not confined to, tasks such as formulating budgets, conducting reserve studies, and overseeing the diligent collection of assessments. The Board ensures the execution of contracts for the upkeep of communal areas, verifies vendors' compliance with contracted services, secures appropriate insurance coverage for the association, and establishes and enforces rules and regulations governing the community.
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What are the Governing Documents of the Association?The Governing Documents are instrumental in delineating the authority, entitlements, and obligations of both the Board of Directors and the Owners within the Association. These documents encompass the Articles of Incorporation for incorporated associations, By-Laws, CC&R's (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions, also known as the Declaration or Declaration of Restrictions), and the Rules and Regulations.
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What types of housing communities are run by Homeowners Associations?The umbrella term commonly used for homeowners' associations or Community Associations is a Common Interest Subdivision or Common Interest Development. These terms encompass any development where some property is exclusively owned, while other property is collectively owned by the development's proprietors. Examples include Condominium Projects, typically comprised of individually owned units; Planned Unit Developments, often featuring single-family homes; Stock Cooperatives; and Community Apartment Projects. Note: While homeowners' associations typically pertain to residential properties, common interest properties can also include commercial or office spaces, governed in a manner similar to homeowners' associations.
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What does my monthly assessment pay for?The assessment encompasses the operational costs for which the community association holds legal responsibility. Common expenses include insurance, water and sewer, gas and electricity, landscaping services, street sweeping, janitorial services, pest control, pool and spa maintenance, elevator upkeep, and overall management. Additionally, assessments contribute to building reserves, reserved funds designated for future major component repairs or replacements that fall under the community association's responsibility. These major components may include water heater replacements, plumbing, roofing, painting, street repairs, pool and spa maintenance, elevator upgrades, and clubhouse refurbishment.
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What is my role as a homeowner?Every homeowner is encouraged to take on the responsibility of safeguarding property values and ensuring a quality lifestyle for all residents. As a member of your community association, your legal obligations involve adhering to the governing documents, rules, regulations, architectural guidelines, policies, and procedures. Additionally, fulfilling the monthly assessment is crucial for the operational needs of the community association. If you aspire to have a say in the association's direction, volunteering to serve on the Board of Directors is a recommended avenue for making a positive impact.
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Do I have to pay the monthly assessment if I belong to the community association?Indeed, every homeowner who owns a unit or lot within a community association is automatically enrolled as a member and is obligated to contribute to the monthly assessment. This assessment is designed to cover all expenses related to the operation of the community association.
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What is the role of a management company?Managing the association can be a time-consuming task for a volunteer Board of Directors. A management company, as an independent entity, aids the Board in various daily functions, such as handling financial operations, enforcing collection policies, overseeing maintenance and vendors, ensuring compliance with governing documents and laws, managing notices and correspondence to owners, acting as a homeowner liaison, and conducting routine property inspections. The range of services offered by a management company is tailored to the specific needs of each Homeowners Association. At Associated Professional Services, we provide a personalized management service for each association, encompassing financial, accounting, and collection services, as well as on-demand administrative support, refinance and resale services, and comprehensive community management.
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Can police enforce HOA rules?While the police are not tasked with enforcing HOA rules, they can be summoned to intervene in situations involving loud noise or physical violence originating from a unit.
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Are HOA rules legally binding?Certainly Yes! HOA rules carry legal enforceability. Violations of any restriction, covenant, or rule may lead to potential fines, legal action, or lawsuits initiated by the HOA against the owner. Additionally, the owner can be held accountable for any attorney's fees or costs incurred by the HOA in the process of enforcing the rule.
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Can an HOA change rules after purchasing a home?The Board of Directors has the authority to modify rules by adhering to the appropriate procedures. Typically, these rules and regulations are specified in the development's Bylaws and/or CC&Rs.
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Can you change HOA rules?Changes to HOA rules are made by the Board of Directors and not by individual homeowners. All rules and regulations are clearly defined in the community's Bylaws and/or CC&Rs.
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What happens if you break HOA rules?Owners who violate an HOA rule will be issued a violation notice. If the issue is not rectified, the owner may face fines, suspension from utilizing the community's facilities, or in rare instances, legal action may be taken.
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Can an HOA limit pets?Certainly Yes! an HOA has the authority to establish restrictions on pets, and these regulations are typically detailed in the Rules and Regulations. It's worth noting that in California, specific state laws prevent associations from outright prohibiting pets.
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Can I be forced to join an HOA?You become a part of an HOA by purchasing a unit within the association. There is typically no obligation for owners to buy a unit within an association, but upon doing so, they automatically become members of the Homeowners Association until they decide to sell.
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Do HOA fees ever go away?HOA fees and assessments persist unless the association was specifically established solely for architectural guidelines or has been dissolved.
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Do renters or owners pay HOA fees?Owners are invoiced for HOA fees and are obligated to make monthly payments. While some owners opt to have their tenants cover these fees, any payment defaults make the owner accountable, and the collection process is directed toward the homeowner, not the tenant.
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What happens if you don't pay your HOA fees?In the event an owner fails to settle their assessments, they will be issued late notices and a pre-lien notice. Ultimately, the Board of Directors has the authority to vote for foreclosure on the property.
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Are HOA fees mandatory?Certainly Yes! HOA fees and assessments are obligatory and must be fulfilled by anyone purchasing a unit within an Association.
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What areas are best to focus on if you're trying to reduce your HOA spend?Associations commonly encounter significant expenses in areas such as insurance, water and sewer, and landscaping. Another potential source of high costs is repairs arising from water leaks and damages. To mitigate this, HOAs are advised to invest in insurance with the highest deductible feasible and to incorporate low-water, low-maintenance plants in their landscaping. Timely reporting of leaks by owners is crucial, ensuring prompt repairs to minimize potential damages.
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Do you manage communities with 200 or more units?Certainly Yes. Since our inception, we've been delivering services to associations of various sizes. Our initial significant property comprised over 250+ units. The majority of our larger units and associations opt for the services of an on-site manager, whether on a part-time or full-time basis.
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What is the largest community you have managed?The most extensive community under our management encompasses 300+ units.
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How many properties does each manager maintain?Our managers are assigned associations according to the collective needs of those associations. For example, managers stationed on-site at an association usually oversee only that particular account. Generally, we cap the number of associations each manager handles at five or fewer, and many of these are smaller associations.
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How long does a manager typically stay with one property?The duration of management tenure varies based on the property and the manager. Some of our managers have overseen specific properties for many years. We implement cross-training and provide assistants who familiarize themselves with each property. In cases of turnover or advancement, a new manager can seamlessly assume responsibilities with no disruption to the service.
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If our company is selected as your HOA management partner, what should your expectations be for your handling of resident/renter needs via offsite support?HOA Unlimited will create a system aligned with your expectations. Generally, we advise renters to initiate contact with their owners to report any issues, while owners are encouraged to reach out to our office. Owners can contact our office or manager by phone or email at any time, 24/7. For non-emergency matters and those necessitating Board input, owners are requested to submit their comments in writing. These concerns will then be addressed at the next applicable Board meeting.
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How do you manage maintenance issues, such as replacement of common area carpets, landscaping, general maintenance, etc.?HOA Unlimited LLC leverages its extensive network of vendors to procure bids for specific projects on behalf of your association. We exclusively engage vendors with proven track records from our other associations, and vendors receiving unsatisfactory feedback are removed from our referral list. We maintain independence from any specific vendor, refraining from receiving commissions or owning a maintenance company. Consequently, your association can be confident in receiving competitive bids, ensuring only essential work is undertaken. Your manager will aid in defining the scope of work and securing bids. Once accepted, they will coordinate and supervise the project's progress. For ongoing maintenance concerns, you have the option to authorize a specific dollar amount that the manager can spend without requiring Board approval for individual maintenance projects. Existing maintenance contractors will be closely monitored to ensure they consistently meet your satisfaction.
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How do you manage and maintain records of repairs?Association records are maintained on our premises unless otherwise specified by the association. Annually, files are organized, labeled, and stored on-site in large envelopes. Periodically, these yearly files are transferred to file boxes and stored off-site in a designated storage facility. Each box is labeled by year and assigned a barcode for easy identification. Access to these records for review is available upon request at any time.
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How do you enforce HOA community rules and regulations?Our initial step involves a friendly notice to alert the violator about the infringement of rules or CC&R’s. Typically, this amicable communication is effective in securing compliance. In instances where we have a more on-site presence, we may choose to communicate this information in person. If compliance is not achieved within a specified timeframe, a violation letter is dispatched, providing a specific period for adherence, failing which fines will be imposed in accordance with the enforcement policy. Should the violation persist, a letter is sent notifying them of the potential fine and inviting them to a hearing, typically scheduled during a regular Board meeting. If the Board decides to impose a fine, a letter is sent to inform the violator. If the violation continues, the process is reiterated. Owners accumulating unpaid fines may be subject to legal action in small claims court, where our experienced judges consistently uphold the fines in favor of the association.
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Have you helped communities increase the level of resident ownership through resident owner incentive/purchase programs?While associations and management companies may not have complete control over certain situations, we once addressed a case where an association faced multiple renters engaging in vandalism and drug-related activities within the complex. To tackle this issue, we successfully persuaded the Board to enlist the services of a full-time armed guard for a specified period. Following this intervention, the drug-related activities and vandalism ceased, leading to an excellent reputation for the association for over a decade. The community has since seen an increase in the number of owners. Moreover, strategies we've identified to boost owner-occupancy include maintaining well-kept buildings, enhancing landscaping, offering attractive amenities, fostering a community where residents adhere to rules (including renters), and creating an overall pleasant living environment.
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Do HOA board members get paid?Typically, members of the HOA Board of Directors are unpaid volunteers who willingly serve in their roles. Some may be eligible for reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses related to their Board membership, though this varies.
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Does an HOA have to have a board?An HOA is consistently overseen by a Board of Directors elected by homeowners during an annual meeting.
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Can HOA board members be held personally liable?HOA volunteer Board members are not personally liable for actions voted on at a meeting. Nevertheless, personal liability may arise if a Board Member is discovered to have committed illegal or detrimental actions to the Association.
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Is retaining the services of an attorney important for every homeowner's association?It is not mandatory for all associations, especially smaller ones, to have legal representation. While larger associations may opt to retain an attorney, it is not obligatory or mandated.
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Can an HOA evict a homeowner?No, an HOA does not have the authority to evict a homeowner or a tenant. Only the property's landlord or owner possesses the right to evict a tenant. However, an owner's unit can face foreclosure if the owner fails to pay their fees.
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Can an HOA force you to sell your home?No, an HOA does not have the authority to compel anyone to sell their unit.
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What is the difference between HOA bylaws and covenants?HOA bylaws serve as guidelines for the operation of the HOA, outlining the duties of various Board of Directors offices, terms of Directors, meeting procedures, election protocols, the Association's principal office, and other essential items for efficient Association management. Covenants (CC&R’s - Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions) are legally binding documents recorded with the County Recorder. They govern property use, specify the Association's responsibilities for maintenance, outline assessment billing procedures, and establish legally enforceable terms.
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How can I get rid of my HOA?Individuals cannot unilaterally eliminate an HOA. Dissolving an HOA is possible under specific circumstances, such as in the aftermath of a fire, if all residences have been destroyed and remain unreconstructed.
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Can I fight my HOA?An owner has the recourse of challenging board actions through attendance at meetings or the submission of written correspondence. For a more direct impact and the potential for actual change, an owner can contribute by serving on the Board of Directors.
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What should the Homeowner/Property Owner do if they receive a Violation Notice?Upon receipt of a violation notice, homeowners are advised to promptly contact the association, requesting a face-to-face meeting. During this interaction, they should communicate their intent to comply and specify the timeframe for correction. Following the correction of the violation, it is crucial to send a notification confirming its resolution. If there is a dispute regarding the violation, a letter outlining the reasons for disagreement should be submitted.