How An HOA Can Help Increase Property Value

HOAs often have guidelines that maintain a certain aesthetic for the neighborhood. This can translate to a well-maintained community that attracts buyers, potentially boosting your home's value down the line.

Here are a few ways an HOA management company can help increase property values in a neighborhood.

1. An HOA management company keeps the entrance and common areas of a community well-manicured and maintained with attractive landscaping. Curb appeal is very important. HOAs maintain a consistent look throughout the neighborhood, ensuring everyone's property stays attractive. An HOA management company will hire a company to take care of landscaping. The landscaper will take care of routine mowing, weeding, and mulching. Community or entrance flower beds will have fresh flowers or foliage depending on the season. The community will always have an attractive appearance for visitors and home shoppers. This creates a desirable aesthetic that appeals to potential buyers.

2. An HOA management company is responsible for well-maintained common buildings, lighting, and equipment. The HOA should ensure the common building is clean, functional, and presentable. This might involve management of services like trash removal, pest control, electrical, hardware, plumbing, and general maintenance.. Whether a community has a clubhouse or other common buildings, the buildings should be maintained for safety and use by the residents.

3. Amenities Management. An HOA management company will be responsible for maintaining all amenities within the community. This involves ensuring the cleanliness, safety, and functionality of common areas like pools, gyms, playgrounds, and clubhouses, hot tubs, basketball courts, tennis courts, and pickleball courts, and common picnic areas. Residents enjoy well-maintained leisure spaces. Residents pay their HOA fees for enjoyment of amenities, and they expect fees to see their money working in the community. The board determines how much to allocate towards amenity maintenance, repairs, and potential upgrades based on the budget.

4. Community Standards. The HOA management is responsible for enforcing community guidelines according to the governing documents of the community, such as the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). Each homeowner is responsible to read the community guidelines and abide by the standards and keep members in compliance.

All these responsibilities of the HOA manager will keep the community safe and beautiful for the enjoyment of the people who live there. Proper management keeps the community desirable and property values stable.

Should Homeowners Associations Pay Attention to The Corporate Transparency Act? Yes!

In a noteworthy development, homeowners associations are now obligated to comply with reporting regulations outlined in the Corporate Transparency Act. Individuals with significant control or substantial ownership in the company must submit their initial beneficial ownership information reports by January 1, 2025.

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To read the correspondence between Paul Mengert and Senator Budd concerning the Corporate Transparency Act, please check out AMG CEO’s Emails To and From Senator Ted Budd About the Corporate Transparency Act.

AMG CEO's Emails To and From Senator Ted Budd About the Corporate Transparency Act

Dear Senator Budd, 

 I am writing to you regarding the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and the unintended impact  on the 350,000 homeowners associations, condo associations, and housing coops in the U.S. 

I am asking as a constituent that you SUPPORT H.R. 5119 – Protect Small Business and Prevent Illicit Financial Activity Act, which passed the House on 12/12/23. Over 80 Senators and Representatives sent a letter to FINCEN urging a 1-year delay of all CTA reporting requirements; I need you to help protect constituents like me from federal regulations which shouldn’t be applied to us. 

Community associations (HOAs, condo associations, and housing coops) are usually organized in states as non-profit corporations. They usually do not have a non-profit tax determination by the IRS, but they do file taxes as a non-profit corporation using the 1120-H U.S. Income Tax Return for Homeowners Associations.     

The intent of the Anti-Money Laundering and Corporate Transparency Act was to help detect and report suspicious activity including the predicate offenses to money laundering and terrorist finance, to facilitate tracking money that has been sourced through criminal or terrorist activity to safeguard the national security and the financial system of the U.S.    

It seems clear this Act was not intended to apply to volunteer-driven nonprofit corporations that are locally based with the sole purpose of providing municipal-like services to residents.

As your constituent, I am very concerned about the following: 

  1. A volunteer board of directors’ compliance with the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI).  

  2. Filing personal information that will be accessible to many institutions and organizations of volunteers.  

  3. The extreme civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance.  

Community associations will have to hire professionals to ensure CTA compliance, which will lead to higher living costs. Volunteers will decline service on their boards of directors due to the exposure to liability. Please help your constituents by supporting H.R. 5119 in the Senate.

Sincerely,

Paul K. Mengert, CEO ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT GROUP


Dear Mr. Mengert,

Thank you for contacting me about new reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act. It is an honor to represent the people of North Carolina and I appreciate the opportunity to hear from you on this issue.

As you know, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires corporations, limited liability companies, and other entities registered to do business in the United States to regularly report information about their beneficial owners to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). While this provision was intended to target shell companies engaged in illicit financial transactions, the law requires most companies with 20 or fewer employees and less than $5 million in revenue to make this disclosure. This dramatically increases the compliance burden on nearly every small business in America, and places steep penalties on any business that fails to report.

Over the past several months I have heard from many North Carolina small businesses who were unaware of this change in the law, and a study from the National Federation of Independent Business found that 90% of respondents were entirely unfamiliar with these new requirements.

Given this lack of awareness, on December 18, 2023 I joined a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the Department of Treasury and FinCEN requesting that implementation of this provision be delayed beyond the initial January 1, 2024 start date. Legitimate small businesses should not be caught in the crossfire between regulators and illicit actors, and both Treasury and FinCEN must work harder to educate small businesses before implementing this new regulation.

If you are interested in learning more about what is going on in Congress and my work in Washington D.C. for North Carolinians, you may visit my website at budd.senate.gov. If you need assistance with issues related to Social Security, Medicare, veteran benefits, visas, or other items involving a federal agency, you may call my office at 202-224-3154.

 Sincerely,
                                                                  
Ted Budd
United States Senator

Budget Ratification: Understanding the Ghost of Budgets PAST When Preparing for the Future

Annually, community associations tackle the responsibility of crafting a budget for the upcoming year, mandated by the North Carolina Planned Community Act and the North Carolina Condominium Act. Boards of Directors are required to formulate, adopt, and present the proposed annual budget to the membership for ratification. This article outlines the distinctions between community associations and a step-by-step process for budget ratification.

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Happy Homeowners: Speak Up Before Laws Are Reformed

It’s time for happy homeowners to speak up about their community association experiences. A legislative committee in North Carolina has been examining the need for potential reform to community association laws. With 67% of residents expressing satisfaction and an additional 22% rating their association experience as neutral, there is strong support for the current system. Click the link below for more information.

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Get Your Home Ready for Spring. HOA Spring-Cleaning Tips

Spring is on the horizon and it’s time to declutter and refresh your home. Get refreshed on the guidelines set by your HOA. Maintaining a well-kept home contributes to the overall curb appeal and property values of your entire community. Here are a few tips for exterior home spring cleaning if you live in an HOA.

  • Curb Appeal First: Focus on your home's exterior. This is what everyone sees first. Keep your lawn well-maintained, flower beds weeded, driveway and walkways edged, following HOA mowing height and landscaping regulations. Remove any dead leaves, and branches, and prune overgrown trees.  If you add new trees and shrubs make sure to follow guidelines for planting trees.

  • Gutter Care: Clogged gutters can damage your roof. Clean them out thoroughly, removing leaves, debris, and any other material sitting in the gutters. Heavy gutters can break loose and cause damage to the house.

  • Clean Your Siding or Brick: Power washing your home’s exterior siding or brick can make a change in the look of your home. Pro Tip: Use the appropriate cleaning materials for the type of exterior you have. If you have not cleaned your home for several seasons, check your HOA guidelines for how often this needs to be done.

  • Inspect the Roof: Inspect the roof for any loose shingles or damage. If you contract roof repairs, make sure your roofer has the necessary permits and complies with HOA contractor guidelines.

  • Outdoor Storage: Move equipment or other items stored outdoors into the garage or shed. Check with your HOA guidelines to find out what items can be stored outside the home.

  • Porch Maintenance: Give your porch a makeover. Clean furniture and other leisure space furnishings. Wash screens or windows. Sparkling windows brighten your home and boost curb appeal.

  • Pool Maintenance: It might be time to uncover your pool from the winter season. This is a good time to call your pool maintenance company to check on the pool and give it a good cleaning.

  • Garage Projects: If your garage door faces the street, pressure wash or clean it. It may need a coat of paint.  Following HOA guidelines for exterior home painting.

Before starting any project, including cleaning, painting, or landscaping, double-check your HOA's rules and regulations. This ensures your efforts comply with community standards and avoid any violations.

Maintaining a beautiful and well-kept home adds to the aesthetic beauty of your community. Contact your HOA management if you have questions about guidelines.

Corporate Transparency Act – HOAs and Condominiums Need to Prepare for New Federal Reporting Requirements

In response to scandals in 2021 exposing the misuse of shell companies for asset concealment, Congress enacted the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). Effective January 1, 2024, the CTA has imposed new reporting requirements on all LLCs, corporations, and nonprofit corporations, such as HOAs and condominium associations. Click the link below to learn more about the reporting requirements and how this process will affect your community.

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CAUTION: WHEN NC HOA LAWS CHANGE, PROPERTY VALUES AND MORE ARE AT STAKE

During the 2023 state legislative session, both Democrats and Republicans introduced three bills aimed at enhancing oversight of HOAs in North Carolina, with the primary objective of restricting their authority to foreclose on homeowners. It is anticipated that significant statutory alterations may result in unintended repercussions, potentially causing adverse effects on property values, associations and individual homeowners. Click the link below for additional information.

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DON’T FORGET! NORTH CAROLINA ANNUAL ASSOCIATION ACTION ITEMS

In times of unforeseen challenges, it is beneficial to receive prompts for tackling recurring tasks that might be overlooked. As we navigate through obstacles, prioritize addressing these tasks at the start of the year. Consider this your nudge to revisit North Carolina's annual obligations, allowing you to proactively address them and avoid overlooking crucial steps.

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FLORIDA’S ONGOING PROPERTY INSURANCE CRISIS LEADING TO SPIKES IN HOA FEES

Residents of Baldwin Park, Florida, are voicing concern over a substantial increase in property insurance costs within their HOA, which have tripled from $109 to over $400 per month. Taken aback by the sudden changes, one resident highlights the significant financial impact, noting she is now paying close to $6,000 for townhome insurance alone. What are your thoughts on the rise of property-related costs? Click the link below to read the whole story.

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New Year Resolutions For HOA Managers and Boards

As the New Year approaches, HOA managers and boards should start thinking about what 2024 has in store. Here are some important resolutions that are essential for a well-running homeowners association.

1. Recruit Board Members and Volunteers

Each HOA manager needs to focus on recruiting and finding people who are interested in community affairs. Both board members and community volunteers are needed to keep an HOA running smoothly. Extend an invitation to residents to join the board. You may find residents who have an interest in events to serve on the events committee. Another good idea is to put a notice in the newsletter that they are accepting new members. Also, ask current board members to invite new people.

2. Community Events Committee

Events are an integral part of an active community. Events keep residents engaged and encourage new residents to get involved. Find people to serve on a committee that will create events that all residents will participate in. Set up an advanced schedule for the year. Propose a budget for yearly events and plan to promote the events.

3. Community Safety

Each year safety and security procedures should be reviewed and updated. Plan and implement updated safety measures in the community annually. Conduct a safety check on all community lights, door locks, pool lights, fencing, and community signage. Make sure all safety measures have been taken to keep residents safe.

4. Community Maintenance

Make sure all pool equipment, playground equipment, tennis court, and all recreational amenities are functioning properly. Make necessary repairs to the common buildings, grounds, and areas. Make a new year plan and budget for lawn maintenance, seasonal planting, and curb appeal for the community.

5. Review and Update Governing Documents

As part of the HOA New Year’s resolutions, a board should consider reviewing and amending old documents. At the annual board meeting new guidelines should be introduced, implemented, and voted on. Refresh board members on the procedures for holding annual meetings and board elections. Notify new residents of community policies and guidelines.

New Year resolutions can keep an HOA on track and make being an association Board member a more enjoyable experience. Discuss these resolutions with the board and make changes where needed to make 2024 a positive and successful year for you and your HOA board.

Festive Holiday Event Ideas for HOAs

As the holiday season approaches, homeowners’ associations (HOAs) have an excellent opportunity to foster community spirit and create lasting memories for residents. By organizing festive holiday events, HOAs can encourage community interaction and make the holidays even more special for everyone.

Here's a list of some engaging holiday event ideas for HOAs to consider:

1. Host a Holiday Potluck: Celebrate the holidays with community events that cater to all ages. Host a holiday dinner or potluck. Invite residents to bring their favorite holiday dish or dessert to share. As a special treat for the kids, have someone dress up as Santa, or hire a Santa if it is within the HOA budget.

2. Plan a Tree Lighting Ceremony: Lighten up your community by setting up a tree in the common area of the community. There may be volunteers with musical talents who will play instrumental holiday music.

3. Have a Holiday Decoration Contest: Homeowners love to decorate their homes for the holidays. Engage more residents and start a little friendly competition by offering a prize or award for the best decorated home. Let neighbors in on the voting.

4. Host a Holiday Cookie Party: This is much easier than a dinner. Provide hot chocolate and holiday punch. Ask residents to bake cookies and bring extra to share. Encourage bakers to bring enough for residents to take a few cookies home.

5. Host a Holiday Game Night and White Elephant Gift Exchange: Set a reasonable limit for gifts to make it fun and affordable for attendees.

6. Christmas Caroling: Ask a resident on each street to plan music and Christmas caroling.

Remember, HOAs are important to the community on every holiday. HOAs should plan for the holidays in the budget. Setting up an events committee with committed members will contribute to the success of the events.

 

The Top 10 Tasks an HOA Management Company Can Help You With

HOA management companies are essential to a well-run HOA or condominium community. However, if you are new to these companies, you may not be sure what tasks you can expect an HOA management company to help you with.

Don’t despair. In the rest of this article, we answer that very crucial question.  

The Top 10 Tasks That an HOA Management Company Can Help You With

An HOA management company provides a wide range of services to help effectively manage and maintain a community. Below we describe the top 10 tasks an HOA management company can assist you with. 

1)      Administrative support
Administrative duties often provide the biggest drain on Board resources. They can be time-consuming and monotonous. An HOA management company can take on all these tasks, including the following.  

·         Budgeting
·         Coordinating meetings
·         Answering phone calls and emails
·         Creating reports 

2)      Common area maintenance
The common areas are the heart of an HOA. These are spaces for homeowners to gather and the community to come together. The best HOAs have immaculate common areas, a goal an HOA management company can help you achieve. You can expect the following common area maintenance services from these companies.  

·         Maintain storage areas
·         Enforce rules and regulations
·         Hire and oversee vendors
·         Manage trash and yard maintenance in common areas 

3)      Vendor management
Vendors do most of the services provided to HOAs. Your Board can spend much time hiring and maintaining vendor relationships. And in some crowded specialties, finding the best vendors can be a challenge.  

With HOA management companies, those issues go away. They will provide the following services.  

·         Interview and hire vendors
·         Manage contracts
·         Obtain bids
·         Oversee vendor performance 

4)      Financial management
One of the most crucial tasks of an HOA is financial management. A financially sound community will attract homeowners and stand out. HOA management companies can help you keep your HOA in good financial standing by doing the following.  

·         Collect and manage dues
·         Create a budget
·         Handle financial reporting and statement
·         Pay bills  

5)      Community improvement projects
HOA communities should always attempt to improve themselves. Undertaking regular community improvement projects, such as tree planting or trash pickup days, are a good way to do this. An HOA management company can organize and oversee all projects to improve your community.  

6)      Communication
You will have less conflict in your HOA if you communicate well. Let your HOA management company stay on top of communication with residents so you do not have to. They will do this in the following ways. 

·         Create a community website and online portal
·         Provide online payment systems 

7)      Board training
HOA Boards are comprised of volunteers. They may need training to be the best at their job. HOA management companies can provide this training, along with the following:  

·         Help in strategic planning and decision-making
·         Provide guidance
·         Offer their expertise  

8)      Dispute resolution
No matter how well-run your HOA is, there will be conflicts. When disputes happen, an HOA management company can be an objective third party and help you resolve those issues. Common disputes that HOA management companies can handle include  

·         Noise complaints
·         Property line encroachments
·         Rule violations 

9)      Community policies enforcement
Everyone in the HOA needs to abide by the rules. That is why all HOAs have a CC&R, covenants, conditions, and restrictions. Your HOA management company can help enforce the rules in these documents. 

10)  Billing and collections
Finally, HOA management companies can assume the two important billing and collections tasks. These involve the following.  

·         Bill residents
·         Collect dues
·         Handle delicate accounts
·         Issue delinquent notices 

If you are ready to experience the difference an experienced HOA management company can make, contact Association Management Group (AMG). Our experience will translate into a successful community for you.

Navigating Rising Property Casualty Insurance Rates in 2023: Best Practices for Condominium and Homeowner Associations

As a professional condominium or HOA manager or community leader, it's essential to stay informed about the latest trends and challenges that impact your community. One significant concern that has emerged in 2023 is the rising property casualty insurance rates. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind these increases, discuss the extent to which rates are rising, and provide best practices to help your association mitigate the impact. We strongly advise relying on a qualified insurance professionals for specific guidance tailored to your association's unique circumstances.

Understanding the Reasons for Increasing Rates:

Several factors contribute to the upward trajectory of property casualty insurance rates in 2023. These include:

1. Natural Disasters: Climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of natural disasters, leading to an increase in insurance claims related to property damage. Severe storms, wildfires, and flooding events strain insurance providers, prompting them to adjust rates to maintain financial stability.

2. Inflation and Rising Construction Costs: Inflationary pressures and escalating construction costs have significantly impacted insurance premiums. The costs associated with repairing or rebuilding damaged properties have surged, consequently driving insurance rates upward.

3. Legal and Liability Concerns: The legal landscape surrounding liability claims has become increasingly complex. Growing litigation trends and higher settlements have elevated insurers' risks, leading to higher premiums for policyholders.

The Extent of Rate Increases:

The magnitude of rate increases can vary depending on various factors such as location, property type, claims history, and coverage limits. However, it is not uncommon for property casualty insurance rates to rise by double-digit percentages in 2023. Some associations, even with no recent claims, have reported premium increases of 20% or more during policy renewals. These significant jumps can strain association budgets and require proactive measures to minimize the financial impact.

Best Practices to Mitigate Higher Rates:

While it may be challenging to avoid rising property casualty insurance rates entirely, there are several best practices your association can implement to minimize the impact:

1. Risk Management and Loss Prevention: Prioritize proactive risk management practices to reduce the likelihood of claims and property damage. Implement preventive maintenance programs, enforce safety protocols, and engage with insurance professionals to conduct regular risk assessments.

2. Review and Update Insurance Policies: Work closely with insurance professionals to review your association's insurance policies annually. Ensure your coverage adequately reflects the current value of your property and aligns with your risk profile. Consider higher deductibles or alternative risk transfer mechanisms, such as captive insurance or self-insurance, if appropriate for your association's financial position. Also, consult your attorney to make sure the association understands its duty based on governing documents and laws related to insurance. 

3. Seek Competitive Bids: Regularly solicit competitive bids from multiple insurance providers to ensure you are obtaining the most favorable rates and terms available in the market. Engage insurance brokers or agents who specialize in community association insurance to navigate complex policy options effectively.

4. Loss History Management: Develop a comprehensive loss history report and demonstrate your association's commitment to risk management. Highlight steps taken to address any previous claims or property damage and show insurers that your association is proactive in mitigating future risks.

5. Engage with Insurance Professionals: Establish a collaborative relationship with insurance professionals who specialize in community association insurance. Their expertise and guidance can help navigate policy complexities, negotiate favorable terms, and identify risk mitigation strategies specific to your association's needs.

The rising property casualty insurance rates in 2023 pose a significant challenge for condominium associations. Understanding the underlying reasons for these increases, monitoring the extent of rate jumps, and implementing best practices can help associations mitigate the impact on their budgets. Remember, seeking guidance from insurance professionals tailored to your association's unique circumstances is crucial for making informed decisions and safeguarding your community's financial well-being.

6 Fall Tasks For HOAs

September officially ushers in the fall season. It’s time to gather the board and make plans for the coming months. Fall is a great time for community holiday centered events. If your community is in the cold part of the country, the coming months can bring cold temperatures.

Here is a task list every HOA should implement while the weather is still mild.

1.       Maintenance & Repairs: Assess the common area buildings and exterior property needed after summer repairs and maintenance. It’s important for the board to start initiating work orders for any needed repairs on the exterior surfaces of the community.

2.       Plan Fall and Winter Lawn Maintenance with Landscape Vendor: The mowing schedule will change during the fall and winter. Summer season flowers or shrubs may need to be replaced. Mulch and other ground maintenance may need to be put in place for the fall season. In the off-season residents, visitors, realtors, and prospective buyers will notice an unkept community during the winter. It is important for the HOA board to have new schedules and changes put in place until spring rolls around.

3.       Fall and Winter Amenities Preparation: Swimming pools, golf courses, playgrounds, and other amenities need to be prepared for the cooler months. If your HOA closes the pool during extreme snow or cold, it is important to schedule this with your pool company. If your HOA is shortening hours for outdoor recreation areas due to shorter daylight hours, it is important to notify residents of changes and closings.

4.       Plan for Fall and Holiday Activities: Add a planning session to your board meeting agenda for holiday events, fall festivals, holiday parties, and community gatherings. Plan well in advance to give the community plenty of time to add events to their busy holiday schedule. Consider community entrance decorations and expenditures for holiday related costs. Notify residents in advance of any specific rules pertaining to holiday gatherings.

5.       Community Safety Changes During Fall and Winter: If your community has a security vendor or security guard, the hours may change due to shorter days. During the holidays there may be visitors parking throughout the streets of the community. Designate parking for community events. Assess streetlights in the community, community emergency lighting, community entrance lighting, and lighting around the common areas and amenities. Notify residents of any policies regarding property decorations and lighting. It is important to be aware of holiday decoration safety issues around Halloween and Christmas.

6.       End of Year Budgeting: As things begin to slow and the fiscal year comes to an end, preparing for the New Year is essential. HOA boards should have next year’s important items on the agenda and begin advance planning for large additions, community expenditures or major projects slated for the spring season.

Fall brings excitement leading up to the holidays. HOAs should always put safety first and make this time of year enjoyable for all residents. We hope this task list will help your association or management team provide a safe holiday season for everyone in the community.

HOA Community Emergency Preparedness

HOA Community Emergency Preparedness

4 Phases of Emergency Preparedness in the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster.

We are in the middle of the official hurricane season for 2023. Though we have not had a storm yet, we know how quickly things can change and how fast an emergency can arise.

For the safety of community members, HOAs should implement an emergency preparedness plan for the community.

Here are 4 phases of emergency preparedness to help the community.

  • Emergency Planning Phase: This plan may not be needed, but in the event of an emergency, residents should have a plan to effectively exit the community. “If the emergency officials call for an evacuation, then evacuate,” Paul K Mengert C.E.O. Association Management Group. If there are new residents, they could benefit from a map of the community with entrance and exit points noted. In this plan, providing residents with a list of local shelters is essential. Let’s not forget shelters specific for the elderly, disabled, and pets.

  • Initial aftermath Assessment Phase: It is important for leaders and community members to remain in place and stay safe until emergency officials give the clear to go out. Residents may be without power for a few days. During this time emergency management officials, power company workers, and others may be in the community assessing damage and safety issues. Power trucks may be working to restore power. During the aftermath of an emergency, it is important to follow instructions from officials.

  • Emergency Response Phase: How quickly will your community get help in an emergency? If a disaster should occur, does your HOA Board have a designated person to coordinate with local police, fire, and emergency officials to get relief into the community?  If your local police and fire department offers safety education, it would be helpful to have them come to an open association meeting and speak to the attendees about safety protocol in the event of a community emergency.

  • Community Recovery Phase: Following a disaster, rapid response is important. This may include having agencies readily available that provide food, water, and shelter to residents, and help repair damaged homes. How can the HOA board help the community recover from a disaster? Does your HOA have resources set aside for financial assistance? This may include immediate cleanup and repair of common areas, assistance to pay for tree removal companies to help in getting up downed trees, and a cleanup crew to assist with debris on community streets and sidewalks following a storm or emergency.

Hurricane season does not end officially until November 30, 2023. It is not too late to create an emergency response plan in your HOA.

“Before a storm arrives, I want to encourage all community leaders and homeowners to make their own emergency kit. Most experts encourage you to have one or two days of water on hand. At Association Management Group we have worked hard to develop approaches to administrative, fiscal, and physical problems.”  Paul Mengert, C.E.O of Association Management Group

Household Emergency Disaster Kit Checklist

  • Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)

  • Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)

  • Battery-powered radio  

  • Flashlight

  • First aid kit

  • Extra batteries

  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)

  • Manual can opener (for food)

  • Nonperishable foods

  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

You may download a complete checklist at https://www.ready.gov/kit