How Community Association Management Companies Work With Declarant-Controlled Communities

Declarant-controlled communities are residential areas initially owned and managed by a real estate developer. Declarants then establish a homeowners’ association (HOA) in the community to help improve residents’ living experiences. Community association management companies work with declarants to develop community guidelines and facilitate collaboration between leadership and residents. Here is more information about the roles of professional management teams within declarant-controlled communities:

Interim Management

Community association management companies provide interim management services for the homeowners’ association. Management companies are responsible for effectively and efficiently managing a community association during the transitional period between boards of directors. Interim management services are valuable when there is a gap in leadership or when an HOA faces financial, legal, or operational challenges. These companies have extensive knowledge and experience in managing community associations, making them well-equipped to handle the day-to-day operations of an HOA. Because these management teams do not have a vested interest in the community, they can make decisions objectively and in the best interest of the association as a whole. Community association management companies also provide valuable support and guidance to help HOAs navigate community or resident issues that may arise. They work closely with board members to understand the specific needs and goals of the community.

Developer Representation

Professional management companies can represent the developer’s interests while enhancing compliance with applicable laws and regulations governing community associations. They do this through offering advice on budgeting and financial management, compliance with governing documents, and addressing homeowner concerns. Management companies are a valuable resource for developers, as they provide insight into the community’s ongoing needs and concerns. This gives developers ideas for future community projects. Management companies can also provide developers with input on budget allocation, common area maintenance, and long-term planning for future projects.

Creates the Legal Documents

During the initial HOA development phase, the declarant guides the community’s growth through the sale of properties. With the help of a management company, the declarant will create legal documents that outline community rules and regulations for new homeowners. These documents include articles of incorporation, bylaws, covenants, conditions and restrictions, and other governing documents. These legal documents outline how the community should be run, stating the declarant and homeowners’ responsibilities, rights, and obligations. The articles of incorporation establish the legal existence of the community association as a non-profit corporation. They also list the name of the association, its purpose, and its registered agent.

Maintenance and Operations

An association management company’s responsibilities extend to the maintenance and operations of the community. They negotiate with vendors and contractors to maintain the functionality and safety of common areas, complete repairs promptly, and provide other community services. This includes overseeing landscaping, garbage collection, pool maintenance, and more. Management teams also handle daily tasks such as responding to homeowner inquiries, enforcing rules and regulations, and coordinating resident events. They act as a central point of contact for all community-related matters, helping to streamline operations and create a sense of cohesion within the neighborhood.

Financial Management

Community association management companies assist HOAs with financial management. This includes creating and managing budgets, preparing financial statements, collecting assessments from homeowners, and paying bills on behalf of the association. Management teams also provide guidance for reserve planning, confirming the association has enough funds for long-term repairs and replacements. They may assist with obtaining insurance and coordinating claims when necessary. Association management companies apply their expertise in financial management to improve the community’s economic stability.

Enforcement of Rules and Regulations

Professional management teams enforce community rules and regulations to maintain the neighborhood’s appearance, resident behavior, and property use standards. During the declarant-controlled period, these companies may work to enhance the community’s compliance with governing documents and sales agreements. Once the association is under homeowner control, the community management team will enforce rules and regulations, respond to violations, and issue fines when necessary. This helps maintain property values and promote harmonious living conditions within the community.

Hire Community Association Management Experts

Community association management companies coordinate various aspects of community association operations, from financial management to enforcing rules and regulations. Their expertise in these areas promotes a well-functioning and financially stable neighborhood for all homeowners. Working with an experienced management team alleviates the administrative burden on HOAs and declarants. Declarants can collaborate with management companies from the beginning of the development process to enhance the success of the community association. Contact a community management company today to learn more about how their services contribute to thriving communities.