Accounts Payable (AP)
Money an HOA owes to vendors and suppliers for goods or services received but not yet paid, representing short-term liabilities.
Learn more →Plain-English definitions of the terms HOA board members, property managers, and homeowners run into, from assessments to zoning.
Money an HOA owes to vendors and suppliers for goods or services received but not yet paid, representing short-term liabilities.
Learn more →Money owed to an HOA by homeowners for assessments, fees, or other charges, representing future income crucial for the association's financial health.
Learn more →Costs incurred by an HOA for goods or services received but not yet paid or officially recorded in the accounting system.
Learn more →Adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities in public and common areas within an HOA.
Learn more →A pre-planned list of topics and actions to be addressed at an HOA meeting, ensuring structure, compliance, and transparency for all attendees.
Learn more →ADR refers to methods like mediation or arbitration used to resolve disputes in HOAs without traditional litigation, fostering quicker and less costly solutions.
Learn more →A shared facility, feature, or service within a homeowners association designed to enhance residents' quality of life and property value.
Learn more →The process of gradually paying off a debt over time through regular, fixed payments that cover both principal and interest.
Learn more →The yearly mandatory fee homeowners pay to their HOA to cover operational costs, maintenance, and contribute to reserve funds.
Learn more →The HOA annual budget is a detailed financial plan outlining projected income (assessments) and expenses (operating, reserves) for the community's upcoming fiscal year.
Learn more →A mandatory yearly gathering of an HOA's members to elect board directors, review finances, discuss community matters, and conduct other essential association business.
Learn more →A formal process where a neutral third party hears both sides of an HOA dispute and renders a decision, often binding, to resolve the conflict.
Learn more →Rules set by an HOA governing the design, appearance, and exterior modifications of properties within a community to maintain aesthetic harmony.
Learn more →The ARC is an HOA body responsible for reviewing and approving exterior modification requests to ensure compliance with community aesthetic standards.
Learn more →The foundational legal document filed with the state to officially establish a corporation, including homeowners associations, granting it legal existence.
Learn more →A mandatory fee levied by a Homeowners Association (HOA) on its members to cover common expenses and maintain shared property.
Learn more →A legal claim placed on a property by a homeowners association to secure payment for overdue assessments and other charges.
Learn more →Strategic planning, acquisition, maintenance, and replacement of an HOA's common area assets to preserve value and ensure long-term functionality and financial health.
Learn more →Resources owned by an HOA that have monetary value and contribute to the community's operations, maintenance, or financial stability.
Learn more →A legal entity formed to manage and maintain common areas and enforce rules within a planned community, ensuring property values and quality of life.
Learn more →An independent, professional examination of an HOA's financial records and statements to ensure accuracy, compliance, and transparency.
Learn more →A formal, independent examination of an HOA's financial records and statements, culminating in a report that ensures accuracy, compliance, and transparency.
Learn more →A chronological, tamper-proof record of actions and changes within a digital system, crucial for HOA transparency and accountability.
Learn more →The estimated cost of receivables (like unpaid assessments) that an HOA deems uncollectible, impacting its financial statements.
Learn more →A financial statement providing a snapshot of an HOA's assets, liabilities, and fund equity at a specific point in time, crucial for assessing financial health.
Learn more →The process of matching an HOA's internal cash records with its bank statement to ensure financial accuracy and identify discrepancies.
Learn more →An official gathering of an HOA's Board of Directors to conduct association business, make decisions, and oversee community operations.
Learn more →An elected or appointed homeowner who volunteers to govern an HOA, making decisions, enforcing rules, and overseeing its operations and finances.
Learn more →The elected body of homeowners responsible for governing an HOA, managing its operations, finances, and enforcing community rules and regulations.
Learn more →The difference between an HOA's actual financial results and its approved budget for a specific period, indicating over or underspending/revenue.
Learn more →HOA Bylaws are the internal rules defining an association's operational structure, board duties, meeting procedures, and member voting rights.
Learn more →Significant funds spent by an HOA to acquire, upgrade, or maintain long-term assets, extending their useful life or increasing their value.
Learn more →A dedicated financial account within an HOA or community association, specifically set aside to fund future major repairs, replacements, and improvements of common area assets.
Learn more →An accounting method where revenues are recorded when cash is received and expenses are recorded when cash is paid out.
Learn more →A financial statement tracking the actual cash inflows and outflows of an HOA over a period, detailing liquidity and operational solvency.
Learn more →A COI is a document issued by an insurer verifying the existence and terms of an insurance policy, often required by HOAs from vendors or residents.
Learn more →A structured list of all financial accounts used by an HOA to categorize and track all income, expenses, assets, liabilities, and equity.
Learn more →Utilizing internet-hosted software and data storage for HOA operations, accessible anytime, anywhere, enhancing efficiency and collaboration.
Learn more →An HOA's documented procedure for addressing delinquent accounts, ensuring fair and consistent recovery of unpaid assessments and fees.
Learn more →A formal document outlining an HOA's procedures for addressing delinquent assessments and other financial obligations from homeowners.
Learn more →Comingling of funds occurs when an HOA mixes its financial assets with personal funds or combines distinct HOA accounts, violating fiduciary duties and jeopardizing financial integrity.
Learn more →A Common Area is any property within an HOA-managed community owned collectively by all members, intended for shared use and enjoyment.
Learn more →A professional hired to oversee the daily operations and administrative tasks of a homeowners association (HOA) or planned community.
Learn more →An expert evaluation of an HOA's common elements and infrastructure to determine their current physical state, remaining useful life, and future repair/replacement needs.
Learn more →A situation where an HOA board member's personal interests could improperly influence their official duties or decisions for the community.
Learn more →Legal presumption that a person knows a fact, even without direct proof of actual knowledge, because the information was publicly available or discoverable.
Learn more →The process by which an HOA ensures compliance with its governing documents, rules, and regulations to maintain community standards and property values.
Learn more →Legally binding documents that establish the rules, rights, and obligations for all properties and owners within a homeowners association (HOA).
Learn more →The foundational legal document establishing an HOA, outlining property rights, obligations, and restrictions for all owners within a community.
Learn more →Failure to pay HOA assessments, fees, or fines by the due date, leading to penalties and potential collection actions.
Learn more →An HOA account is delinquent when a homeowner fails to pay required assessments, fees, or fines by the due date, as specified in the governing documents.
Learn more →A delinquent assessment is an HOA fee, special assessment, or other charge that a homeowner has failed to pay by its due date, incurring penalties.
Learn more →The systematic allocation of the cost of a tangible asset over its useful life, reflecting its wear and tear and decline in value, crucial for HOA financial planning.
Learn more →The fundamental right to fair treatment and a transparent process before an HOA imposes penalties or makes decisions affecting a homeowner.
Learn more →A legal right allowing one party to use another's land for a specific purpose, without owning it, often critical for HOA operations.
Learn more →A legal right allowing a structure or feature to exist on another's property, despite technically encroaching, often to avoid removal costs.
Learn more →The specific date on which a new rule, policy, contract, or legal document officially comes into force and begins to have legal effect within an HOA.
Learn more →The act or means of exiting a building, property, or specific area, crucial for safety and emergency preparedness in HOA communities.
Learn more →The network of wiring, fixtures, and devices distributing electricity throughout an HOA community's common and private areas.
Learn more →An unexpected, urgent special assessment levied by an HOA board to cover unforeseen, critical expenses that threaten safety, property, or essential services.
Learn more →A documented strategy outlining procedures and responsibilities for an HOA to mitigate, respond to, and recover from various emergencies.
Learn more →The government's power to take private property for public use, even if the owner doesn't want to sell, provided just compensation is paid.
Learn more →An unauthorized intrusion onto or occupation of another's property, often involving structures, landscaping, or improvements crossing a boundary line.
Learn more →A claim or liability against a property that restricts its transferability or use, such as liens, easements, or HOA covenants.
Learn more →Energy Management in an HOA involves strategically monitoring and optimizing energy consumption across common areas and community facilities to reduce costs and environmental impact.
Learn more →An equitable servitude is a legal restriction on land use, enforceable in court, that benefits another property, often found in HOA governing documents like CC&Rs.
Learn more →Equity is the portion of a property's value that an owner truly owns, calculated as the property's market value minus any outstanding debts.
Learn more →A legally binding document from an HOA stating a property's current financial status, fees, and any outstanding obligations, crucial for real estate transactions.
Learn more →An Executive Session is a private meeting of an HOA board of directors, closed to homeowners, to discuss sensitive confidential matters as permitted by law.
Learn more →A classification used in HOA budgeting and financial reporting to group similar types of costs, enabling clear tracking and analysis of expenditures.
Learn more →The professional oversight and maintenance of an HOA's common areas, buildings, and infrastructure to ensure functionality, safety, and longevity.
Learn more →A fidelity bond protects an HOA from financial loss due to fraudulent or dishonest acts, such as theft or embezzlement, by individuals handling its funds.
Learn more →The legal obligation of HOA board members and managers to act in the best financial and operational interest of the association and its homeowners.
Learn more →A comprehensive summary of an HOA's financial activities and position over a specific period, vital for transparency and decision-making.
Learn more →Official reports detailing an HOA's financial health, including income, expenses, assets, and liabilities, crucial for transparency and informed decision-making.
Learn more →A monetary penalty levied by a Homeowners Association (HOA) against a homeowner for violating established community rules and regulations.
Learn more →A 12-month period used by HOAs for financial reporting, budgeting, and accounting, which may or may not align with the calendar year.
Learn more →Tangible, long-term assets owned by an HOA, used for common area operations, not intended for sale, and subject to depreciation.
Learn more →A legal process where a lender or an HOA takes possession of a property due to unpaid debts, such as mortgage payments or delinquent assessments.
Learn more →The net assets or equity of a specific fund within an HOA, representing the financial health and accumulated resources available for its designated purpose.
Learn more →The percentage of funds currently held in an HOA's reserve accounts compared to the total estimated cost to repair or replace all major common elements.
Learn more →The General Ledger is an HOA's primary financial record, summarizing all transactional data by account to provide a complete financial overview.
Learn more →The central accounting record that summarizes all financial transactions, providing a complete financial picture of an HOA.
Learn more →The formal process of modifying or updating an HOA's foundational legal documents, such as CC&Rs, bylaws, or articles of incorporation.
Learn more →The foundational legal documents that establish an HOA, define its powers, and outline the rights and responsibilities of both the association and its members.
Learn more →The established ranking of an HOA's governing documents, determining which document takes precedence in case of conflict.
Learn more →An HOA budget is a detailed financial plan outlining the association's projected income and expenses for a specific fiscal year.
Learn more →A group of homeowners or board members appointed to assist the HOA Board with specific tasks, offering recommendations and support.
Learn more →The formal process where control of a homeowners association transfers from the community developer to the elected homeowner board of directors.
Learn more →Formal guidelines governing the nomination, campaigning, voting, and tabulation processes for electing an HOA's board of directors, ensuring fairness and transparency.
Learn more →Costs incurred by a Homeowners Association to operate, maintain, and improve common areas and services for its community.
Learn more →A comprehensive summary detailing an HOA's financial activities, including income, expenses, assets, and liabilities, for a specific period.
Learn more →A strategic document outlining how an HOA will collect, manage, and allocate funds for operational expenses and future capital projects.
Learn more →The formal process of taking legal action to resolve a dispute in court, often involving homeowners associations, their boards, or residents.
Learn more →A professional firm hired by an HOA board to handle the day-to-day operations, administrative tasks, and financial management of the community.
Learn more →An official written record detailing the discussions, decisions, and actions taken during a homeowners association board or member meeting.
Learn more →Defined positions within an HOA's executive board, each with specific duties to manage the community's operations and governance.
Learn more →The systematic organization and maintenance of an HOA's official documents, financial statements, and communications to ensure transparency and compliance.
Learn more →Revenue in an HOA refers to the total income generated from various sources to fund operations, maintenance, and reserves.
Learn more →Guidelines established by an HOA board to govern daily conduct, property use, and maintain community standards, ensuring harmonious living.
Learn more →The formal process HOAs use to address non-compliance with community rules, CC&Rs, and bylaws, ensuring community standards are upheld.
Learn more →HOA Yard Maintenance Standards are rules outlining requirements for property upkeep, ensuring community aesthetic consistency and preserving property values.
Learn more →An individual or entity legally owning a property within a community governed by a Homeowners Association (HOA).
Learn more →A legal entity formed to manage and maintain common areas and enforce rules within a planned community, ensuring property values and quality of life.
Learn more →A system managing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to control indoor climate, crucial for comfort and air quality in HOA communities.
Learn more →HVAC systems manage indoor climate through heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, crucial for resident comfort and property maintenance in HOAs.
Learn more →A financial report summarizing an HOA's revenues and expenses over a period, showing its net income or loss.
Learn more →A contractual agreement where one party (e.g., an HOA) agrees to protect another (e.g., board members) from financial loss or legal liability.
Learn more →A binding court order requiring a party to perform or cease a specific act, often used by HOAs to enforce rules or prevent harm.
Learn more →A comprehensive, organized overview or compilation of all deductibles associated with an HOA's master insurance policy, detailing their types and application.
Learn more →Funds earned by an HOA from holding money in interest-bearing accounts or investments, typically from reserve or operating funds.
Learn more →System of policies and procedures HOAs implement to safeguard assets, ensure accurate financial reporting, prevent fraud, and promote operational efficiency.
Learn more →Funds generated by an HOA from its reserves or operating surplus through interest, dividends, or capital gains, contributing to financial stability.
Learn more →Professional cleaning and maintenance services for common areas and shared facilities within a homeowners association, ensuring hygiene and presentation.
Learn more →Professional cleaning and maintenance of an HOA's common areas to ensure cleanliness, hygiene, and aesthetic appeal for all residents.
Learn more →An IRS form reporting a taxpayer's share of income, losses, and deductions from a pass-through entity, rarely issued by traditional HOAs.
Learn more →Electronic access control systems utilizing cards or fobs to grant residents secure entry to common areas and amenities within an HOA community.
Learn more →Insurance purchased by an HOA to protect against financial loss due to the unexpected death or disability of a critical individual whose expertise is vital to operations.
Learn more →A real estate contract provision allowing a seller to accept a new offer while giving the current buyer a short period to remove contingencies or terminate.
Learn more →The ongoing care and upkeep of an HOA's common area green spaces, parks, and individual property exteriors to maintain aesthetic appeal and property value.
Learn more →The ongoing care and upkeep of an HOA's common area green spaces and sometimes individual homeowner lots, ensuring aesthetic appeal and property value.
Learn more →A financial penalty imposed by an HOA on homeowners for overdue assessments or other payments, as stipulated in the governing documents.
Learn more →Financial or legal obligations an HOA owes to external parties, including debts, unpaid expenses, and potential legal claims.
Learn more →A legal claim placed on a property by an HOA, typically due to unpaid assessments or fines, serving as security for the debt owed.
Learn more →A portion of the common area designated for the exclusive use of one or more, but not all, specific units within an HOA community, as defined in governing documents.
Learn more →Limited Common Elements are portions of common property designated for the exclusive use of one or more, but fewer than all, units within an HOA.
Learn more →Limited Common Elements (LCE) are portions of common property reserved for the exclusive use of one or more, but fewer than all, units in an HOA.
Learn more →Costs an HOA incurs to preserve, repair, and operate common areas, shared amenities, and infrastructure as defined by governing documents.
Learn more →A comprehensive document outlining the specific maintenance, repair, and replacement responsibilities shared between an HOA and its individual homeowners.
Learn more →A formal submission by a homeowner or property manager to report a repair or service need for common areas or HOA-responsible property.
Learn more →A professional firm hired by an HOA board to handle the day-to-day operations, administrative tasks, and property maintenance for the community.
Learn more →Costs paid by an HOA to a professional management company for administrative, financial, and operational services, ensuring smooth community functioning.
Learn more →A voluntary, confidential process where a neutral third party helps HOA members and the association resolve disputes without litigation.
Learn more →Official written record summarizing discussions, decisions, and actions taken during an HOA board or member meeting, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Learn more →The formal process by which individual HOA members cast ballots on critical association matters, ensuring democratic decision-making.
Learn more →Formal procedures dictating how and when an HOA must communicate specific information to homeowners or the board, as mandated by governing documents and state law.
Learn more →Occupancy limits define the maximum number of individuals permitted to reside in a dwelling unit, often set by local ordinances or HOA rules for safety and community well-being.
Learn more →A Board Officer is an elected or appointed member of an HOA's governing board, holding specific roles like President, Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer.
Learn more →A convenient method for homeowners to submit HOA assessments, fees, and other charges electronically through a secure online platform.
Learn more →An HOA operating budget outlines the projected income and expenses for the association's day-to-day management and maintenance over a fiscal year.
Learn more →The HOA Operating Fund covers the community's regular, recurring expenses and day-to-day operational costs, funded primarily by owner assessments.
Learn more →A detailed financial record tracking all transactions, including assessments, payments, and fees, between an HOA and a specific homeowner.
Learn more →Pest control in an HOA refers to the systematic prevention, management, and eradication of pests to protect common areas, property values, and resident well-being.
Learn more →A small, accessible fund maintained by an HOA for minor, immediate, and often unexpected expenses that are impractical to pay by check.
Learn more →The network of pipes, fixtures, and appliances distributing water and removing waste within a property or community, crucial for health and sanitation.
Learn more →Proactive measures taken to routinely inspect, maintain, and repair common elements to prevent failures, extend asset lifespans, and avoid costly emergency repairs in an HOA.
Learn more →Costs paid by an HOA to external experts for specialized services like legal, accounting, and management support.
Learn more →A professional individual or firm hired by an HOA board to oversee the daily operations, maintenance, and administrative tasks of a community association.
Learn more →A proxy is a written authorization allowing an HOA member to designate another person to vote on their behalf at association meetings.
Learn more →A formal authorization allowing another person to cast a homeowner's vote on their behalf at an HOA meeting.
Learn more →A method allowing an HOA member to delegate their voting rights to another person or the board for a specific meeting or purpose.
Learn more →The minimum number of members, owners, or board directors required to be present at an HOA meeting for official business to be legally conducted and decisions to be valid.
Learn more →A restriction set by an HOA limiting the number or percentage of units that can be rented out within a community to maintain owner-occupancy.
Learn more →Funds set aside by an HOA to cover the future repair or replacement of major common elements and components with limited lifespans.
Learn more →A formal document HOAs issue to solicit detailed proposals from vendors for specific services or projects, ensuring competitive bidding and transparency.
Learn more →A financial plan outlining funds set aside for future major repairs and replacements of common elements in a homeowners association (HOA).
Learn more →A dedicated savings account for HOAs to cover the future repair and replacement of major common area components, preventing special assessments.
Learn more →A professional assessment identifying common area components, their remaining useful life, and the funds needed to repair or replace them over time.
Learn more →An online platform providing HOA members secure access to community information, documents, payment options, and communication tools.
Learn more →A formal, written decision or declaration adopted by an HOA board to establish policy, clarify rules, or take specific action.
Learn more →A financial service providing limited assurance that an HOA's financial statements are free from material misstatement, performed by an independent CPA.
Learn more →The systematic process HOAs use to identify, assess, mitigate, and monitor potential threats to their community, assets, and financial stability.
Learn more →Specific operational guidelines established by an HOA board to govern daily community living, property use, and maintain harmony and property values.
Learn more →Systematic evaluations of common areas and facilities within an HOA community to identify, assess, and mitigate potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards.
Learn more →Self-management in an HOA means the community's elected board handles all administrative, financial, and operational tasks without external professional management.
Learn more →A formal, legally binding agreement outlining the terms under which a vendor provides specific services to a Homeowners Association (HOA).
Learn more →A contract detailing the agreed-upon services, performance standards, responsibilities, and remedies between an HOA and a vendor or manager.
Learn more →An additional, one-time fee levied by an HOA on homeowners to cover significant unbudgeted expenses or insufficient reserve funds.
Learn more →A formal meeting called by an HOA board or homeowners outside of the regular schedule to address specific, often urgent, matters requiring immediate action or discussion.
Learn more →Adherence to all federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations that govern an HOA's operations and governance.
Learn more →A systematic process for HOAs to define their long-term vision, set goals, and create a roadmap to achieve sustainable community success.
Learn more →A strategic process for identifying, developing, and preparing future leaders within an HOA to ensure continuity and smooth transitions.
Learn more →A critical HOA meeting where the control and governance of a community officially shifts from the developer to the elected homeowner board of directors.
Learn more →A report listing all general ledger accounts and their debit/credit balances, used to verify accounting equation equality in HOA finances.
Learn more →The tangible and intangible benefits, returns, or outcomes derived from an HOA's investments, initiatives, or operational decisions.
Learn more →Costs incurred by an HOA for essential services like water, electricity, gas, and waste management for common areas and shared facilities.
Learn more →A company or individual providing goods or services to a Homeowners Association (HOA) for the maintenance, repair, or improvement of common areas and amenities.
Learn more →A legally binding agreement between an HOA and a service provider outlining services, terms, and obligations for community maintenance and operations.
Learn more →An action or omission by a homeowner or resident that fails to comply with the established rules, covenants, or regulations of their homeowners association.
Learn more →An official written communication from an HOA to a homeowner, identifying a breach of community rules and requesting corrective action.
Learn more →The formal process by which HOA members express their choices or opinions on community matters, elections, or proposed actions.
Learn more →The fundamental right of HOA members to cast votes on community matters, including board elections, budget approvals, and amendments to governing documents.
Learn more →A formal document or request initiating a maintenance, repair, or service task within an HOA's common areas or managed property.
Learn more →A one-time fee collected from new homeowners at closing, establishing an HOA's initial operating funds or bolstering its financial stability.
Learn more →Xeriscaping is a landscaping method designed to reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation, primarily through drought-tolerant plants and efficient design.
Learn more →Year-over-Year (YoY) compares a specific period's data with the same period from the previous year, revealing trends and performance changes in HOA finances and operations.
Learn more →Zoning refers to local government regulations that divide land into districts, dictating specific permitted uses, building types, and density for each area.
Learn more →Local government laws dictating land use, building types, density, and development standards within specific geographic areas.
Learn more →Perfect HOA® handles assessments, owner ledgers, reserve funds, violations, and voting in one place.