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HOA glossary

Community Manager

A professional hired to oversee the daily operations and administrative tasks of a homeowners association (HOA) or planned community.

Also calledHOA ManagerAssociation ManagerProperty Manager (in HOA context)

A Community Manager serves as a dedicated professional administrator and operational overseer for a homeowners association (HOA) or similar planned community. Hired either directly by the HOA Board of Directors or through a property management company, their primary role is to execute the policies and directives established by the board, ensuring the smooth, efficient, and compliant operation of the community. They act as a central point of contact for homeowners, vendors, and the board, providing expertise in various aspects of HOA management, from financial oversight to rule enforcement. This professional partnership allows volunteer board members to focus on strategic governance while delegating the day-to-day operational burdens to a qualified expert.

The responsibilities of an HOA Community Manager are multifaceted and crucial to maintaining a thriving community. Key duties often include managing the association’s finances, such as collecting assessments, paying bills, and assisting with budget preparation and financial reporting. They oversee vendor contracts for landscaping, maintenance, security, and other services, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, Community Managers are instrumental in enforcing the community’s governing documents—the Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions (CC&Rs) and Bylaws—by addressing violations, facilitating architectural review processes, and mediating resident disputes. They also play a vital role in preparing for and attending board meetings, maintaining official records, and facilitating effective communication between the board and homeowners.

By providing professional guidance and hands-on management, a Community Manager significantly enhances the effectiveness of an HOA. Their expertise helps ensure legal compliance, fiscal responsibility, and the proper maintenance of common areas, which in turn helps protect and enhance property values for all residents. For busy HOA board members, a Community Manager offers invaluable support, freeing them from time-consuming administrative tasks and allowing them to focus on their fiduciary duties and long-term vision for the community. Ultimately, a skilled Community Manager is a cornerstone of a well-run homeowners association, fostering a harmonious and well-maintained living environment.

Example

The HOA Board decided to hire a new Community Manager to streamline operations and improve communication with residents.
Homeowners can contact the Community Manager for questions regarding maintenance requests, amenity reservations, or interpretations of community rules.
The Community Manager was responsible for collecting bids for the new landscaping contract and presenting them to the board for approval.

Related terms

Governing Documents

The foundational legal documents that establish an HOA, define its powers, and outline the rights and responsibilities of…

Bylaws

HOA Bylaws are the internal rules defining an association's operational structure, board duties, meeting procedures, and member voting…

Common Area

A Common Area is any property within an HOA-managed community owned collectively by all members, intended for shared…

Reserve Study

A professional assessment identifying common area components, their remaining useful life, and the funds needed to repair or…

Assessment

A mandatory fee levied by a Homeowners Association (HOA) on its members to cover common expenses and maintain…

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