Community management firms provide services for associations that need professional assistance. A board of directors can evaluate their community’s needs and work with a management team that understands what laws apply to the association. Some management teams offer different levels of assistance with varied services. This lets associations receive comprehensive help, or they can have targeted assistance in a few areas. Here is more information on how to receive help from community association management:
Assess Association Needs
Associations should work with a management company experienced in serving a community of their size. Some community association management teams work with different-sized areas, such as:
- Condominiums: A community in this practice area may include condos or townhomes. Management services help oversee shared areas, such as clubhouses and green spaces.
- Mid-rise, high-rise, and estate: These include complex building systems with several internal homes. Some buildings have elevators or intercom systems, requiring specialized services.
- Single-family: Homeowners in single-family homes under a homeowners’ association may need to follow community guidelines. This includes submitting architectural requests before making home alterations.
- Large-scale: Some large communities may have multiple sub-associations. A management team helps streamline operations between the separate areas, so compliance and operations are streamlined.
- Active-adult: Management helps guide adult communities by tailoring services specifically for an older generation. This involves providing user-friendly systems and enhanced safety features.
Common interest communities in Washington are required to follow specific laws to remain compliant. The Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA) was enacted in 2018; its purpose is to provide greater transparency between boards and homeowners. On January 1, 2028, WUCIOA will apply to all common interest communities, regardless of the date they were created. A management company helps associations navigate the process of creating or adapting governing documents for compliance. Changes may include opening certain meetings to all homeowners, offering a free option to pay assessments, and limiting restrictions on installing heat pumps and EV stations.
Determine the Management Level Required
Community management companies offer different service levels, and teams tailor them to each community. A management company may provide on-demand assistance for certain projects. Associations are provided access to advice when they need it, so they won’t need to hire full-time services. On-demand services sometimes include site inspections or guidance on investments; these can be provided on an hourly basis.
An association that has just been created, or one that has board members with limited time to manage the community, benefits from full management services. Teams provide assistance and expertise across multiple areas of community management. They may oversee administrative tasks, such as keeping records. The management company also handles communications with homeowners and makes sure they remain compliant with community guidelines. When teams also manage finances and maintenance, board members are able to focus more on planning projects.
Some associations only require assistance with the financial aspect. This service level may be ideal for small communities or ones that have limited resources. The management team becomes familiar with the association’s guidelines, and they help collect assessments and pay invoices.
Evaluate Other Services
When looking for help from community management, associations should evaluate other areas where teams provide assistance. Some of these include:
- Meetings: Managers help prepare board meetings and make sure all agenda items are addressed.
- Web Portal: A web portal allows associations to give residents updated community information.
- Maintenance: Teams work with vendors to create maintenance schedules and work on major repair needs.
- Projects: Management companies provide assistance with community projects, making sure they are completed on time.
Work With Community Association Management
Associations can follow certain steps when working with management teams. By evaluating their community’s unique needs and the services offered by management companies, they are able to receive suitable assistance. Community management teams help board members run an effective association. Boards should comply with common interest laws, so residents can have transparent communication and a well-maintained community. Some management firms provide state-of-the-art technology to monitor resident compliance and review maintenance requests. Contact a community management firm today to receive help overseeing an association’s operations. Click here for more information.
