Have you ever noticed that some of the neighborhoods in Tampa Bay, Florida just look better than the rest? You've probably noticed the well-maintained common areas, attractive landscaping, and similar house styles. Chances are you visited a neighborhood with a homeowners association.
All of these features depend on a good HOA board. But what exactly does the HOA board do? In this article, we'll explore three key HOA board responsibilities you should know about.
1. Community Maintenance
The HOA Board's main task is keeping common areas in tip-top shape. Think parks, sidewalks, or if you're lucky, pools and tennis courts. It's the HOA's job to maintain these spaces so they look great and work as intended.
In a place like Tampa Bay, outdoor living is a big deal. That warm, sunny climate means people want attractive communal areas. But keeping the neighborhood pristine isn't cheap. The HOA needs a budget for expenses like lawn mowing and other upkeep tasks.
These chores usually fall to professional management companies or contractors. They make sure everything looks its best. But there's also unexpected stuff - like storm damage - that can pop up. That's why a good HOA keeps some cash in reserve for emergencies - it's all part of the HOA board member's duties.
2. Enforcing the Rules
The HOA's have a critical job: enforcing community rules. They make these rules for many reasons, like keeping everyone safe or boosting property values. Rules cover a lot, from landscaping to homeowner behavior.
The HOA community board enforces these rules. They might review home modifications or handle rule violations like noisy neighbors. Break the rules, and you'll get a written warning first. But keep it up, and you could face fines or even legal action.
3. HOA Budgeting
So, the HOA handles finances and budgets too. Communal area maintenance and fancy amenities aren't cheap. That's where HOA dues come in. This is when community members chip in every month to cover costs.
Being open about spending is one of the HOA board member duties. They'll make an annual budget with projected expenses like administration fees and maintenance costs. It's important for people to see these fees as fair since the HOA is all about promoting community cohesion.
And hey, residents can have a say in how the money's spent. Just attend a local HOA meeting, speak up, and maybe even vote on some issues. The board also needs a reserve fund for emergencies, like storm damage repairs. These kinds of issues will require the HOA to bring in contractors as soon as possible, so they should always keep some funds in reserve.
A HOA Board Makes a Great Community
There are tons of perks to living in a Tampa Bay HOA community. You'll enjoy well-kept common areas and a strong community vibe. To make the most of your homeowners association, get familiar with the HOA board's responsibilities.
These include maintaining common areas, enforcing rules, and managing finances. By staying informed and engaged, you'll help make your community an awesome place for you and your family. Many HOAs team up with local property management companies to maximize their budget's value.
PMI Arrico Realty and Property Management is a company with extensive experience working with local HOA boards, and we can help you take your HOA budget further. Contact us today to learn more.
