Homeowners' Association (HOA) community managers play a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning and upkeep of residential communities. Often misunderstood, their duties encompass various responsibilities, ranging from administrative tasks to facilitating communication between residents and the board of directors. Let's delve into the intricacies of their job description and dispel some common misunderstandings surrounding their role.
A community manager serves as the liaison between the association's board of directors, its residents, and external parties. Their job description is multifaceted, encompassing various responsibilities to maintain the community's integrity and enhance livability. Key duties include:
Despite their pivotal role, community managers and management companies often find themselves at the center of several misconceptions. Let's address some of the most prevalent ones:
Association assessment income is allocated toward various expenses, such as maintenance, insurance, and amenities, to benefit the community as a whole. The management company is compensated like every professional service provider for services rendered to the association.
While community managers play a crucial role in executing decisions, the ultimate authority lies with the board of directors. Managers act as facilitators, implementing policies and directives established by the board in accordance with the community's governing documents.
Community managers possess a diverse skill set, and they wear many hats. Most importantly, Community Managers know when to pull in experts and whom to contact; they regularly collaborate with professionals in various fields, including attorneys, CPAs, and other service providers, to ensure the association's needs are met comprehensively.
Rules and regulations within an HOA are established by the governing documents and enforced by the board of directors. While community managers may be charged with assisting in the enforcement of these rules, they do not have the authority to alter or establish new policies unilaterally.
While community association management companies often provide an after-hours emergency line for association-related emergencies, community managers should not be expected to be available round-the-clock. Like any professional service, business is conducted during regular business hours.
Community managers are pivotal in fostering harmonious living environments within residential communities. By understanding the scope of their responsibilities and dispelling common misconceptions, residents can develop a clearer appreciation for the vital contributions these professionals make toward the well-being of their communities. Cooperation and mutual understanding between residents, the board of directors, and community managers are essential for fostering a thriving and cohesive community environment.
About CAMS:
Since 1991, CAMS has been a renowned community management firm established itself as an industry leader in providing comprehensive solutions throughout the Carolinas. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on community well-being, CAMS delivers tailored management services to enhance the quality of life for residents in diverse communities.
Please visit our website here for more information about CAMS and its services.