During an election year, it's not unusual for community associations to grapple with issues related to the legality of displaying political signs. Yet, these are unusual times. The nation is experiencing a time of increased interest in political activism. Not long ago a video of dueling protesters at a political rally in a Florida community association went viral and made national news. That video made many homeowners and boards aware of the necessity of knowing what political activities are legal in their community association.

As the elected members tasked with making decisions that affect the whole community and all owners, it is imperative that every HOA board is fully conversant with the fundamental rules that facilitate effective leadership. Typically, a board is responsible for solving disagreements, managing finances, and generally enforcing rules that seek to make the community a better place. However, without the knowledge of HOA best practices, achieving excellent results can be difficult. Here we discuss some of the best practices that board members should always adhere to.

We live in a digital age where communication is delivered with lightning speed and the majority of community associations are turning to social media to communicate with homeowners. Social media has been shown to be an effective tool in keeping a community informed of various events and activities. However, it is vital that a social media policy be adopted to ensure that your board avoids negative issues that may arise on your social media platform. Below, you will find guidance for your association counsel on best practices for your social media site.

A capital project is a specific plan for making improvements or adding new features to common areas in your HOA. The decision to proceed with a large project is a commitment to the extra time and funds required to get the job done. For board members, tackling a large scale project is often a daunting task. By conducting research, outlining the process, and setting goals, your board can start to improve the association for everyone. 

Joining your HOA board is a great way to take more responsibility. However, many new HOA board members will make mistakes, ranging from minor to serious. The board itself often runs into errors, especially in areas such as rule enforcement. Here are some of the most common HOA board mistakes and some things you can do.