Clearing Up the Confusion: Homeowners Association Vs. Property Management Company

Running a community can be a challenge for anyone, let alone a group of volunteers elected to the Homeowners Association (HOA) board. The HOA is in charge of managing the community while balancing the needs of the neighborhood. But, often these responsibilities are painful and time-consuming to manage without professional support. 

This is where a property management company can save the day. However, the lines can be blurred as to who does what. To ensure that the HOA and property management company understand their roles, we outlined the responsibilities and expectations to clear up the confusion.

The Homeowners Association’s Responsibilities

The HOA board members are made up of volunteers who dedicate their time and are not paid for the work they do. Instead, they also pay the same fees just like everyone else in the community. 

The HOA is entirely dependent on the governing documents, state, and federal laws to make decisions for the greater community. One of their primary responsibilities is to protect and enhance the value of the community while maintaining legislative duties like setting rules and architectural review guidelines and procedures. For example, the HOA will choose and hire a landscaping company for the common areas. The governing documents decided by the HOA board, as well as state and federal laws, will guide how the landscaping company will operate within the community. 

The Property Management’s Responsibilities

As a third-party hired by the HOA board, the property management company is the one that implements the HOA’s vision and facilitates the day-to-day operations in the community. Due to the large scope of responsibilities, the property management company helps to make everything run like a well-oiled machine. From maintenance and upkeep to dispute resolution, to executing the rules approved by the HOA board, the property management company can shoulder the burden of managing a community of any size. In the same example above with the landscaping company, the property management company is responsible for managing the landscaping company and ensuring they understand the wants and needs of the community. 

Ultimately, the two separate entities operate to create the community residents envision. While the HOA board establishes the rules and regulations for the community, the property management company simply implements the guidelines set by the HOA. Better understanding who does what will enable you to go to the correct entity to address any concerns.

We do more than just collect rent

West Property Management offers complete management services from townhomes and single-family homes to Homeowners & Condominium Associations, no matter the size.