FEATURED EBOOK: HOA A-to-Z: A Glossary of Important Terms
Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) have a language of their own. This can make it difficult to understand what’s going on in your community. However, once you learn basic HOA terminology, you’ll be well-equipped to chime in on community projects and operations.
Associa has more than four decades of experience helping boards and residents better communicate with each other. Read our "HOA A-to-Z: A Glossary of Important Terms" ebook for all the important terms you need to know related to community associations. Here are all the terms related to community that start with C:
- Committee: A small group of volunteer residents who support the board in managing specific aspects that may require additional oversight.
- Common Area: Community spaces available to all residents as part of their association membership.
- Community Association Manager: The face of the HOA management company. They work closely with boards to perform many basic functions and fulfill duties.
- Condominium Association: A nonprofit organization set up to help run, manage, and maintain a collection of condo units.
- Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs): CC&Rs detail the community’s development,
operation, and configuration, and cover the rights and obligations of the association, board, and residents.
Download the ebook now for the rest!
Understanding HOA Terminology Across Borders
Across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, managed communities are redefining the way people live and interact with one another. Although homeowners across North America share this certain way of living, it can be difficult to connect with people in other countries with similar lifestyles.
Cultural and legal differences directly affect language and terminology, and communication about the managed community lifestyle, leadership, and laws can run into translation hurdles. That’s why it’s so important to explore the varied terminology used to describe managed communities outside of where you live. For example, depending on where you are, homeowners' associations can also be called:
- Neighborhood associations (United States)
- Master-planned communities (United States)
- Strata corporations (Canada)
- Residents' associations (Canada)
Read our "How Do You Say HOA?" ebook for more information!
Related Content About Important Terms
What is Financial-Only Management?
A homeowners’ association (HOA) management company is a professional organization that offers services to help HOA boards run their communities. Working with an HOA management company allows board members to better serve residents by sharing key responsibilities and duties, including HOA financial management.
If your board finds the financial aspects of HOA management challenging, partnering with a management company may be the ideal solution. Click the link to learn more about financial-only management and how it can help you optimize your community’s potential.
Meeting Spotlight: What is an Executive Session?
Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) are run by a group of volunteer residents elected to serve on the board of directors. Together, board members hold several meetings throughout the year to ensure the community is on track, including board meetings, annual meetings, emergency meetings, and, occasionally, an executive session.
An HOA executive session is unique because it’s a closed meeting not open to all homeowners. Who can attend an executive session board meeting, and why are they important? Read this article to learn the ins and outs of an HOA board executive session.
HOA 101: Basic Terms & Definitions
Like any organization, HOAs or homeowners' associations use a language of their own. This can make living in an HOA community or attending an HOA meeting a frustrating or confusing experience. But, it doesn't have to be! Read this to learn the most commonly used HOA terms and what they mean.
5 Essential HOA Terms New Board Members Need to Know
Whether you’re a new member of your homeowners' association's board of directors or you’ve served for years, being familiar with common HOA terms is essential to the success of your role. Read this to get five key definitions to help you be a better community leader.
For many people, homeowners’ associations (HOAs) have become synonymous with rules. While it's true that part of association membership requires abiding by community guidelines, HOA life is about far more than following a long list of rules. Community guidelines and rules can help lay the foundation for a successful neighborhood. Read this article to define the who, what, and why of HOA rules.
HOA 101: Understanding HOA Reserve Funds
Creating a reserve account to cover future repairs and replacement of major assets can be easily overlooked, but it is crucial for board members to fulfill their duties to their communities successfully. Read this to learn more about HOA reserve funds and why every association needs one.
Top HOA Acronyms You Need to Know
Like any organization, homeowners' associations (HOAs) have a language of their own. While it can be complicated at first, being familiar with HOA acronyms and terminology is essential for board members and homeowners alike. Without this knowledge, it's difficult to understand the inner workings of the association, complete tasks, fulfill fiduciary duties, and set the community up for success. Read this to discover the most common HOA acronyms and what they mean.