Hillcrest - HOA Management Blog

HOA Renters

HOA And Renters Rights In Chicago: A Smooth Relationship

As with any other local area, renters rights also exist in Chicago. This law protects the rights of renters, ensuring they have a safe and habitable place to live. In HOA-managed properties, additional rules could impact tenants. Board members, homeowners, and renters alike should understand these laws and rules.   Understanding Renters Rights in Chicago Renters rights, also known as tenant rights laws, refer to the legal protections for tenants when renting out a property. These rights protect renters by…
Denise
February 14, 2025
HOA FinanceHOA Reserves

How HOA Reserve Funds Protect Your Community’s Future

HOA reserve funds are an important tool for the long-term financial stability of any association. While HOA managers can help maintain and budget the reserves, it is the primary responsibility of the HOA board to manage this fund.   What are HOA Reserve Funds? A reserve fund is essentially a savings account that an HOA sets aside for future major expenses, such as repairs and replacements. This fund is not the same as an operating fund, which is used to…
jivko
January 22, 2025
HOA FinanceHOA Insurance

Rising HOA Insurance Costs And The Impact On HOA Fees

Rising HOA insurance prices prevent some associations from securing the coverage they need. Even worse, many homeowners are increasing dues to cover the additional costs. Board members must understand the reasons behind these increases and how to deal with them effectively.   What is the Cause of Rising HOA Insurance? For many homeowners associations, insurance is a major expense. In addition to the master policy, HOAs need to acquire various coverage types, including D&O insurance, workers' compensation insurance, liability insurance,…
jivko
January 22, 2025
HOA Board

Duties And Responsibilities Of HOA Board Members

You're part of a team running a mini city — your HOA. It's a big deal, right? You're not just organizing community events or deciding on paint colors. You're managing finances, enforcing rules, and keeping everyone's best interests at heart. But with great power comes great responsibility (and, yes, potential legal risks). Let's explore those responsibilities, how to handle them like a pro, and where Chicago property managers can make your life much easier.
jivko
December 10, 2024
HOA Winter Maintenance

Winterizing Your HOA Property: Essential Maintenance Tips

Winter in Chicago is no joke. Between icy sidewalks, snow-packed roofs, and biting winds, the cold season can become a logistical nightmare for homeowners' associations (HOAs). If you're managing an HOA, it's up to you to ensure the property is prepared to handle whatever winter throws its way. Otherwise, you're looking at costly repairs and frustrated residents.
jivko
November 22, 2024
Technology in HOA

The Future Of Smart Home Technology In HOA Communities

Imagine this: you're coming home on a chilly Chicago evening, your favorite playlist already humming softly as the door unlocks at your arrival. The lights adjust, your thermostat dials to the perfect setting, and security systems run a final check. There is no need for manual adjustments; it's all taken care of, thanks to smart home tech. Sounds like a sci-fi movie? Not anymore—it's becoming the standard, even in HOA communities across Chicago.
jivko
November 13, 2024
HOA ManagementUnderstanding Your HOA

How To Increase Community Engagement In Your HOA

Let's be real: most of us barely know our neighbors. In fact, studies show over half of Americans don’t even know the folks living next door. If you're a board member for your HOA, you might feel the challenge of trying to bring the community together in a world where door-knocking feels outdated, and people would rather scroll than stroll. 
jivko
November 13, 2024