Hillcrest - HOA Management Blog

HOA RulesHome Maintenance

A Board’s Guide To Spring Gardening Rules In HOA Communities

Spring gardening in HOA communities comes with certain rules that homeowners must follow. On their part, board members should enforce these rules with fairness and consistency. Gardens add beauty to the neighborhood, so keeping owners accountable is essential.   Common Rules for Spring Gardening in HOA Communities Gardening rules are more prevalent in single-family associations, where owners maintain yards and lawns. In condo associations, on the other hand, owners don’t have the outdoor space to grow a garden, leaving them…
Denise
March 9, 2026
HOA Committees

How To Build An HOA Committee Structure That Actually Works

It helps to have an effective HOA committee structure so the board can manage its responsibilities more effectively. A committee also allows homeowners to participate in governance and keeps operations running smoothly. While valuable, committees can be difficult to establish without the proper guidance.   What are HOA Committees? Committees are small groups of volunteers that address specific tasks or areas of community management. These groups assist the board by researching issues, making recommendations, and sometimes carrying out projects. That…
Denise
March 9, 2026
HOA Insurance

HOA Insurance Claim Process: From Damage Report To Settlement

Managing community damage can feel overwhelming, especially when HOA insurance claims are involved. Boards often face pressure from owners, vendors, and insurers simultaneously. A clear understanding of the process can help reduce stress and avoid costly mistakes. Board members can then navigate claims more smoothly.   What are HOA Insurance Claims? Homeowners association insurance claims refer to formal requests that an HOA submits to its insurance carrier after covered damage or loss. These claims allow the association to recover funds…
Denise
February 25, 2026
HOA Finance

HOA Audit vs Review vs Compilation: What Do You Need?

The topic of HOA audit vs review vs compilation is often a source of confusion for board members. Each option serves a different purpose and offers a different level of financial assurance. Choosing the right one depends on the association's size, budget, and governing documents.   HOA Audit vs Review vs Compilation: What's the Difference? Financial reports help boards understand the association's financial health. An audit, review, and compilation all serve this goal, but each does so at a different…
Denise
February 25, 2026
HOA Board

HOA Board Member Removal: Recall, Censure, And Committee Limits

HOA board member removal is something most homeowners never think about until they need it. The HOA board can end up with a leader who is not pulling their weight or making decisions that hurt the community. When that happens, homeowners need to understand how removal works, when it applies, and what options exist.   Is HOA Board Member Removal Possible? Every homeowners association and condominium has a board of directors that makes decisions for the community. These directors are…
Denise
February 18, 2026
HOA Community

How Different Is A Townhome Association To An HOA And COA

Buyers often find themselves debating whether to live in a townhouse association, an HOA, or a condo association. While these three communities may seem the same, they differ in structure, maintenance, and obligations. Understanding their key distinctions will help make the decision easier.   What is a Townhouse Association? A townhouse association is a type of homeowners association that governs a community made up of townhomes. It is essentially an HOA for townhomes, functioning as a subset rather than a…
Denise
February 18, 2026
HOA Board

Is There An Ideal HOA Board Size?

Believe it or not, HOA board size plays a bigger role in the success of a community than most people realize. When the board is too small, responsibilities can quickly overwhelm the directors. On the other hand, when it is too large, decision-making can slow down and factions can form. This is why it is important to strike the right balance.   What is the Ideal HOA Board Size? Every homeowners association and condominium has a group of leaders known…
Denise
January 21, 2026
HOA Maintenance

Condo Maintenance Confusion? Condo Owners vs HOAs Responsiblities

Condo maintenance refers to the upkeep of a condominium building and its units, but the distinction between owner and COA responsibilities can sometimes be blurry. This confusion can lead to owners obtaining unnecessary insurance, paying for otherwise covered expenses, or neglecting repairs on the assumption that the association will cover them.   The Importance of Condo Maintenance Condo maintenance is imperative for many reasons. For one thing, it protects property values. Regular upkeep will help prevent deterioration, making the condo…
Denise
January 14, 2026
HOA Governing Documents

How To Make Homeowners And Condominium Association Records Requests

An association records request allows homeowners to examine and copy certain documents. Many states protect this right, as it promotes transparency and accountability among board members. It is important to follow proper procedures and requirements when making such requests.   Do Homeowners Have a Right to an Association Records Request? In most states, homeowners have a right to inspect the association's records. This applies to both HOAs and condominiums. In Illinois, for instance, this right can be found under 765…
Denise
January 13, 2026
HOA Elections

Condo Board Elections: What Is The Process?

Condo board elections are an integral part of the annual meeting. The elections determine who will assume the mantle of outgoing board members, setting the COA up for the future. Given their importance, associations must understand the statutory requirements for elections and the proper way to conduct them.   What are Condo Board Elections? A condominium association election is a process by which unit owners vote to select members to replace outgoing board directors.  Elections typically take place at the annual membership…
Denise
January 6, 2026