Hillcrest - HOA Management Blog

Seasonal Maintenance

17 Tips On Preparing Your HOA For Winter

Preparing your HOA for winter can be a challenging task, especially if your board has no clue where to start. Wintertime might bring many joys, but harsh weather can cause significant damage to common areas. Planning early and knowing how to respond to an emergency is crucial to ensuring the long-term success of your community.   The Importance of Preparing Your HOA for Winter Homeowners associations are responsible for maintaining common areas. A big part of this is ensuring that…
Denise
December 23, 2025
HOA Rules

Pet Policies In HOA: Setting Fair Rules For All Homeowners

It is not uncommon for HOA communities to have pet policies. These policies help regulate pet types and behavior within the neighborhood to maintain order and safety. Board members must understand how to balance fair rules with pet owners' wants.   Are Pet Policies in HOA Communities Legal? Pet ownership has become widely prevalent in recent years. In the United States alone, 66% of households own pets, and many homebuyers prioritize pet-friendly communities. In many associations, pet ownership is permitted…
Denise
December 13, 2025
Seasonal Maintenance

Who’s Responsible For HOA Snow Removal?

In Chicago, HOA snow removal is a regular part of the winter season. Since the city averages 38.4 inches of snow, it is essential to ensure snow doesn't interfere with safety and travel. Among associations, determining who is responsible for snow removal can help set expectations and plan budgets accordingly.   Is HOA Snow Removal Important? The city of Chicago experiences heavy snow and ice, along with freezing temperatures and harsh weather. As sidewalks and streets get covered in blankets,…
Denise
December 12, 2025
HOA Maintenance

Who Should Do It? HOA vs City Maintenance

Who is responsible for HOA vs city maintenance? This is a common question many homeowners (and even board members) ask. If a maintenance issue crops up, who should homeowners turn to? The answer is not always clear, but there are some avenues worth checking to determine maintenance responsibilities.   Understanding HOA vs City Maintenance Homeowners associations are responsible for maintaining the common areas and elements of the community. Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine if those areas fall under…
Denise
December 11, 2025
HOA Laws

What Happens To HOAs When They Miss Annual Report Filing?

Every HOA and condominium association in Illinois should file its annual report. Missing it might not look like a big deal at first, but it can snowball fast. A missed report can cost the association money, stall sales, freeze accounts, and even put board members at risk. What starts as a paperwork slip can turn into a real problem if the state steps in.   The Importance of the Illinois Annual Report Filing In Illinois, most homeowner and condo associations…
Denise
November 23, 2025
HOA Laws

Reasonable Accommodation Examples Under The FHA

Understanding examples of reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act is vital for every HOA board. These requests come up more often than people think, and mismanaging them can land a community in hot water.   Reasonable Accommodation Examples: Understanding the FHA and ADA In many ways, homeowners associations and condo communities work like small towns. They set rules, manage the property, and keep things running. Just as federal laws govern small towns, associations are also subject to specific federal…
Denise
November 23, 2025
HOA Laws

What Is The Ombudsperson Act In Illinois?

The Ombudsperson Act gives Illinois associations, boards, and owners a place to turn when things get messy. It's meant to make sense of how complaints and education are handled between communities and the state. It's not perfect, and it doesn't solve every fight, but it helps people figure out what their rights are and what their board can actually do.   What is the Illinois Ombudsperson Act? The Illinois Condominium and Common Interest Community Ombudsperson Act is a state law…
Denise
November 23, 2025
HOA Laws

Illinois Not For Profit Corporation Act: What Does This Have To Do With HOAs?

Many homeowners associations in Illinois operate under the Illinois Not For Profit Corporation Act. While residents might not consider HOAs as corporations, in the eyes of the law, they essentially function as one. For this reason, associations must adhere to the provisions under the Not For Profit Corporation Act.   What is the Illinois General Not for Profit Corporation Act? The Illinois General Not for Profit Corporation Act is a state law that regulates nonprofit corporations. It spells out how…
Denise
November 23, 2025
HOA Management

Self-Management vs HOA Management Company For Small HOA Communities

Self-management vs HOA management is a major decision that small associations must make. Many communities start out self-managed, but as responsibilities grow, some boards look for professional support. Both choices have pros and cons. In other words, the correct answer depends on the community itself.   Self-Management vs HOA Management: Which is Better? Every HOA or condo association has a board of directors tasked with the job of keeping the community running. These directors are volunteer homeowners elected by their…
Denise
October 20, 2025
HOA Rules

HOA Rules For Home Business: Can Residents Operate From And At Home?

HOA rules for home business are becoming more important as more people look for ways to earn income from home. Some homeowners want to run a full-fledged business, while others just want the option to work remotely without issues. The question is whether an HOA can restrict or prohibit these activities.   The Rise of Home Based Businesses in Associations The popularity of home businesses has increased over the years. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, more than half…
Denise
October 20, 2025