Community Association

A legal entity providing for the protection, enhancement, and maintenance of a planned community. Made up of an elected board of directors, HOAs are responsible for maintaining a property’s common areas and enforcing the policies established in the community’s governing documents. Community membership is mandatory and automatic for properties residing within one’s jurisdiction, and mandatory lien-based assessments are paid by owners to provide for the operation and preservation of the homeowners association.

Professional Association Management

A company engaged by the board of directors which provides a variety of services to different community associations. Association management companies work with developers and HOA boards to handle the day-to-day operation of a community. Services may include: Board member training, event organization, administration, financial management, facility maintenance, consulting, Board/annual meeting attendance and marketing.

Click here to see all the ways in which Haven can help your association!

Community Association Manager

An individual appointed by the Association Management Company to work closely with a community’s Board of Directors in making sure the community is run smoothly 365 days a year. Managers assist the Board with a variety of tasks including: compliance, advising homeowners on community rules and happenings, attending Board/annual meetings, coordinating facility maintenance, budgeting, and organizing gatherings.

Governing Documents

A set of documents that provide for the legal structure and operation of a community association.
Typically included in an association’s governing documents are:

• Articles of Incorporation – establishing the community association as a legal entity.
• Bylaws – procedures on how a community association will be run.
• Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) – documentation describing the rights and responsibilities of homeowners and the association.
• Rules and Regulations – state regulations and HOA established rules that determine certain allowances and functions of a community.
• Community Plats – a map or plan recorded with the state defining the real boundaries of the community.

Assessments

In order to operate and maintain the common elements of an HOA, dues and maintenance fees are required. These fees cover exterior maintenance, landscaping, utilities, recreation facilities, and more. They also include reserves for major improvements or replacements of shared elements like roofs, pool filters, and repaving.

Architectural Control Authority (ACA)

Also known as the Architectural Review Committee (ARC), this committee of homeowners reviews applications for modifications and additions to an owner’s lot or the exterior of their unit. Their purpose is to preserve the property value and harmonious design of a community by ensuring HOA guidelines are upheld.

ARC Application

Also known as an ACC Application, a community association requires homeowners to submit this form and attach documents detailing proposed plans for any sort of exterior modifications or additions to their home.

To learn more about submitting an ARC application for your community visit our Property Modifications page.

Resale Certificate

Documentation needed by homeowners selling their properties that provides a copy of your community association’s governing documents, insurance policies, financial reports, and violations currently affecting the property to prospective buyers.

To order resale documentation please go to this link.

Refinance Certificate

Documentation needed by owners seeking a refinance of their home. These documents include the association’s insurance policies, financial reports, and a owner’s account statement.

To order refinancing documentation please go to this link.