Condo communities and buildings have unique amenities, maintenance plans, and bylaws, which prompt distinct management and maintenance requirements. Since each association focuses on the specific requirements covered in its governing documents, condo management companies are designed to provide customized services. Below are some typical condo association management and maintenance requirements and how condo management services can help:
Management Requirements for Condo Associations
A condominium owner’s association (COA) is an established entity comprised of a board and volunteers. The association is tasked with keeping the complex running by managing and governing community responsibilities. Management duties can include handling finances, organizing remediation projects, and responding to resident requests. Condo association managers also meet with the local council to explore the community’s needs.
Condo association management services can help oversee the administration and upkeep of the community. This typically requires managing vendor selection, directing community events, and coordinating with contractors and residents. Additional management responsibilities can include inspecting common areas and private units for compliance and drafting community financial statements.
Each condominium association has different management requirements dictated by the condo bylaws. Also known as the covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs), the bylaws define the association’s management responsibilities. The CC&Rs also outline owner responsibilities, fees, association governance, insurance requirements, and other aspects. Condo management services can help promote adherence to community bylaws.
Maintenance Requirements for Condo Associations
COAs can take care of exterior maintenance and shared spaces within the community. The full scope of such maintenance depends on the existing complexes, amenities, and condo policies. Pools and hot tubs, lounges, and laundry facilities can all need regular maintenance. Other requirements may include snow removal, trash services, and parking facility maintenance.
The maintenance responsibilities are generally defined in the association’s bylaws. Some associations leave yard work, plumbing, and unit-specific spaces to the residents. Others shoulder such maintenance requirements so that residents can request roof and plumbing repair services. The bylaws often require the association to maintain common spaces and repair damages caused by general wear and tear. Such costs are usually factored into the regular COA maintenance fees.
Condo associations can outsource maintenance oversight to experienced management companies for advice on recurring and preventative measures. These companies can provide upkeep recommendations for condo buildings, roads, lawns, gas, water, and sewer systems. They can also help negotiate contracts and schedule year-round maintenance for the community grounds.
Covered Versus Non-covered Condo Considerations
Condominiums have three main elements: common elements, limited common elements, and units. Common elements are spaces or portions serving more than one unit. Examples include shared walls, floors, and ceilings, all of which can fall within the domain of COA management. Limited common elements include exterior spaces, fixtures, and appliances belonging to one unit. This refers to private decks, patios, balconies, shutters, window boxes, and awnings.
Units involve various in-house elements, such as appliances, plumbing, doors, windows, ceilings, and interior surfaces of exterior perimeter walls. Condo owners are typically responsible for maintaining their units and limited common elements therein. If two or more residents share features like decks, yards, and garages, the COA may still maintain them when indicated by the governing bylaws.
Condominium associations are legally bound to fulfill management and maintenance requirements written in their bylaws. The general condominium laws of your area may enforce some responsibilities, but associations can customize their governing policies to fit their community. No overarching law mandates condo associations to cover maintenance for interior amenities and attached private spaces. The regulations generally only require the maintenance of shared community resources.
Advantages of Condo Association Management Services
Hiring a condominium association management company offers several advantages. These companies bring knowledge and experience to manage financial, administrative, and maintenance tasks efficiently. This can save condo board members and unit owners time, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their lives.
Management companies excel in financial management, maintain vendor relationships, and verify legal compliance. They facilitate conflict resolution, professional communication, and property maintenance. Condo management services can also manage insurance claims and fund allocations, all while maintaining comprehensive records.
Condo Association Management and Maintenance Solutions
COAs have many responsibilities, from budgeting and managing finances to coordinating and scheduling recurring maintenance. A professional management company can help oversee these operations and provide expert advice for association board members. Consider condominium management services to help streamline your community’s management and maintenance processes.