Quick Start: Your First 7 Days

Essential Actions

Review governing documents (CC&Rs, Bylaws) Get current budget and financial statements Understand your specific role responsibilities Get contact list for residents and vendors

Review last 6 months of meeting minutes Check insurance policies and coverage Get access to HOA records and systems Meet individually with other board members

First 30 Days: Getting Oriented

Document Review

CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions): The foundational rules governing your community Bylaws: How the board operates, voting procedures, meeting requirements Rules & Regulations: Day-to-day community guidelines Reserve Study: Long-term maintenance planning and funding Insurance Policies: Coverage details, limits, deductibles

Financial Understanding

Current year budget vs. actual spending Operating account balances Reserve fund levels and restrictions Outstanding dues and collection procedures Vendor contracts and payment terms

Community Operations

Current vendor relationships and contracts Pending maintenance projects and issues Outstanding violation notices and enforcement Recent resident complaints and resolutions Legal issues and attorney relationships

Monthly Board Responsibilities

Red Flags: When to Get Professional Help

Financial Warning Signs

• Consistent budget overruns
• Declining collection rates
• Inadequate reserve funds
• Cash flow problems
• Accounting errors

Operational Warning Signs

• Board member burnout
• Difficulty recruiting volunteers
• Increasing resident complaints
• Vendor performance issues
• Maintenance backlog growing

Legal Warning Signs

• Compliance violations
• Unresolved legal disputes
• Insurance claim denials
• Fair Housing concerns
• Collection law violations

Professional Management Assessment

If you're seeing multiple warning signs, it may be time to consider professional management support. Take our free assessment to get personalized recommendations.

Take Free Assessment

Emergency Contacts Template

Professional Services

HOA Attorney:
_________________________
Phone: _________________

Insurance Agent:
_________________________
Phone: _________________

Accountant/CPA:
_________________________
Phone: _________________

Service Providers

Primary Maintenance:
_________________________
Phone: _________________

Snow Removal:
_________________________
Phone: _________________

Emergency Repair:
_________________________
Phone: _________________

Efficient Board Meeting Guidelines

Before the Meeting

• Send agenda 48-72 hours in advance
• Include supporting documents
• Confirm quorum will be present
• Prepare venue and materials

During the Meeting

• Start and end on time
• Follow the agenda
• Focus on governance decisions
• Make clear motions and record votes
• Limit discussion time per item

After the Meeting

• Distribute minutes within 1 week
• Follow up on action items
• Communicate decisions to community
• File documents appropriately

Additional Resources

1hoa Management Support

Professional administrative support starting at $8/unit/month. Basic services to full management.

Email: [email protected]

Website: 1hoa.net

Services: Payment processing, financial reporting, vendor coordination

Indiana HOA Resources

Community Associations Institute: caionline.org

Indiana Secretary of State: in.gov/sos

Fair Housing Information: hud.gov

Indiana HOA Laws: IC 32-25.5

HOA Board Member Survival Kit