The Foundation for Community Association Research publishes a Best Practices Guide for every aspect of a community association. The report is broken up into different sections, including governance.
Below are their minimum recommendations for Community Association Governance
- There is a functioning board that meets regularly and that is carrying out its duties and responsibilities as prescribed by applicable laws and governing documents.
- The board has disclosed to the owners the association information that is required by law and the governing documents.
- The association’s legal documents, resolutions, books and records are kept in a location that is open to inspection by owners on reasonable notice during regular business hours.
- Owners may attend board meetings, except when the board meets in executive session.
- The board provides for due process (the opportunity to be heard) for owners in association-related matters and the board encourages the use of alternative dispute resolution in appropriate matters.
- The board conducts, and produces minutes of, an annual owners meeting as required by the governing documents.
- Election procedures conform to the governing documents and applicable law, with information regarding the process available to all owners.
- A system is in place to respond to owners’ requests for association maintenance and for other association-related matters.
- A system is in place for property inspections and monitoring to ensure proper maintenance and appearance, both current and preventive.
- The board communicates with the owners periodically to provide information concerning the association and to get feedback from the owners.
- There exists a mechanism and procedure for assuring residents’ obligations to adhere to the governing documents, and a confidential and safe forum for the resolution of disputes.
- Management is licensed, certified or holds appropriate credentials evidencing its competence to manage the community.
- Appropriate insurance—such as commercial general liability, property damage, directors and officers liability, workers’ compensation and fidelity insurance—is maintained by the association as required by the governing documents and applicable law.
- A system is in place to administer property damage and personal injury claims
- The board budgets for ongoing education of members of the board, particularly for newly elected or appointed members.
You can download a copy of the complete study here.
Our staff can help your Community Association with a number of these items, especially as they pertain to carrying appropriate insurance coverages. We specialize in insuring homeowners associations.
About Deeley Insurance Group
A leading independent insurance agency with offices in Maryland and Delaware, Deeley Insurance Group is a recognized Best Practices insurance agency and risk management firm. We offer business insurance, employee benefits, personal insurance and life/health insurance. www.ascd.net
