Frequently asked questions.

An assessment is an owner’s share of the association’s common expenses. Depending on the community, those expenses may support landscaping, roads, utilities, insurance, amenities, building exteriors, reserves, and other shared responsibilities.

The terms are often used interchangeably. “Dues” commonly refers to the regular amount billed monthly, quarterly, or annually, while an “assessment” may describe either that regular obligation or an additional charge approved for a specific need.

An HOA is an organization established to govern and maintain a residential community. Its authority comes from recorded governing documents and applicable law, and membership is generally tied to ownership within the community.

A community association is a nongovernmental organization serving owners or residents within a defined condominium, cooperative, HOA, or other shared-interest community.

A neighborhood association is typically a voluntary group of residents or owners who advocate for their area, organize activities, and address shared concerns.

HOA membership and obligations are normally attached to property ownership and governed by recorded documents. Neighborhood association membership is usually voluntary and focused on advocacy, events, and community involvement.

Association management is the professional administration of a community’s operations, finances, meetings, records, vendors, maintenance, and owner communications under the direction of its board.

A management company supports the board with services such as assessment collection, financial reporting, vendor coordination, maintenance follow-up, records administration, compliance support, and day-to-day problem resolution.

Check your community website, payment statement, welcome materials, posted notices, or governing documents. You may also search M&M’s Communities page or contact our office for help.

A managing agent is a person or company engaged to help the board administer the association, carry out board direction, manage assets and funds, and support enforcement of the governing documents.

A proxy authorizes one person to act or vote for another at an association meeting, subject to the community’s governing documents and applicable law. The term may refer to either the authority or the written form granting it.

A quorum is the minimum participation required to conduct official association business at a meeting. The required number is established by applicable law and the association’s governing documents.

To recuse means to withdraw from discussion or voting on a matter, commonly because of a conflict of interest or another reason that could affect impartial participation.

The board is the association’s elected or appointed governing body. Directors make policy and business decisions for the community in accordance with the governing documents and applicable law.

Use the contact method provided on your community website or resident portal. Management can also route appropriate correspondence to the board while protecting directors’ personal contact information.

Community Associations Institute is an education and advocacy organization for community association board members, managers, management companies, and service professionals.

CAI is a national organization supported by state and local chapters. Members can access education, resources, professional development, and chapter events.

CC&Rs are covenants, conditions, and restrictions recorded against property in a community. They establish ownership obligations and use restrictions that may continue to apply when a property is sold.

Bylaws establish procedures for operating the association, including board offices, elections, voting, meetings, notices, committees, and related governance matters.

Governing documents commonly include the declaration, articles of incorporation, bylaws, rules, and other recorded or adopted documents that control association operations and community responsibilities.

A lien is a recorded legal claim against property related to an unpaid obligation. It may restrict a property owner’s ability to sell or refinance until the matter is resolved.

The declaration is a principal recorded document defining owner obligations, association powers, property-use restrictions, assessments, and maintenance responsibilities. It is sometimes called the master deed or declaration of covenants.

An estoppel certificate provides information used in a sale, refinance, or closing, including assessments and other amounts associated with a property. It helps the parties determine what must be addressed at closing.

An easement is a legal right to use another party’s property for a defined purpose, such as utility access, drainage, landscaping, or maintenance.

A notice of noncompliance identifies an alleged violation of the association’s governing documents. Depending on the documents and applicable law, the notice may affect enforcement or be recorded in public property records.

A common area is property intended for shared use or benefit by association members. Examples may include entrances, landscaping, pools, clubhouses, roads, hallways, roofs, or other shared facilities.

Ordinances are laws adopted by local governments such as cities or counties. They may regulate property maintenance, parking, noise, construction, safety, and other community matters.