How To Hire The Right HOA Manager

Managing a homeowners association only with a board of directors can be difficult. Especially when the members have careers outside of the community, or have other responsibilities outside of the community. Additionally, the board may not have the experience or know-how to effectively manage the community. That is why it’s imperative to hire a qualified HOA manager.

If you’re considering hiring a new association manager or replacing an existing one. You need to ensure you find one that fits your needs and your community. To help you, Silvercreek Association Management has put together a list of tips to consider when picking an HOA manager.

  1. Understand Your Community’s Needs

Before your board starts looking for an HOA manager, it’s important to understand the needs of the community. Make a list of all the qualities and services you need a manager or management company to perform, and ask for input from residents. Getting a better understanding of the needs of your community will help you focus your search, and ultimately select the best candidate for the job. Smaller communities may find that hiring an individual HOA manager is more efficient than enlisting the services of a full-service management company, it just depends on your community’s needs.

  1. Check With Applicable Laws

Some states require association managers to have certain licenses or credentials. For example, California has a number of requirements that HOA managers must meet such as licensing and education. You may want to consult with an attorney that specializes in HOA law to ensure you know what to look for.

  1. Select A Committee To Head The Search

Since the board’s time is probably stretched thin as it is, you may consider forming a special hiring committee to handle the selection of an HOA manager. You may also consider hiring an outside consultant who is familiar with this process to assist in your search. Be sure to check with your HOA’s bylaws to ensure you follow any applicable procedures.

  1. Perform A Background Check On Prospective Hires

Once you find a potential candidate for the job or a pool of candidates, you’ll want to scrutinize their background. Call their other clients to see if there are any red flags with their past experience. You may also want to review their credit history since they have access to the community’s coffers.

  1. Hire A Lawyer To Help Negotiate Any Employment Contracts

When you are ready to make an offer to a prospective HOA manager, the board should retain a lawyer to help with the drafting and negotiation of the employment contract. You should also try to limit the initial term of the contract to one year, or include a provision for a probationary period while you evaluate the manager’s performance. Likewise, pay close attention to any termination provisions within the contract. The board needs to avoid burdening the HOA with unnecessary expenses for firing a manager that doesn’t work out.

Many of the qualities required of a manager can be identified soon after reviewing a candidate’s qualifications and experience. It is the responsibility of the board to ensure the optimal candidate is chosen to best represent the association and meet the community’s needs. If you have questions about hiring an HOA manager or management company, Reese Rentals is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services.