Welcoming Committees and HOA Duties

Welcome Kits: A Guide

It's important for a number of reasons to have a welcome committee to educate new owners about the association and the community.

People who move into community associations

don't aren't always familiar with Homeowner Associations. They don't realize there are likely to be rules and regulations regarding certain things, especially exterior maintenance or alterations to their property. They also may not realize it if there are restrictions on rentals or rules on how units can be rented and even that there can be pet and other restrictions.
Shouldn't new homeowners have received a copy of the

association's governing documents and rules before their purchase? Sure, but even though it is required by law that buyers receive a current set of governing documents many in fact do not receive those documents or receive incomplete or an outdated set. This should be corrected immediately and those document should be given to the buyer/buyers at the time of contract so that they are aware of what is expected and have the opportunity to cancel their contact if they are not in agreement. if your HOA has failed to see that all new members receive this information immediately.
Someone within the Welcoming Committee should be available to explain and answer question about the association documents.

Here are things to consider including in your new-owner

welcome kit:

1. Governing documents.

Provide a complete UP-TO-DATE set of your CC&Rs and rules and regulations.

If they're posted online, provide a reference to where owners can find them online. Also include any rules that haven't been recorded and might not have been provided with the disclosure package.
2. Forms.

Include the forms owners need to comply with your association's

registration requirements. For example, under most bylaws, there's a requirement that people register to vote, to register their pet or their car, and to provide license information. HOAs vary when it comes to rules and regulations so make sure you present current information and are prepared to answer any and all questions regarding your HOA.
3. Community Website. A HOA community website can extremely helpful, to all, as long as information is posted quickly and is up-to-date and accurate. It is a 24/7 place for information and can include an online calendar of Events as well as all other pertinent information like HOA minutes of meetings or announcements.

Written and compiled by Gisela