How to Start a Homeowners Association

Starting a homeowners association may not be an easy task. Sometimes people in a development or neighborhood may need convincing to join, especially if they feel there are going to be too many strict rules. If you are organized and have valuable information to present to them, your start-up may not be as difficult as you think.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Spread the word. Let the people who live in your neighborhood know the plan to start a homeowners association. You can do this via phone, email or in person. Because participation in a homeowners association is mandatory once started, you may want to have a meeting so everybody in your neighborhood can voice their concerns.
2. Elect homeowners association officers. You need to have a president, vice president, secretary and a treasurer. Depending on how large your neighborhood is, you may need to add additional positions.
3. Write by-laws for your homeowners association. To make it easier on yourself, try to find by-laws that have already been written and modify them for your neighborhood. Writing by-laws is not easy, so the more you have to reference, the better.
4. Decide on a meeting time and a location. Meeting once a month is the most popular meeting schedule, but you may need to meet more at first until your association begins to run smoothly. Having the meeting in a public place for everyone in your neighborhood to attend is also a good idea.
5. Create plans for a homeowners association website and newsletter. You must keep the neighbors informed of changes in leadership or by-laws. Providing this information monthly is important.