HOA-Managed Residential Community Monthly Common Area Inspection Checklist

This HOA-managed residential community monthly common area inspection checklist provides a structured framework for property managers and HOA boards to evaluate common area conditions, enforce CC&Rs, and demonstrate proper fiduciary stewardship. HOA board members and property managers owe fiduciary duties to homeowners including duty of care, duty of loyalty, and duty to act within the CC&Rs. Regular documented inspections demonstrate fulfillment of these duties and provide the evidentiary recor

  • Industry: Property Management
  • Frequency: Monthly
  • Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
  • Role: HOA Property Manager / Board Member
  • Total Items: 28
  • Compliance: California Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act, State Condominium and HOA Acts, Community Associations Institute (CAI) Best Practices, ADA Title III (HOA Common Areas as Public Accommodations), FNMA Condominium Project Guidelines

CC&R and Rules Compliance

Document CC&R violations observed during inspection.

  • No unapproved exterior modifications observed (paint color, additions, landscaping)?
  • No parking rule violations (unauthorized vehicles, commercial vehicles, inoperable cars)?
  • No prohibited items visible (excessive signage, RVs, storage in front yards)?
  • Individual lot landscaping generally maintained to community standards?
  • All observed violations documented with address, description, and photo?
  • Prior violations under enforcement verified as cured or progressing through compliance process?

Common Area Maintenance

Assess common area physical condition.

  • All common areas clean, safe, and well-maintained?
  • All community signage current, visible, and in good condition?
  • All common area lighting operational?
  • All amenities (pool, fitness, playground, clubhouse) operational and safe?
  • Common area landscaping maintained per landscaping contract standards?

Financial and Governance

Review financial and governance compliance.

  • Reserve fund balance adequate per reserve study recommendation?
  • Reserve study current (within last 3 years)?
  • HOA assessment delinquency rate below 15% (FNMA threshold for financing eligibility)?
  • HOA master insurance policy adequate and current?
  • Board meetings held regularly with minutes distributed per CC&Rs?

Architectural Review Compliance

Review architectural modification request process.

  • Architectural review committee process documented and consistently applied?
  • ARC decisions made within CC&R-required timeframe (default approval risk if late)?
  • Approved modifications verified as built per approved plans?
  • ARC application log maintained with submittals, decisions, and compliance status?
  • ARC design standards reviewed for fair housing compliance (no discriminatory aesthetics criteria)?

Documentation and Owner Communication

Maintain HOA governance and communication records.

  • Violation notices sent per CC&R enforcement procedure within prescribed timeline?
  • Enforcement actions applied fairly and consistently across all homeowners?
  • Monthly or quarterly community communication distributed to homeowners?
  • Monthly inspection report provided to HOA board at next meeting?
  • HOA attorney consulted for complex enforcement or governance issues?
  • State HOA law changes in last 12 months reviewed with HOA attorney?
  • Homeowners educated on CC&R requirements and ARC process at orientation?

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Why Use This HOA-Managed Residential Community Monthly Common Area Inspection Checklist?

This hoa-managed residential community monthly common area inspection checklist helps property management teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for hoa property manager / board member professionals, this checklist covers 28 critical inspection points across 5 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.

Ensures compliance with California Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act, State Condominium and HOA Acts, Community Associations Institute (CAI) Best Practices, ADA Title III (HOA Common Areas as Public Accommodations), FNMA Condominium Project Guidelines, State Reserve Fund Disclosure Requirements, UK Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 (Service Charges), Australia Strata Schemes Management Act. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the HOA-Managed Residential Community Monthly Common Area Inspection Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 28 inspection items across 5 sections: CC&R and Rules Compliance, Common Area Maintenance, Financial and Governance, Architectural Review Compliance, Documentation and Owner Communication. It is designed for property management operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 1-2 hours.

Who should use this HOA-Managed Residential Community Monthly Common Area Inspection Checklist?

This checklist is designed for HOA Property Manager / Board Member professionals in the property management industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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