Successful community association managers must possess knowledge and skills relating to finance, strategic planning, maintenance, personnel management, insurance, human relations, laws and regulations, communications and covenants enforcement. More than manage, these professionals must also provide sound advice on the vast array of topics addressed by the volunteers who serve on community association boards.

 

The profession of association management has become increasingly specialized and demanding as communities have become more complex and demanding. The position has taken on even greater importance as local governments have ceded more and more responsibility to community associations – from road maintenance and street lighting to recreational amenities and communications (satellite and cable).

 

 

 

 

State legislatures occasionally have sought – inappropriately – to license community association managers as real estate brokers or property managers. Community association management is a specific profession requiring unique skills. By definition, property managers perform facilities management and leasing services. Association managers are hired to work with volunteer boards of directors to enhance, preserve and protect communities. While licensure of real estate brokers, agents or property managers protects consumers in sales transactions, it does not protect consumers – homeowners – in the ongoing management and operation of their communities.

 

While CAI opposes the regulation of community association managers as real estate brokers, agents or property managers, we encourage the certification of community association managers. In states that propose mandatory regulation of these professionals, CAI supports a regulatory system that incorporates adequate protections for homeowners, mandatory education and testing on fundamental management knowledge, standards of conduct, continuing education and appropriate insurance requirements.