Currently, there are eight states and the District of Columbia that mandate the licensing of Community Association Managers (CAM). These states vary in their specific requirements for obtaining a property manager license. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the requirements in your state in order to adhere to the laws and regulations.
Understanding whether your state requires CAM licensing is important for board members and property managers alike. Compliance with state law is necessary to ensure that you are operating within the legal framework.
HOA membership and departure regulations vary among states. Typically, the procedures for joining or leaving an HOA are specified in the governing documents. In the case of voluntary HOAs, membership and payment of association dues are not obligatory, allowing homeowners to withdraw whenever they choose. Conversely, mandatory HOAs require homeowners to be members and pay association fees.
A licensed real estate agent is responsible for safeguarding consumers during property sales transactions, but their license does not extend to providing protection in the ongoing management and operation of a community association.
Unlike licensed real estate agents, licensed Community Association Managers possess specialized knowledge and skills necessary for the effective management of community associations.
If you are unsure whether your state requires Community Association Manager licensing, it is advisable to consult the appropriate authorities or refer to reputable sources for accurate information.
Some community managers may only have professional certifications, such as the Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA), Association Management Specialist (AMS), or local certifications like Arizona's Certified Arizona Association Manager (CAAM).
Other community managers have gained experience in the field.
Source: The Role of an HOA Community Manager - associatedasset.com
Property managers are primarily responsible for facilities management and leasing services, while community association managers have different responsibilities that require a different skill set from real estate brokers, agents, or property managers.
Community association managers perform additional job functions that are specific to managing community associations, which require specialized knowledge.
If legislation does not accurately include or define the term "community association manager," individuals in this profession may be obligated to pursue careers as real estate brokers, property managers, or members of other related professions. It is important for legislation to make a clear distinction between "community association managers" and brokers or property managers.
Many homeowners associations choose to hire professional help, such as an HOA management company or manager, to handle their operations. The primary role of an HOA manager is to oversee the daily functions of the association in collaboration with the board.
It is important to understand the distinction between an HOA manager and a property manager. The former is specifically responsible for managing homeowners associations, while the latter is more focused on managing individual properties.
Therefore, an HOA manager's duties involve overseeing the overall operations and administration of the association, ensuring compliance with governing documents, managing finances, and addressing homeowner concerns. In contrast, a property manager is primarily responsible for the maintenance and rental of individual properties.
Option 1 for becoming certified in community association management is to successfully complete and pass a prerequisite course specifically focused on this field.
Alternatively, option 2 allows individuals with a minimum of five years of experience as a community association manager to potentially receive a one-time waiver of the prerequisite course requirement. It is important to note that the experience must be in the role of a community association manager, rather than an assistant manager.
The CMCA exam is offered by CAMICB, the Community Association Managers International Board.
In order to qualify for the member discount on application fees for the AAMC accreditation, your company must be a member of a management company.