Help for Community Associations and Homeowners

FALLS CHURCH, Va., Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With more than 60 million Americans living in 315,000 U.S. homeowners associations and condominium communities, tension, frustration and conflict are inevitable.

Associations can face a range of problems—from financial strife related to the current economic climate and housing crisis to conflict between homeowners and association leaders. Issues can involve mandatory homeowner fees, budgetary shortfalls, home foreclosures, architectural guidelines and rules enforcement related to yard signs, holiday decorations, flag poles, pets and parking.

Fortunately, there is free help and information—for homeowners, association leaders and community managers.

The nonprofit Community Associations Institute (CAI) offers free, downloadable information that can help homeowners better understand how associations should function and how to improve communities that are failing to meet resident expectations.

• An Introduction to Community Association Living—an online presentation that explains the nature, obligations and benefits of living in a common-interest community.
• Rights and Responsibilities for Better Communities—42 principles and practices to help associations promote harmony and reduce the potential for conflict.
• Community Association Governance Guidelines—12 principles that can help association boards identify and meet basic benchmarks of responsible governance.
• Model Code of Ethics for Community Association Board Members

CAI also offers education for community managers, as well as a code of ethics for managers who hold CAI professional credentials.

Visit www.caionline.org/help.

CAI is a 31,000-member association dedicated to building better communities. Working in partnership with 59 domestic chapters, one international chapter and housing leaders in other nations, CAI provides information, education and resources to associations and the professionals who support them. Visit www.caionline.org or call (888) 224-4321.

SOURCE Community Associations Institute