Is It Time to Hire HOA Management? A 15-Point Checklist

Check every statement that's true for your association. Your score updates as you go and stays in this browser only. Nothing is sent anywhere.

Last reviewed November 1, 2026

Workload

Board members regularly spend more than a few hours a week on association business.
It's hard to fill board seats, or the same one or two people do almost everything.
Owner emails and calls often go unanswered for more than a week.
We have amenities (pool, clubhouse, gates) that need frequent vendor coordination.
We have more than about 150 homes or units.

Compliance risk

We're not confident our violation and fine notices follow Property Code §209.006.
We don't have written records, payment-plan, and retention policies.
We've missed or been late on an owner records request.
Our elections or meeting notices have been challenged by owners.
Our management certificate isn't current, or isn't filed with TREC.

Money

Delinquencies are growing and we don't have a consistent collections process.
Only one person can see or reconcile the bank accounts.
We don't have a current reserve study, or we're not following it.
We have a major project (roof, paving, pool) or insurance claim coming.
Owners have asked for online payments or a portal we don't offer.

Your score: 0

How to read your score

Low: self-management is working. Protect it with written procedures, shared bank access, and decent software.
Moderate: consider partial help such as a bookkeeper, financial-only management, or software that automates notices and payments.
High: get proposals from management companies. Our guide to switching or hiring a management company explains how to run a fair selection.

Whatever your score, keep the Texas law guide and board templates handy.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between full-service and financial-only management?

Full-service management typically covers accounting, collections, vendor coordination, inspections, violations, owner communication, and meeting support. Financial-only (or 'accounting-only') management handles billing, payments, bookkeeping, and financial reports while the board keeps day-to-day operations.

Can a self-managed HOA comply with Texas law?

Yes, many do. Compliance mostly comes down to following written procedures for records requests, meeting notices, elections, violation notices, and collections, and keeping good records. Software and templates help.