UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF A COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MANAGER

There are several components in managing an association. Some are known and some are not. PMI Austin Metro thought it would be helpful to shine some light on our roles to help you better understand our role in your community.

Main objectives of an association manager:

• Ensure that the policies that are put in place by the Board are carried out.

• Manage the day-to-day operations in the community such as assessment collection, bill payment, and other associated services. 

Occasionally homeowners request involvement by association managers in matters they do not handle because they don’t know the proper responsibilities. Below is a summary of what association managers do handle and what we do not handle:

• Association managers are specially trained to address issues involving a violation of association rules. We do not handle personal problems you are having with your neighbors unless they are violating a rule. Criminal activity should always be reported to the local police.

• Association managers are not members of the Board, only advisors. They do not have the capacity to directly represent your concerns or override board decisions. Any concerns are better communicated to the board by attending a board meeting or sending an email.

• While association managers do their best to get your questions answered, they are not necessarily experts on all building operations and legal matters. We rely on the experts, such as engineers and attorneys, to advise the board in making proper decisions.

• Routine maintenance issues can be reported through the online portal or sent via the association email provided at transition.

• If the Board assigns a contractor project to PMI Austin Metro, the association manager is the contractor’s monitor, not a supervisor. If there are problems with the performance of a contractor, such as a landscaper or a janitor, you can inform the association manager, but it is the Board that decides how to take action.

• Association managers are responsible for inspecting the property, but their onsite visits are best supplemented by help from the residents that live there every day. Report any maintenance issues you observe so they can be resolved on a timely basis.

• The association manager does not have the authority to put rules and policies into place. If you want to make a change to an association policy, bring your concerns to a board meeting.

• If you need any technical advice, especially in the areas of legal matters, property taxes, and other non-association concerns, please contact the appropriate professionals. While the association manager is knowledgeable in many areas, they are not subject matter experts and cannot provide specialized advice.

• Finally, please understand that the association manager cannot personally be available 24/7. The only reason they would respond after-hours is due to an association emergency, which is either a threat to life or a threat to the property. There is an after hours emergency line monitored for this purpose.

We hope this gives helps you better understand some easily confused items!

Please use the Contact Us page for further assistance needed.