What to Do When There Are Damages to Your Property in an HOA Community
Living in a homeowners’ association often comes with the benefit of shared maintenance and neighborhood standards. But when damage occurs to your property, it can raise questions about who is responsible, what’s covered by insurance, and what your next steps should be.
Begin documenting the damage. Take clear photos and videos from multiple angles. Note the date, time, and anything that might have caused the issue, such as a recent storm or plumbing backup.
Repairs are often divided between the HOA and individual homeowners based on the governing documents. Generally, the HOA handles maintenance and repairs for common areas, shared structures like building exteriors or roofing. Homeowners are typically responsible for interior elements, personal belongings, and anything explicitly deeded to their unit, such as private patios or fixtures.
Pro Tip: If the damage involves something shared like a roof or plumbing system, the HOA’s insurance can cover part/all of it. You’ll know if the HOA covers it in their master policy!
Still, even if the HOA might cover part of the damage, you must contact your homeowner’s insurance provider right away. This is usually done through your HO-6 condo insurance policy.
Start the claim process as early as possible.
See below for a comparison of HO-6 Insurance and the HOA master policy:
Once it’s clear who is responsible, move forward with repairs. If the HOA is handling it, they’ll usually assign a vendor and communicate timing. If it’s your responsibility, your insurance company might recommend contractors or let you choose your own.
Is it a pain in the neck? Yes. But handling it the right way will save you way more hassle and money down the line.
Key Definitions That Might Help:
Governing Documents: Legal documents that define maintenance responsibilities, insurance obligations, and what areas fall under the HOA or the homeowner.
Common Areas: Spaces shared by all residents, such as exterior walls, roofs, hallways, landscaping, and recreational facilities. Typically maintained by the HOA.
Shared Structures: Elements of a building or property used by more than one unit, like roofing, plumbing lines, or exterior walls.
Interior Elements: Parts of the home inside your unit (e.g., drywall, flooring, appliances) that the homeowner is generally responsible for.
Private Patios or Fixtures: Specific areas or installations deeded to an individual homeowner that usually fall under the owner’s responsibility for maintenance and repair.
Documentation: Photos, videos, and notes recorded by a homeowner to show the extent, timing, and potential cause of damage—critical for claims and follow-up.
Master Policy: The HOA’s primary insurance policy that typically covers damage to shared areas and structures.
HO-6 Insurance Policy: A type of insurance purchased by condo or HOA homeowners to cover interior damage, personal property, and liability.
