Community Transition Checklist: A Guide to a Successful Handoff
This resource is a step-by-step checklist created for new or incoming homeowner boards. It provides an objective guide to the transition process, helping boards ensure all critical elements are addressed.
Legal & Governance
Essential Documents: Obtain and review all governing documents from the developer, including the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs), Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and plats.
Legal Counsel: Engage with the community's legal counsel to review documents and understand legal rights and obligations.
State & Local Filings: Verify that the developer has completed all necessary state and local filings for the association.
Financials & Records
Financial Records: Request all financial records from the developer, including balance sheets, income statements, bank statements, and accounts payable/receivable.
Transition Audit: Hire an independent auditor to conduct a transition audit, a forensic review of the developer’s financial management.
·Reserve Funds: Confirm the status and transfer of all reserve funds for future repairs and replacements.
Physical Assets & Maintenance
Common Area Inspection: Inspect all common area assets, such as pools, clubhouses, playgrounds, roads, and drainage systems.
Transition Inspection: Schedule a transition inspection with a licensed engineer to identify any construction defects before the developer's warranty expires.
Warranties: Obtain all warranties for equipment and construction from the developer and contractors.
Vendors & Contracts
Contract Inventory: Create an inventory of all current vendor contracts and service agreements (e.g., landscaping, trash removal).
Service Providers: Obtain a complete list of all current service providers and their contact information.
Please note: Association Management Group, Inc. (AMG) is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or services. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is based on sources believed to be reliable. Examples referenced may reflect a combination of experiences and are intended for illustrative purposes only; similar outcomes are not guaranteed. Nothing in this content should be construed as legal, accounting, insurance, engineering, or other professional advice. Community leaders and board members are strongly encouraged to consult with qualified legal counsel—particularly attorneys experienced in community association law—before making decisions that carry legal or regulatory implications.
