Ace the 2025 Community Management Challenge – Elevate Your Service Game!

Turnover in a homeowner's association generally occurs during an annual or special meeting of the homeowners. This is the point when control of the association is transferred from the developer to the homeowners. At this meeting, homeowners typically have the opportunity to elect new board members, establish rules, and take on responsibilities for the management of their community, marking a significant transition in governance.

In contrast, while the first board meeting may be an important gathering, it often serves as a preliminary step before turnover, where initial organization takes place without the full representation or power shift to homeowners. The stipulation of at least five years after initial construction pertains to certain developer agreements but does not universally apply to all homeowner associations, making it a less reliable indicator. Likewise, turnover being determined solely by the owners might overlook the formalities and processes typically established in governing documents and state laws that dictate turnover timelines and procedures, which are normally outlined in association bylaws rather than left completely to the discretion of the owners.