HOA websites
What every HOA website should include
A board-friendly checklist for publishing an HOA website that helps residents without exposing private records.
A good HOA website is not a brochure. It is the front door for the community. Residents, buyers, owners, renters, vendors, and board members all need different answers, and the website should route them clearly without exposing private files or account history. Start with public information, then connect secure portal access only where the resident should see private records.
Publish information residents ask for every month
The first version should answer common questions fast. Keep navigation plain, avoid board jargon, and make the main actions obvious.
- Home, About, Contact, Documents, Dues, Requests, and Resident Portal.
- Board contact details, meeting information, and current announcements.
- A clear path for maintenance, ARC, violations questions, and dues support.
Separate public content from resident-only records
Some documents are appropriate for public visitors. Others belong behind resident login. Private account questions should route to the resident portal where the board can keep unit history and request records connected.
- Public: community overview, general contacts, approved public documents.
- Resident-only: owner/renter forms, notices, meeting packets, and policies.
- Board-only: drafts, sensitive records, internal notes, and working files.
Make the website useful before connecting the domain
A template preview is helpful, but a public launch should happen only after the board has reviewed copy, images, contact paths, and privacy.
- Preview the selected template on desktop and mobile.
- Check that owner and renter login buttons point to the HOA portal.
- Replace trial copy before the public website launches.
Use the website to reduce inbox traffic
A useful website does not replace the board. It gives residents a reliable starting point so the board receives cleaner requests and fewer repeat questions.
- Put dues, documents, requests, and contacts where residents expect them.
- Explain when to use the public contact form versus the portal.
- Keep private requests tied to resident accounts instead of public forms.