So how much should your HOA have on hand to address these inevitable repair and replacement costs? A good rule of thumb is for Reserves to be funded at 70% or higher of the property's calculated deterioration.
Achieving a 70% funded reserve is considered a milestone for inium associations, indicating a reasonable level of financial preparedness. It signifies that the association has taken proactive steps to ensure the long-term sustainability of the community and mitigate the risk of financial instability.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has weighed in by requiring approved inium projects to have at least 10% of the annual operating budget set aside for reserves. However, that percentage is arbitrary and is usually never enough for an association that has to paint and replace roofs.
Except as provided below, all associations are required to prepare a reserve study at least once every three (3) years with a review to be conducted annually to determine if adjustments are necessary to the association's reserve account requirements. (Civ. Code §§ 5300(b), 5550(a).)
California Civil Code 5550 requires a Reserve Study based on a “diligent visual site inspection” at least every third year, but requires the Board review that Reserve Study annually and “consider and implement necessary adjustments”. That's called an annual Reserve Study update.
The number is usually five. Very small associations sometimes call for three directors, and very large associations may have seven or more.
It's calculated by dividing total equity by total assets. While there's no universal “good” ratio, many experts suggest that a healthy HOA should aim for an equity ratio of at least 20-30%. This indicates the association has sufficient assets to cover its liabilities and maintain a financial cushion.
Answer: As of 2024, Florida law requires all condos over three stories to conduct mandatory building inspections and a Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS) every 10 years. Additionally, associations can no longer waive or reduce reserve funds, ensuring they are fully funded to cover future repairs.