How do you start a community association?
Generally, the developer puts a community association in place before construction begins and later transfers authority to the new owners. This transition is a critical period in an association's development. The CAI publication Developer Transition provides complete details about this process.
You can also contact an attorney who specializes in community association law who will write up articles of incorporation and bylaws. This attorney will also help you review and add covenants as necessary. If you need a referral, please contact your local CAI chapter or search CAI's National Service Directory.
How much money should be in my association's reserves?
Reserves are essential to successful financial management in community associations. Determining how much should be in your reserves is a complex process that depends on several factors including the physical needs of your community. For best results, you should have a reserve study done by a qualified professional who can provide the answer.
If you're looking for a sample or non-legal document, or if you wish to get an idea of the types of documents you might need, please browse our online Bookstore. Most publications contain sample forms, letters, notices, and other documents that might be useful. The online Bookstore description for each book contains the table of contents and lists sample documents and/or charts. CAI members can search for and download free sample forms and templates in the resource center of the members only section.
Most community association rules are reasonable and exist for a logical and useful reason. If you believe a rule is unreasonable, talk to your community manager or board member to find out why the rule exists. You might also want to read the bestseller Be Reasonable: How Community Associations Can Enforce Rules Without Antagonizing Residents, Going to Court, or Starting World War III.
How long might it take to receive my membership materials after you receive my application?
Your membership application may go to a CAI chapter or our bank prior to its arrival in our office. Once we receive your application, it is processed within three business days. Once your membership is processed, a member welcome kit is sent within one week. This will include your User ID/Member ID, website password and detailed information about your benefits.
How long will it take to receive the books I have ordered?
Your order may go to a CAI chapter or our bank prior to its arrival in our office. Orders are shipped within ten business days of receipt of order. This may seem like a long time compared to commercial vendors like Amazon or Borders; however, they are multi-billion dollar companies with resources beyond ours. Your order is very important to us, and we will dispatch it to you as soon as we can.
How do I change my PMDP class registration after I've already signed up?
If you are unable to attend a course after you have registered, CAI can transfer your registration fee to another course, or to another person. Transfer requests must be received in writing at least five (5) business days prior to the start of the course. There is a $25 fee that must be paid at the time of transfer. Please fax your request to the Education Department at (703) 684-1581.
If you need to cancel your registration, please write to the CAI Education Department immediately, or fax your request to (703) 684-1581. Cancellations postmarked or fax date-stamped before two weeks prior to the start of the course will receive a tuition refund (minus a $100 administration fee). If the notice is postmarked or fax date-stamped less than two weeks prior to the course, your tuition will be refunded less a $150 administrative fee. No refunds will be issued after the start of the course.
It is key to remember that the law does not require that a manager be certified to manage a common-interest development. Instead, the law maintains that if a manager holds him/herself out as "certified," he or she must comply with the requirements of the new law. If you have any questions regarding how to comply with the new manager certification titling law, please contact Molly Foley-Healy by e-mail at or by phone at (703) 797-6266.
Can I order books online?
Yes. To order books, click on the Publications link on the left side of the homepage. The Bookstore contains a complete list of all our publications. The table of contents, key points, and lists of charts and checklists are included with each book listing. In addition, some book listings also include sample chapters, which can be found in the Reading Room.
Can I register for a class online?
Yes. To register for a class, click on the Education link on the left side of the CAI homepage. Managers wishing to take Professional Management Development Program (PMDP) courses can link to additional information on courses and to online registration forms from there. You can also print out a registration form and mail it with your payment.
In addition, there are education courses available for board members in various chapters throughout the country. Please visit the Education section for more information.
How do I look for designated managers and professionals on the website?
Click on the Directories link on the left side of the CAI homepage. From there you'll find the Directory of Credentialed Professionals. You can search by individual name to determine what designations or certifications a person holds, or you can locate a qualified expert to contact for service and advice.
Can I get information about my membership online?
If you have recently signed up as a new member and are looking for passwords or membership ID numbers, or if you are seeking details regarding your status, renewal dates, contact information, etc., please send an email to CAI Direct at or call (888) 224-4321 (M-F, 9-6:30 ET). We hope to have personal membership record information available online sometime in the future.
Your Membership benefits are listed in the Membership (Join CAI) section of the website.
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