What’s the Difference Between HOAs and Condo Associations in RI?

Terms like “HOA” and “Condo Association” are often used interchangeably in reference to community living in Rhode Island. While they share similarities, there are important differences that every homeowner, board member, or landlord should understand. Knowing these distinctions can help you make smarter decisions about buying, renting, or managing property in Rhode Island.

The Basics: Difference Between HOAs and Condo Associations in RI

• Homeowners Association (HOA): Typically found in neighborhoods of single-family homes or townhouses. The HOA manages shared amenities like clubhouses, playgrounds, or private roads, and enforces community rules.

• Condo Association: Governs condominiums, where each unit owner owns their unit interior but shares ownership of common areas like hallways, exterior walls, and roofs. Condo associations often handle more day-to-day property upkeep since buildings are physically connected.

Both are responsible for financial management, rule enforcement, and long-term planning—but the scope of responsibilities and what’s considered “shared” can differ dramatically.

A Tale of Two Associations

• Case 1: A Newport HOA 

  A single-family HOA came to us seeking information on Property Management Cost in Rhode Island. Their board was self-managing but quickly realized that vendor negotiations, landscaping contracts, and financial planning were consuming far too much of their time. By partnering with a local property manager in Rhode Island they could build residents’ trust. Vendors were streamlined, costs became more predictable, and their board could focus on long-term improvements instead of daily headaches.

  
  

• Case 2: A Providence Condo Association

  This community’s board was struggling with repeated Tenant Maintenance Requests from hallway lighting to snow removal. Because condo living means shared common areas, unresolved maintenance quickly affected everyone. By working with a property management company in Rhode Island that specializes in condo association property management, they were able to prioritize repairs, and plan ahead for major projects.

  
  

Responsibilities That Overlap

Although there is a difference between HOAs and condo associations in RI, both HOAs and Condo Associations handle:

• Rule Enforcement: Ensuring residents comply with bylaws and community rules.

• Financial Planning: Collecting dues, budgeting for expenses, and planning for reserves.

• Vendor Management: Contracting with landscapers, roofers, and maintenance providers.

• Owner & Tenant Relations: Answering resident questions, handling Landlords Common Questions, and Screening Tenants in RI if an owner wants to rent out their unit.

Why Reserve Studies Matter

One major area where HOAs and condo associations are similar is in the necessity of financial planning. Rhode Island Condo Association Reserve Studies are especially important to help reduce special assessments where everyone is affected by shared elements. Both HOAs and Condo Associations are responsible for maintaining community assets, but condo boards often face greater pressure since structural elements like roofs, siding, and elevators are shared by all owners.

• Reserve Studies in Rhode Island help associations prepare for these big-ticket expenses by forecasting costs 20–30 years out.

• They reduce the risk of unexpected special assessments, which can cause tension between neighbors.

• They provide financial transparency that makes buying into a community more appealing for future homeowners.

We’ve seen countless situations where associations delayed updates to their reserve studies lead to major financial strain later. For example, a Warwick condo board recently called us after discovering their roof would need replacement two years earlier than expected. Their outdated study had left them unprepared. If they had an updated plan, they would have avoided a sudden, painful assessment on homeowners.

For associations unsure where to begin, a Reserve Studies FAQ is a great place to start. Common questions include:

• How often should we update our reserve study?

• What’s the difference between physical and financial analysis?

• How do reserve studies impact monthly dues?

The bottom line: whether you’re part of an HOA or condo association, a reserve study is a roadmap for your community’s financial health.

Choosing the Right Support in Rhode Island

HOA and Condo Association management challenges can be overwhelming. Boards are typically made up of volunteers, and the responsibility can feel like a full-time job. That’s where professional management comes in.

A property management company in Rhode Island can help with:

• Budgeting and financial transparency

• Maintenance coordination

• Answering property management FAQ and HOA management FAQs

• Guiding boards through complex decisions

• Easing tensions between neighbors by acting as a neutral third party

Making the Switch

One South County condo board recently called us in after years of self-managing. Their treasurer was burning out, and no one wanted to step up to replace her. The community didn’t realize how much time they were losing until they hired professional support. Once we took over, dues collection and budgeting became streamlined, and residents saw a clear plan for future repairs. The board told us it was “the best decision we’ve made for our community in years.”

Final Thoughts

While HOAs and Condo Associations in Rhode Island share many similarities, the main difference lies in what each entity owns and manages. HOAs oversee shared amenities in single-family or townhouse neighborhoods, while Condo Associations manage the shared structures and common spaces of a condominium building.

No matter which one you’re part of, having a trusted property management in RI partner makes a world of difference. From handling the daily grind of Tenant Maintenance Requests to guiding you through long-term planning with Reserve Studies in Rhode Island, the right team can help your community thrive.