How to Use: Walk common areas in daylight—look for wet spots, cracks, or clutter. Use a flashlight for dark corners. Ask the board or manager: “Last inspection? Repair logs?” Mark High (leaks, broken steps), Medium (faded signs, clutter), or Low (clean, repaired, logged) risk. Homeowner associations face 1 in 5 claims from slips or water damage (Community Associations Institute 2025); average slip/fall payout $25,000+. Prevent with local building codes and association rules.
THE BASICS: WHAT HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATIONS COVER
Homeowner associations (HOAs) manage shared spaces like lakes, clubhouses, playgrounds, and walkways for the whole neighborhood. They fix common problems to keep everyone safe.
Main Areas to Check:
- Water Exposure – roofs, pipes, lakes, docks, beaches.
- Clubhouses – gathering rooms (including kitchens).
- Playgrounds – swings, slides, play sets.
- Pools & Spas – swimming areas.
- Fitness Rooms – exercise spaces.
- Guard Houses – entry gates.
- Maintenance Shops – tool storage.
Private Streets & Walkways – roads and paths.
Why Inspect: Wet floors cause slips, broken swings hurt kids, bad signs miss warnings—most issues are easy to spot and fix.
Easy Fact: HOAs keep shared places nice and safe—regular checks stop small problems from big claims.
INSPECTION CHECKLIST WATER EXPOSURE
o No leaks from roofs, pipes, or fire sprinklers Why: Water damages walls and causes mold.
o Gutters clean, downspouts point away from buildings Why: Stops pooling near foundations.
o Drains clear, no standing water after rain Why: Wet spots make slippery paths. LAKES, DOCKS, PIERS, SWIMMING BEACHES
o Docks and piers stable, no loose boards or nails Why: Weak wood breaks under weight.
o Handrails tight, non-slip surfaces Why: Stops falls into water.
o Signs clear: “No Diving,” “Shallow Water,” “Swim at Own Risk” Why: Warns of depth or danger.
o Beach sand level, no glass or sharp rocks Why: Cuts feet or causes trips.
o Life rings with rope within reach on docks Why: Quick rescue tools.
o If boating allowed: rules posted, life jackets required Why: Boats without rules cause crashes or drownings.
CLUBHOUSES & COMMON ROOMS
o Floors dry, no loose rugs or cords Why: Trips happen on clutter.
o Handrails tight on stairs, lights bright Why: Helps people walk safe. o Fire exits clear, signs lit Why: Fast escape in emergencies.
CLUBHOUSE KITCHEN/COOKING AREA
o Stove hood clean, filter changed and hood cleaned regularly Why: Grease buildup starts fires.
o Fire extinguisher (ABC type) within 10 feet of stove, current tag Why: Puts out grease fires fast.
o No propane tanks stored inside Why: Gas leaks explode.
o Electrical outlets not overloaded, no frayed cords Why: Sparks cause fires. o Sink and counters clean, no standing water Why: Stops slips and germs.
o Cooking rules posted: “No unattended cooking,” “Clean hood after use” Why: Reminds users to stay safe.
PLAYGROUNDS
o Play surface soft (mulch, rubber) at least 6 inches deep Why: Cushions falls from swings or slides.
o No broken swings, cracked slides, or rusty bolts Why: Weak parts snap and hurt kids.
o Equipment stable, no wobble or tipping Why: Loose sets fall over.
o Age signs posted: “5–12 years,” “Under 5” Why: Matches play to child size. o Fence around if near street or water Why: Keeps kids inside safe area.
POOLS & SPAS
o Fence locked, gate self-closes, signs posted Why: Keeps kids out when closed.
o Water clear, chemicals balanced, drain covers tight Why: Stops sickness or drowning.
o Depth markers, life rings and poles within reach Why: Quick rescue tools. FITNESS ROOMS
o Machines bolted to floor, no tipping when pushed Why: Heavy gear falls and crushes feet.
o Cords tucked, floors non-slip Why: Stops trips during workouts.
o Mats clean, no tears or wet spots Why: Germs spread on dirty gear. o Emergency stop buttons work Why: Quick shutoff if hurt.
GUARD HOUSES
o Roof dry, windows clean, heater safe Why: Guards need dry, warm space. o Entry gate arms work, no sharp edges Why: Cars bump broken gates.
o Lights on at night, paths clear Why: Stops trips in dark.
MAINTENANCE SHOPS
o Tools stored, no gas leaks, fire extinguisher ready Why: Sparks start fires in messy shops.
o Floors clean, no oil spills Why: Slips near tools hurt.
o Chemicals locked in cabinets Why: Keeps poison away from kids.
PRIVATE STREETS & WALKWAYS
o Pavement smooth, no potholes or cracks Why: Trips or car damage. o Sidewalks even, tree roots trimmed Why: Uneven paths cause falls. o Street signs and lights working Why: Drivers see at night.
QUESTIONS TO ASK BOARD OR MANAGER
- “When was the last full walk-around check? Repair logs?”
- “Any leaks, mold, dock damage, or boat incidents last year?”
- “Clubhouse kitchen—hood cleaned? Fire extinguisher checked? Cooking rules posted?”
- “Playground surface soft? Equipment bolted down?”
- “Pool, beach, fitness machines—tested and secured?”
RISK LEVELS
- High = Leaks, damaged docks, no kitchen extinguisher, pool gates not closing → Suggest fixing immediately, close area
- Medium = Clutter, faded signs, extinguishers service due → Suggest within 30 days
Low = Dry, repaired, logged, adequate maintenance → Best practice
LCA Certified Inspector “Check it. Fix it. Log it.” Resources:
- Community Associations Institute Safety Guide
- Local Building Codes for Pools and Playgrounds
- National Safety Council Slip/Fall Tips
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety HOA Checklist
Disclosure: This guide highlights common risks but is not exhaustive. Always verify local codes and carrier guidelines.