HOA – How to Choose a Cleaning Service for 2022

If you live in or have lived in a residential community, then you’re probably familiar with what an HOA, or Homeowner’s Association, is. Better yet, if you’re reading this, then you’re probably professionally involved with an HOA. Either way, a refresher wouldn’t hurt. An HOA is a private entity formed with the purpose of marketing, managing, and selling homes and lots in a residential subdivision.

The second of the three purposes of an HOA is especially important for existing homeowners within the given community. Why? Homeowners in communities with HOAs pay a monthly fee (often called an “HOA fee”) to the private entity, most of which is dedicated to managing the community and its shared spaces, attractions, and amenities. Those places, of course, are expected to be clean, safe, and well-maintained. Most HOAs outsource these needs, and if you’re wondering how to choose a third-party cleaning service for your HOA in 2022, here’s how:

Research & Online Reviews

The first thing you need to do is research local HOA cleaning service providers. Create a list, then narrow the list based on their online reviews. 

Shop Around

It’s easy to go with the first service provider you find if they have good reviews, can fulfill all of your needs, and are affordable. You may very well have chosen the right service provider. The more likely scenario is that there is a better fit for your HOA, and because it’s your HOA’s responsibility to maintain a high quality of life in your community (and keep it fully inhabited), you should shop around for a potential better fit.

Questions to Ask

The bulk of questions you should ask HOA cleaning service companies is unique to the needs of your HOA. However, there are some broader questions you should ask when consulting the service providers you’re considering hiring that will shed light on their customer service, willingness to go the extra mile, and hint of a future working relationship. For example, try asking if a company can expand their services to include things they don’t currently offer or include. Flexibility in their responses is a good sign.

Compliance

Based on a few different factors, such as the scope of services offered, HOA cleaning service companies may be subject to certain regulations and may need permits and licenses to operate. Before moving forward with any of them, check and make sure that they have all the requisite state and municipal permits and licenses. Not doing so may lead to trouble.

Insurance (& Assurance)

Similarly to the previous section, it’s important that any HOA cleaning service provider you’re considering hiring has at least the minimum required insurance coverage. Most service providers will hold insurance policies that reflect the minimum coverage as mandated by municipal, state, and/or federal governments. While you shouldn’t disqualify any candidates because they only carry minimum coverage, consider it a good sign if any HOA cleaning service providers carry more comprehensive coverage.