FAQ's

What is the particular value of ACTHA?

ACTHA is an Illinois organization, focused on providing relevant education and information to board members and unit owners of community associations specifically in Illinois. Another organization, CAI (Community Associations Institute), is a national organization focused more to the industry overall.

Why should our community association join ACTHA?

By joining ACTHA, your community association will benefit from all of the programs and services provided and be kept fully informed on a regular basis of issues that could directly affect your association.

Does ACTHA serve community associations outside Illinois?

ACTHA’s sole focus is on community associations within Illinois.

Will ACTHA help our community association with legal disputes?

Although ACTHA does not employ lawyers and cannot offer legal counsel, we can direct you to a number of firms that may be able to help you. Please click here to view a list of attorneys who are ACTHA members. All attorneys listed have community association law as a practice specialty.

Is there a governmental agency that regulates community associations?

No. Community associations are considered “corporations,” because their elected boards of directors run the business. Condominiums are subject to the Illinois Condominium Property Act (ICPA). Townhouse associations are subject to certain portions of the ICPA, as well as to the Illinois General Not for Profit Act.

What is the average monthly assessment amount?

Because all community associations are different, assessments vary widely. Many factors must be considered when a board sets assessments. Section 9 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act outlines some criteria that a board should consider when passing a budget and setting up a reserve amount.

How can we remove a board officer or director?

The process varies depending on the association. To determine the correct process for your individual association, first review your governing documents. Generally, a certain percentage of unit owners would have to sign a petition and a specific time frame would have to be established for each stage of the process.

How do Condominiums, Townhouses and Co-ops Differ?

Condominiums: All homeowners own the actual structure of the building, along with common areas such as clubhouses, hallways, roof, etc. Individually, the homeowner owns the interior of the unit and is responsible for same. You will know if the association is actually a condominium if "condominium association" is part of the name of the association (required by Illinois law).

Townhomes: A townhouse is a building or unit that shares a common wall with the building or unit next door. A townhouse can be a style of condominium or a style of a homeowner's association.

Co-ops: Owners own shares of a corporation (organization) that owns the larger structure, and ownership of those shares gives an individual the right to occupy a specific unit.