FAQ's

What is the particular value of ACTHA?

ACTHA is an Illinois organization, focused on providing relevant education and information to board members, owners, managers and others involved with community associations specifically in Illinois. Another organization, CAI (Community Associations Institute), is a national organization which is more focused to industry components such as contractors.

Why should our community association join ACTHA?

ACTHA is the only organization administered by a volunteer board of directors who are primary resident owners in a condo, townhome or HOAs, so their emphasis will always be on making sure the programs and benefits provided the membership are aimed at association needs.  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.  In addition, ACTHA employs a lobbyist to monitor and lobby on State issues affecting associations.

Does ACTHA serve community associations outside Illinois?

ACTHA’s focus is on community associations within Illinois, however, our depth of knowlege, resources, and educational prorams are geographically limitless!

Will ACTHA help our community association with legal disputes?

ACTHA can assist with general questions and provide guidance on where to look for answers, however, many times the questions we get are unique to the individual association and will require the association to seeks its own legal counsel.  ACTHA does not employ lawyers and cannot offer legal counsel, but we can direct you to a number of firms that may be able to help you. All of the attorneys listed under our Commercial Directory (in the left-hand box) 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 and HOAs are subject to the Common Interest Community Association Act, as well as to certain provisions of the Illinois General Not for Profit Act.

What is the average monthly assessment amount?

All community associations are different, therefore 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.

HOAs:  Single family homes which are part of an overall association and share some common property such as a clubhouse.