Here’s the thing about most HOA websites: they’re straight-up unusable. Half the time, you click a link and get a 404 error from 2007. The other half, it feels like you’ve stepped into a Word doc wearing Internet Explorer 6. And don’t even get me started on websites that still don’t work on mobile.
If you’re running an HOA and want to avoid being the digital equivalent of that neighbor who still prints out MapQuest directions, you need a website that actually functions and serves your community like it’s 2025, not 1995.
According to a 2024 CAI study, 74% of homeowners now expect digital access to HOA documents and updates. That means your site isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s the front door to your association’s credibility.
So if your website feels more like a digital graveyard than a living, breathing hub for your community, here are the five non-negotiables you need to fix that.
1. A Secure, Members-Only Portal That Doesn’t Feel Like Fort Knox
If logging into your HOA site requires three scrolls, a captcha, and your firstborn, you’re doing it wrong.
HOA members need fast access to sensitive info: meeting minutes, architectural request forms, financial reports, and the ever-glorious CC&Rs (because nothing says fun like a 97-page PDF on fence height regulations). But that info should be gated behind a secure, login-protected portal. No exceptions.
What this should include
- Homeowner dashboard with payment status
- Downloadable forms with e-sign capability, not just printable Word docs
- Community calendar with event RSVPs
- Message board or announcements feed
SSL encryption isn’t optional. If your HOA site still says “Not Secure” in the browser bar, fix that yesterday.
2. Mobile-First, Not Mobile-Optional
According to Statista, over 58% of website traffic in 2025 is mobile. If your site doesn’t look good on a phone, you’re missing half your audience. And let’s be honest, most of your residents aren’t logging in from a desktop between 9–5. They’re checking in while waiting for their oat milk latte.
A solid HOA website should be responsive, load in under 3 seconds, and not require a PhD to tap a damn button.
What to avoid
- Menus that disappear offscreen
- PDFs that won’t load on iOS
- Forms that don’t autofill or submit properly on mobile
You’re not designing for 2009 anymore. This isn’t your uncle’s Squarespace template.
3. Clear, Accessible Contact Info (And Yes, Someone Should Actually Reply)
Too many HOA sites bury contact info in footers or outdated PDFs like it’s a national secret. That’s not transparency. It’s avoidance. If a resident wants to report a violation, request a gate code, or ask where the hell their dues went this month, they should be able to reach someone without pulling out a magnifying glass.
What every HOA site needs
- Contact form with auto-response acknowledgment
- Clearly labeled emergency numbers for gate malfunctions, security issues, etc.
- Board and management contact info with email and phone
- Office hours and expected response time
Pro tip. If your site still has a “webmaster@yourHOA.com” email from 2012, change it. Now.
4. Up-to-Date Documents That Don’t Require an Archaeologist to Find
If your “latest minutes” are from 2022, your residents are already talking trash in the Facebook group.
Your HOA website should have a centralized document library that’s actually maintained. That means no broken links, no duplicates with “_FINAL_v7_USETHISONE” in the filename, and no scanning handwritten notes as JPGs.
Your docs should be
- Organized by category like Financials, Meeting Minutes, Rules & Regs
- Searchable
- Uploaded as PDFs (not .doc or .xls files)
- Dated and version-controlled
If you’re not uploading documents at least monthly or after every board meeting, what are you even doing?
5. A Community Events + Announcements Feed That Doesn’t Look Like Craigslist
Nobody checks the clubhouse bulletin board anymore. Sorry, boomers.
A modern HOA website should have a real-time community announcements section that doesn’t look like it was coded in MySpace’s glory days. Think of it like your HOA’s Instagram feed, minus the filters and humblebrags.
Here’s what it should show
- Upcoming events with RSVP and calendar sync options
- Community-wide alerts like pool maintenance and security issues
- Reminders for dues deadlines, trash days, etc.
- Visuals like thumbnails or icons to make it actually readable
And for the love of all things user-friendly, no flashing banners or auto-playing music. We’re building credibility here, not a Geocities shrine.
Bonus: Don’t Forget ADA Compliance (Unless You Like Lawsuits)
Here’s where a lot of HOAs drop the ball. Your website needs to be accessible. As in ADA-compliant.
This isn’t optional. Federal lawsuits have skyrocketed over website accessibility, especially for HOAs and apartment communities. We’re talking alt text, keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, contrast ratios. The works.
If your website isn’t meeting WCAG 2.1 standards, you’re not just excluding residents. You’re putting your HOA at legal risk. Hire someone who knows what they’re doing and get it right.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Your HOA website doesn’t need to win a Webby. But it should be functional, accessible, and easy to use. Your residents aren’t asking for miracles. They just want to know when their trash gets picked up, how to pay dues, and whether they can paint their garage door navy i