Understanding Your HOA Fees: Where Does the Money Go?

"It’s smart planning so you’re not hit with a huge bill later."

Every month, you pay HOA fees to keep your community running smoothly. But where does that money go? At Integrator Community Management, we believe in being open about it. Your fees don’t just disappear. They fund the things that make your community great. No one likes surprises, so here’s a clear look at what your HOA fees may cover as it varies by HOA.

1. Common Area Upkeep

Regardless of whether you live in a Single Family Home, Townhome, or Condominium there are likely some kind of common area the HOA has been established to help maintain. In most associations a big chunk of your fees keeps shared spaces looking good. This means mowing lawns, trimming bushes, and cleaning sidewalks. It also covers fixing things like playgrounds, pools, or clubhouses. The HOA handles common elements so you don’t have to worry about them. Because every community is different review your HOA portal for exactly what is included. Want details on last month’s work? Ask us. We’ll share!

2. Insurance

Your fees pay for insurance to protect the community. In Utah, attached homes like townhomes and condos must have full coverage policies by law. This means property insurance for shared buildings, plus other key policies. You HOA likely carries a Commercial General Liability for lawsuits, Fidelity insurance for theft, Directors and Officers (D&O) coverage for board decisions, and an Umbrella policy for extra protection. These keep us safe and legal. If you live in a townhome or condo, are you carrying the correct policy? You should have an HO6 policy. If you have questions feel free to reach out!

3. Common Utilities

Some of your fees pay for utilities in common areas. This includes water for landscaping, exterior home lighting, gas for heating the pool and hot tub, or power for the pool pump. These costs add up, but they keep the neighborhood working. We track every dollar with your board to make sure it’s spent right.

4. Reserve Funds

Not all money gets used right away. The HOA puts some aside for the future, like a savings account. This covers big repairs down the road, like a new roof or repaved roads. It’s smart planning so you’re not hit with a huge bill later. Want to see the reserve study? It is readily available on your portal!

5. Management and Support

A small part of your fees pays for us, your management team. We handle paperwork, answer questions, and make sure rules are followed. This keeps the community organized and fair for all. We’re here to help, not hide. So if you’re wondering about costs, contact us anytime.

Final Thoughts

Your HOA fees do a lot, from keeping the grounds nice to planning for tomorrow. We know it’s your money, and we work hard in conjunction with your board of directors to use it well. Check your annual budget for the full picture, or contact Integrator Community Management with questions. The board and us both want you to understand what you pay and why. Every dollar goes toward making this community a place you’re proud to call home. Transparency isn’t just a promise—it’s how we operate. If something’s unclear, don’t guess. Reach out to us or join us with your board in the next meeting. We’re all in this together, and your input helps us improve. Small fees build big results when we spend them right. Got thoughts on this? Tell us!

Want more HOA tips? Look for our next blog post on the difference between an HOA and the Management Company!