1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish a standardized and transparent process for all purchases and expenditures made on behalf of the Homeowners Association (HOA).
It ensures that all procurement activities:
- Comply with approved budgets and governing documents,
- Are properly authorized and documented,
- Maintain internal controls through centralized processing in the Accounting Team, and
- Provide accountability to homeowners through financial oversight.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All purchases of goods, materials, and services by the HOA Management Team, including property management staff, maintenance, and vendors.
- All expenditures funded by Operating, Reserve, or Special Assessment accounts.
- All transactions regardless of payment method (check, ACH, credit card, petty cash, etc.).
3. Roles and Responsibilities
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
HOA Management Team Initiates all purchase requisitions; ensures need is
GM/LCAM, Asst. Prop. Mgr. valid, budgeted, and properly coded; obtains quotes
Field Supervisor where required.
Accounting Team Reviews requisitions for completeness, verifies budget
Accounting Director availability, issues Purchase Orders (POs), maintains
Bookkeeper, Clerks procurement log, and routes for required approvals.
Property Manager Reviews and approves purchases within budget
limits; ensures compliance with HOA policies and
verifies justification.
Treasurer, President or VP Approves all purchases exceeding thresholds, out-of-
budget items, or any use of reserve funds.
Board of Directors Provides oversight, reviews procurement reports, and
ratifies high-value or emergency purchases as
required by governing documents.
Vendors / Contractors Must be licensed, approved, insured, and authorized
prior to beginning work or delivering materials.
4. Procurement Authorization Thresholds
Purchase Type / Condition Authorization Required Approval Level
Routine purchases within Property Manager Approval Manager
approved budget and ≤ $1,000
Routine purchases within Treasurer or President Executive
approved budget and > $1,000
Purchases exceeding budget Treasurer or President Executive
allocation, charged to reserves,
or unbudgeted emergencies
Purchases exceeding reserve Board of Directors Board
budget or major capital projects
Vendor or contract renewals Board of Directors Ratification by
exceeding annual threshold the Board
5. Procurement Process & Procedures
Visit the Procurement Procedures page.
6. Emergency Purchases
In emergency situations where immediate action is required to prevent damage or ensure safety:
- Property Manager may authorize emergency work without prior approval.
- Treasurer or President must be notified within 24 hours.
- A retroactive requisition and PO must be filed within 2 business days.
7. Documentation and Recordkeeping
All procurement documentation must be retained electronically for a minimum of 3 years, including:
- Purchase Requisitions
- Purchase Orders
- Approvals and communications
- Invoices and receipts
- Vendor credentialing documents and insurance certificates or waiver of liability.
The Accounting Team maintains a monthly Procurement Report summarizing:
- Approvals (Invoices, Requisitions, Purchase Orders)
- Purchase Orders issued
- Budget variances
- Exceptions and emergencies
- Assets purchased
8. Compliance and Audit
- No purchase or commitment of HOA funds may occur without a valid Purchase Order or documented approval.
- The HOA reserves the right to audit procurement records at any time.
- Any violation of this policy may result in corrective action, non-reimbursement, or revocation of purchasing authority.
9. Related Policies and Forms
- Work Order Procedures
- Purchase Requisition Form
- Purchase Order Form
- Vendor Credentialing Policy
- Expense Reimbursement Policy
- Paper Check Form for Employee Housing