HOA Website Security

We recently redid our website with one of the companies out there that specilizes in HOA websites and we found that our old website was missing several layers of security. One of our residents complained about having to register (which requires only an email address and address - We do not ask for any personal info) and said that restricting parts of the website may deter prospective buyers. All of the FAQS(Rules), Amenities, About us, Our Location, Homes for Sales, Historic Area info, Contact Property Manager, Business Directory, and other items are all open to public but other items are not accessible to the public. I see that most larger HOAs are protecting parts of their site as I believe that they should. What are you all seeing and how do you handle information on your websites?

You complaining member isn't seeing the big picture. Potiential buyers are NOT HOA members and thus are NOT entitled to view documents for members only. This could include some budget information. Not to say that ALL budget information shouldn't be more public but I would limit that information to more percentage related terms. Such as 100 homes 75% collection rate etc...

I used to have a brochure for potiential buyers that included information such as dues rates, what the dues covered, amenities offered (pool, clubhouse rental fee, etc). I also included a few basic rules and reponsibilities. Information that realtors should be telling buyers anyways...

Now CC&R's and Incorporation documents are PUBLIC documents and the buyer's responsibilty to view on the own initiative. They can be found at the local Records dept of the courthouse or state website. Having a copy on your website with thw by laws is a good idea. However meeting notes are member only information.

Just make the divide by knowing what is public information and what is exclusive for members only. I use the "The man walking down the street" lithmus test. What information should that man know versus an owner walking their dog?

Your welcome...Please forgive my typos as I am using my new "GoogleTV" to post...It's like texting on a remote...LOL. However can do everything from one source...

You always going to get someone to complain...It is expected lol...I would explain to them that a potential buyer is NOT a member and thus will NOT have the rights as one. So requesting an address and name makes sure the address is in the HOA...Plus on a side note it helps the HOA keep up with member identification which can change quite often...

The tricky part would be renters. They too are NOT HOA members. However they must comply with the same rules. You may want an option identifying if you are a membr/owner, renter, or visitor. This way you can make more security adjustments and ID verifications.

For fun you may want to include a pet section..This way if a dog is loose or has issues, then people can ID them...Plus I try to know all the pet's in our HOA for many reasons including social and emergency...Your comment made me think of this...So thanks!!!

BTW - Absentee owners are required to complete a lease addendum which helps facilitate the communications process between the PM, owner, tenant and BOD.

Your HOA is ahead of the game when it comes to leasing...Something many HOA's lack...Having that system is one of the ways I do believe a HOA can actually have an effect on limiting rentals. Off subject I know but had to commend your HOA on this...

My website for our HOA never got used as most of the residents were nearly deads or newlyweds...We are one of the most high-tech areas in the country and my HOA had the least amount of computer savvy people in it...LOL. Plus we had awful internet service due to service restrictions. No DSL! So I had to keep many things low-tech even though I lived in a high-tech world...LOL...It's great more HOA's are offering web or facebook pages...