To switch HOA management companies in California, the board checks the notice terms in its current contract, approves a new management agreement at a board meeting, gives the current company written notice, and has the association’s records, bank accounts and vendor contracts transferred to the new manager. A well run handoff takes about 90 days, and most homeowners only notice a new way to pay their assessments.
Boards usually start looking for a new manager for the same reasons: slow replies, late financial reports, or a feeling that nobody is watching the property. Changing companies is less disruptive than most boards expect, as long as the handoff is planned. Here is how it works.
Step 1: Read your current management contract
Find three things before you do anything else:
- The notice period. Many HOA contracts require 30 to 90 days of written notice.
- Termination fees. Some contracts charge a fee to leave early or a fee to transfer records.
- The records clause. Check what the company must hand over and how fast.
Step 2: Get proposals and interview managers
Ask at least two companies for a written proposal with one clear price. Meet the person who would actually manage your community, not just the salesperson. See what HOA management costs in California for the questions to ask.
Step 3: Approve the new agreement as a board
The board votes to approve the new management agreement at a properly noticed board meeting and records the decision in the minutes. Pick a start date that lines up with the end of your current notice period so there is no gap.
Step 4: Give written notice
Send notice to the current company in the way the contract requires. Include the end date and a list of what must be turned over by that date.
Step 5: Transfer records, money and contracts
The outgoing company should turn over:
- Governing documents, rules and board minutes
- The homeowner roster and contact information
- Owner ledgers, including who is behind and what collection steps have been taken
- Bank statements, and the change of signers on association accounts
- The budget, reserve study and financial reports
- Insurance policies and certificates
- Vendor contracts, warranties and open work orders
- Violation and architectural request history
- Keys, gate codes and access devices
Association money belongs to the association. Bank accounts should stay in the association’s own name, with signers updated to match the board’s decision.
Step 6: Tell homeowners
Send every owner a short letter with the new manager’s contact information, the new way to pay assessments, and the date the change takes effect. Clear communication up front prevents missed payments and confused calls.
What our 90 day handoff looks like
| Timing | What happens |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Mobilize: collect records from the outgoing company, set up banking and the owner roster |
| Days 1 to 30 | Onboard: owners get payment instructions, vendors are confirmed, open items are listed |
| Days 31 to 60 | Stabilize: delinquencies, open repairs and overdue items are worked down |
| Days 61 to 90 | Set the cadence: monthly reports, meeting schedule and response standards are running |
What it costs to switch to Skybridge
There is no transition or onboarding fee. Management is a flat $30 per unit per month, with no monthly minimum, and includes one regular board meeting per quarter plus the annual meeting.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to switch HOA management companies?
Plan on about 90 days from the board’s decision to a fully settled handoff, depending on the notice period in your current contract.
Does the board have to vote to change managers?
Yes. The board approves the new management agreement at a board meeting, then gives the current company written notice under the terms of its contract.
What gets transferred to the new manager?
The association’s records, bank accounts, vendor contracts, homeowner ledgers and any open repair or collection items.
Will homeowners notice the change?
Most homeowners only notice a new way to pay their assessments and a new contact for questions.
Does Skybridge charge a transition fee?
No. There is no transition or onboarding fee, and management is a flat $30 per unit per month.
Thinking about a change?
Call (909) 610-9780 and tell us about your association. When you call, a real person picks up.
General information, not legal advice. Review your governing documents and current contract, and talk to your association’s attorney about your specific situation. Pricing is current as of November 2026.
