About Us

Why join ACTHA?

ACTHA is a non-profit organization and the ONLY organization solely representing community associations in Illinois.  ACTHA's Board of Directors are resident owners and uniquely placed to focus on ACTHA's two-fold mission:  providing educational programs (conferences, seminars, webinars, communiques) and representing owners as regards State law and legislation.  AND when your association is a member, all in your association are considered members.  Sign up as many as you like to receive communiques electronically as well as event and legislative alerts.   And of course, all are eligible for ACTHA member rates - many of them free events.

What is the difference between ACTHA, Community Associations Institute (CAI) and the Cooperator?

Both CAI and the Cooperator are national organizations with local presence.  Both offer homeowner education.  The primary difference is that ACTHA's focus on education and legislative representation is SOLELY for board members/owners.

Does ACTHA serve community associations outside Illinois?

ACTHA’s focus is Illinois, however, our depth of knowledge, resources, and educational programs are geographically limitless!

Will ACTHA help our community association with legal disputes?

ACTHA assists with general questions and provides guidance on where to look for answers, however, many times your questions are unique to the your association and will require you to review your association's governing documents or seek legal counsel.  ACTHA does not employ lawyers and does not offer legal counsel. All of the attorneys listed under our Directory have community association law as a focus of their practice.

Is there a governmental agency that regulates community associations?

No. Community associations are considered “corporations,” because their elected boards of directors run the business. Condominiums are subject to the Illinois Condominium Property Act (ICPA). Townhouse and HOAs are subject to the Common Interest Community Association Act, as well as to certain provisions of the Illinois General Not for Profit Act.  Illinois did pass an Ombudsman's Act but no action has been taken by the State to implement or administer this law.

What is the average monthly assessment amount?

All community associations are different, therefore assessments vary widely. Many factors must be considered when a board sets assessments. Section 9 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act outlines some criteria that a board should consider when passing a budget and setting up a reserve amount.

How can we remove a board officer or director?

The process varies depending on the association. To determine the correct process for your individual association, first review your governing documents. Generally, a certain percentage of owners must sign a petition and a specific time frame is established for each stage of the process.

How do Condominiums, Townhouses and Co-ops Differ?

Condominiums: All homeowners own the actual structure of the building, along with common areas such as clubhouses, hallways, roof, etc. Individually, the homeowner owns the interior of the unit and is responsible for same. You will know if the association is actually a condominium if "condominium association" is part of the name of the association (required by Illinois law).

Townhomes: A townhouse is a building or unit that shares a common wall with the building or unit next door. A townhouse can be a style of condominium or a style of a homeowner's association.

Co-ops: Owners own shares of a corporation (organization) that owns the larger structure, and ownership of those shares gives an individual the right to occupy a specific unit.

HOAs:  Single family homes which are part of an overall association and share some common property such as a clubhouse.