Dave sits down with Dawn Bauman, CEO of the Community Associations Institute (CAI), for a candid conversation recorded at the 2026 CAI Legal & Insurance Conference in San Diego. They dive into some of the biggest issues impacting community associations right now - from reserve funding laws and the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac lending challenges to the industry’s talent shortage and what the next generation of leaders will look like.

Dawn also shares insights on CAI’s priorities, global growth, and the lessons the industry continues to learn five years after Champlain Towers. If you care about where our industry is headed, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

We’re always fascinated by the influence federal agencies have on our industry, and real estate as a whole. Our goal is to bring practical, real-world guidance to the HOA community, especially on the issues that are impacting associations and homeowners right now.

This month, we recorded an interview with a community manager and board member from an HOA that was placed on the Fannie Mae “blacklist.” Even more importantly, they took immediate action - working diligently through projects, documentation, communication, and follow-through to successfully get their community removed.

We’ll be releasing the interview in the next edition of The Maintenance Manager, and it’s packed with insights for boards and community managers who want a clearer understanding of the path forward if they ever find themselves in a similar situation.

HOA boards are discovering that deferred maintenance is no longer just a reserve study discussion. It is directly tied to insurability.

Over the past several renewal cycles, insurance carriers have significantly increased underwriting scrutiny on community associations. Roof age, plumbing systems, balconies, electrical panels, drainage conditions, and wildfire defensible space are being closely evaluated before renewal terms are offered. In many cases, carriers are requesting inspection reports, maintenance documentation, and proof of corrective action as part of the underwriting process.



What used to be viewed primarily as a budgeting decision has now become an insurance stability decision.... read more!

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Click here to learn more or contact Cory Neubauer directly at coryneubauer@nxtins.com.

by Kevin Davis, Susan McClintic, J. David Rauch

Proactive building maintenance plays an important role in protecting the long term stability and value of a community. By addressing small issues early, preventive maintenance helps avoid costly repairs and keeps properties running smoothly. Our experts share practical steps to help communities stay ahead of potential problems.