Illinois has imposed a new HOA website requirement for communities operating in the state. Board members must understand what this new requirement entails to ensure compliance. Even with the deadline still far off, making preparations now can keep the association in good standing.
What is the New HOA Website Requirement in Illinois?
A new law has been passed in Illinois requiring community associations (both HOAs and condominiums) to maintain a website.
On August 7, 2026, Governor JB Pritzker officially signed Public Act 104-0797. The law began as House Bill 5449 in February 2026, making its way through the House and Senate in the months that followed before ultimately being approved. The law goes into effect on January 1, 2027.
The new law amends both the Illinois Common Interest Community Association Act and the Illinois Condominium Property Act. According to the amendment, every association must now maintain an Internet website that owners can access. While the law’s effective date is January 1, 2027, the website deadline is a year later, on January 1, 2028.
What Should an HOA Website Contain?
Public Act 104-0797 does not detail the website’s features, but it does require that it include information about board and membership meetings, as well as the approved board meeting minutes.
The statute does not address what specific information must be posted, nor does it say anything about the duration for which such information must remain on the website. That said, it does state that the board must post approved meeting minutes, which means it is not required to post draft minutes.
Additionally, the statute does not explicitly require the website to publish the annual budget, financial statements, executed contracts, reserve studies, insurance policies, or the governing documents. If an owner wishes to view these records and the website does not host them, they must still submit a records request through the board or the HOA management company.
Inclusions to Consider for an HOA Website
Public Act 104-0797 only requires websites to show information about board and annual meetings and approved board meeting minutes. That said, associations can significantly improve their websites and promote transparency by adding other features, too. These include:
- Basic HOA Information. The website should have clear branding, including the name, location, logo, and a brief description of the association.
- Board and Governance. This includes general meeting schedules, public contact details, and board member roles.
- Calendar of Events. Keep residents in the loop by posting a calendar with notable meeting dates, neighborhood activities, and community gatherings.
- General Guidelines. It helps to introduce the community by including basic FAQs for prospective residents.
- Governing Documents. Many owners lose their copy of the governing documents, so having them easily accessible online eliminates the need for records requests. Keep digital copies of the CC&Rs, bylaws, and operating rules.
- Financial Information. These include copies of annual budgets, reserve studies, financial statements, and audit reports.
- Official Records. Allow residents to access board meeting notices, agendas, and approved meeting minutes as per Public Act 104-0797.
- Owner Portal. Maintain a separate portal where only verified owners may access information, pay dues online, submit maintenance requests, reserve amenities, and view other private data.
What is the New HOA Email Requirement in Illinois?
Public Act 104-0797 requires associations to supply the annual financial disclosure electronically to members who have consented to electronic delivery and provided their information to the association.
The website requirement is only one half of the change in requirements. An association must now send financial disclosures to members if they meet two conditions:
- They have authorized receiving the information via electronic transmission, and
- They have provided their information (such as an email address) to the association for electronic transmission.
This applies to both HOAs and condo associations.
If an association doesn’t have an email address on file, it is not required to send the disclosure electronically. Owners who wish to receive financial disclosures via electronic delivery must act now by providing the association with their email address and authorizing electronic delivery. It is best to do so in writing.
FAQs on HOA Website Requirements in Illinois
When is the deadline for HOA website compliance?
Public Act 104-0797 takes effect on January 1, 2027, but the deadline for putting up a website isn’t until January 1, 2028, which is a year later.
Who is exempted from the new website requirement?
The Common Interest Community Association Act does not apply to HOAs organized as nonprofits if they have 10 or fewer units or earn a budgeted $100,000 or less in dues per year. Of course, an HOA may elect to fall under the Act, in which case it will apply to it. There are no exemptions for condominiums.
What are the penalties for failing to have a website by the deadline?
Public Act 104-0797 does not specify any penalties or awards for complying with the HOA website requirement. That said, there is an argument that boards may be in breach of their fiduciary duty if they fail to comply with the new law. Thus, noncompliance could result in legal repercussions.
Can owners still request HOA records even with a live website?
Yes, owners do not have to rely on the website for records and may still submit records requests directly to their association. Since the new law does not require associations to post the governing documents, financial statements, insurance policies, reserve studies, and other records, owners have no immediate way to access them.
Can owners withhold dues if the board doesn’t make a website?
No, owners should not stop paying their dues if the association doesn’t meet the website deadline. Nonpayment does not address the problem and can only result in penalties for the owner. These penalties include late fees, interest charges, legal action, liens, and even foreclosure.
Assisting with Compliance
The Illinois HOA website requirement seems like a tall order, especially for communities starting from scratch. That said, there are plenty of tools and resources that can help associations comply with the new law. Partnering with the right HOA management company can also expedite the process and help ensure the community meets the 2028 deadline.
First Community Management offers expert HOA management services to condos and HOAs in Chicago and beyond. Get in touch with us today!
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