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ASSOCIATIONS · STORM PREPARATION

Before the Storm: What Your Association Should Have on File

Nelson Avila
By Nelson Avila, Licensed Florida Public Adjuster (License G332385) · Florida Certified Contractor
Homeland Public Adjusters · Last reviewed: October 2026
Condo board members and a public adjuster inspecting a rooftop at a waterfront building
Hurricane roof damage at a condo or HOA association building

A board’s job after a major storm goes faster, and the claim it files goes further, when certain records are already current rather than scrambled together afterward.

The master policy itself, in hand

With the declarations page and any endorsements — not a summary from the management company — so whoever handles the claim knows exactly what’s covered, what the deductible structure looks like, and what’s excluded.

Recent reserve studies and maintenance records

A well-documented maintenance history helps counter the argument that storm damage was actually pre-existing wear or deferred maintenance, one of the most common reasons associations see claims disputed or reduced.

Pre-storm photos and video of common areas, the roof and building exteriors. Updated at least once a year, ideally right before hurricane season, this is the single most useful thing a board can do, since it establishes a clear “before” against any “after.”

A current unit roster and contact list also matters, so the board can reach every unit owner quickly after a widespread loss. Call Homeland before the association speaks with the insurance company about a post-storm claim. Boards that have these records ready are in a dramatically stronger position than those piecing it together after the fact.

Frequently asked questions

What records should a condo or HOA board have before hurricane season?
The full master policy with its declarations page and endorsements, recent reserve studies and maintenance records, pre-storm photos and video of common areas, the roof and exteriors, and a current unit roster and contact list.
Why do maintenance records matter for an association’s storm claim?
A well-documented maintenance history helps counter the argument that storm damage was pre-existing wear or deferred maintenance, one of the most common reasons association claims are disputed or reduced.
How often should an association take pre-storm photos?
At least once a year, ideally right before hurricane season, so there is a clear “before” to compare against any “after.”

This article is for general information only and is not legal or insurance advice. Every policy and every claim is different — always review your own policy language or speak with a licensed public adjuster about your specific situation.

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This topic often comes up alongside Special Assessments After a Major Loss: What Boards Should Know. If your situation involves this kind of loss, see our Condo & HOA Associations page for how Homeland can help with the claim itself.

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