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Recommended Settings for HOAs

Updated this week

This guide outlines recommended Member Splash settings for HOAs to ensure smooth operation, secure access, and accurate member data management. The settings focus on:

  • Account and Member Management: Control who can add, edit, or delete members while protecting sensitive information.

  • Safety and Compliance: Require emergency contacts, dates of birth, and profile photos to meet safety standards and support check-in procedures.

  • User Experience: Streamline the interface for members by enabling only relevant tabs and providing clear instructions for login issues.

  • Operational Efficiency: Automate house guest access and enforce policies on account limits, minimizing manual administration.

Following these settings helps HOAs maintain accurate, secure, and compliant membership records while providing a seamless experience for both staff and residents.

Member Splash Settings

There are 5 tabs in WordPress Menu > Member Splash Settings > Member Splash Settings that we will review.


1. General Settings

  • Purpose: Set your season’s start and end dates, which typically reflect the time your facility is open.

  • House Guest Access: These dates control house guest access. Guests (sometimes called Nanny Passes) are automatically granted access during the season and removed after the season ends.

Recommendation: Enter the date range during which house guests are permitted to visit your facility.

Why: Ensures house guests cannot access the facility outside the approved season. Automates guest access management, reducing administrative work.


2. Account Settings

  • Require Emergency Contact Info: ✅ Enabled

    • Why: Ensures staff have emergency contact details for all members in case of incidents.

  • Manage Account Screen Tabs: ✅ Enable only those that are applicable

    • Why: Limits access to relevant sections, avoiding unnecessary edits or errors and reduces confusion.


3. Directory Settings

These control access to an online member directory within the member's account. Update these settings if you want to give access to the directory.


4. Messages

These control default system notifications. Include phone numbers or email as needed.

  • Inactive Account Message: Shown to members with inactive accounts when they log in.

  • Login Form Instructions: Optional instructions above the login form.

  • Lost Login/Pass Screen Message: Guides members to retrieve usernames/passwords.

  • Password Reset Link Error: Notifies members if reset link is expired or invalid.

Why: Keeps members informed and reduces support requests and provides clear guidance for login issues, improving user experience.


5. Forms

All member account editing permissions are found here. Below are recommended HOA settings with rationale:

  1. View Required Field Errors when Switching to an Account: ✅ Enabled
    Why: This helps Admins see the required error messages a member sees when logged in

  2. Restrict Number of Members Users Can Add by Account Type: ✅ Enabled
    Why: Prevents members from adding more users than allowed by HOA policy. Admins can still override limits for special cases.

  3. Allow Users to Edit Members: ❌ Disabled
    Why: Prevents members from changing others’ information, protecting account integrity.

  4. User Selectable Member Types: ✅ Enabled
    Why: Allows members to assign appropriate member types (e.g., adult vs child) during account creation.

  5. Allow Users to Delete Members: ✅ Enabled
    Why: Allows members to remove individuals who are no longer part of their household, keeping records accurate.

  6. Allow Users to Change Username: ❌ Disabled
    Why: Keeps login credentials consistent and reduces confusion for staff and members.

  7. Allow Users to Edit Address: ❌ Disabled
    Why: Address should not change after initial submission.

  8. Allow Users to Change Primary Contact: ✅ Enabled
    Why: Ensures the correct person receives communications.

  9. Allow Users to Add Pictures: ✅ Enabled offseason only OR ❌ Disabled
    Why: Allows profile photos to be added during the offseason and remain static during the season. Some HOAs prefer to have total control over member photos.

  10. Require Primary Contact Email: ✅ Enabled
    Why: Ensures key communications reach the appropriate account holder.

  11. Require Date of Birth: ✅ Enabled for Children, optional for Adults
    Why: Required for safety compliance, as age is shown on Check In screen

  12. Require Picture: ✅ Enabled for All Member Types
    Why: Ensures each member has a photo on file for verification and security purposes. (Requires that Allow Users to Add Pictures is enabled first.)

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