The U.S. federal government has entered a partial shutdown, meaning many federal agencies are temporarily closed or operating with limited staff. While essential services like Social Security and air traffic control continue, several programs that directly or indirectly affect homeowners’ associations and condominium communities are paused or delayed. At Eclipse, we’re closely tracking the situation and its potential impact on the communities we serve across Ohio.
How It May Affect Homeowners and Associations
1. Flood Insurance Delays
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) cannot issue new or renewed policies during the shutdown.
- If your property is in a flood zone or you’re closing on a home requiring flood coverage, this could delay closings or leave you temporarily uninsured.
- Existing, active policies remain in force.
If your community carries flood insurance or you are planning to purchase property in a flood-prone area, contact your insurance agent to confirm your current coverage status.
2. Mortgage, FHA, and Condo Certifications
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) are operating with limited staff.
- Condo project approvals and FHA-insured mortgage processing may take longer than usual.
- Some certifications or renewals are temporarily on hold.
If you are refinancing or selling a condo unit, discuss with your lender whether HUD/FHA documentation is required so you can plan for possible delays.
3. Disaster Response and FEMA
If your community experiences storm damage or flooding during the shutdown, federal disaster assistance may be slower to activate.
- FEMA staff reductions could delay site visits, reimbursements, or cleanup assistance.
- Local and state emergency management agencies remain active but may have limited federal support.
What Board Members and Homeowners Can Do
| Area | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Stay Informed | Follow updates from CAI (advocacy.caionline.org) and your local news outlets. Eclipse will share any updates that may affect operations in our partner communities. |
| Plan for Delays | If your community is undergoing construction, loan approval, or an insurance renewal that touches federal programs, expect longer processing times. |
| Review Insurance Coverage | Confirm that property and flood policies are active and renewals are complete. If you’re buying or selling a property, ensure insurance documentation is finalized early. |
| Communicate with Your Manager | Eclipse’s management team is tracking the shutdown’s practical effects. If you have concerns about a pending project, closing, or certification, contact your Association Manager for guidance. |
| Stay Calm and Transparent | This shutdown will not affect essential association operations like billing, maintenance, or vendor services. Continue normal payments and communications as usual. |
Eclipse’s Commitment During the Shutdown
Our priority is ensuring that your community’s operations continue seamlessly. We are:
- Monitoring HUD, FEMA, and CAI updates daily;
- Coordinating with lenders and insurance partners where needed;
- Keeping boards informed about any confirmed delays that might impact closings, capital projects, or insurance renewals.
While a federal government shutdown can introduce uncertainty, Eclipse remains focused on providing stability and clear communication for every association we serve. Our team will continue to monitor federal updates, coordinate with local partners, and proactively share any information that could affect your community. We encourage homeowners and board members to reach out with questions or concerns—our commitment to responsive, transparent service remains unchanged.
