The Department of Real Estate ("DRE") does not regulate community associations. Rather, it regulates developers and the the creation of new associations. Once the association is turned over to homeowner control, the DRE's involvement ceases.
Budget Guidelines. The DRE publishes budget guidelines for use by developers in setting up new associations. Developer budgets are frequently too low when they are turned over by the developer to owner control. Under-budgeting by developers is sometimes intentional so as to make marketing of units more attractive. For others, it's a lack of experience with true operational expenses. In either event, boards need to closely examine their budgets as soon as they take control from the developer.