FEATURED EBOOK: HOA Board Member Starter Guide & Checklist
Congratulations on being the newest member of your homeowners’ association’s (HOA’s) board of directors. An honorable role, you’re now responsible for daily operations and setting the community up for success. The responsibilities that come with being a brand-new board member can feel stressful, but with the help of a comprehensive resource guide, it doesn’t have to be.
In our "HOA Board Member Starter Guide & Checklist" ebook, we share the collective knowledge of our 46+ years of experience working alongside countless board members to improve their communities. Read it to learn the top tips for success in your new position and a helpful checklist for quick reference.
FAQs About HOA Board Members
What is the HOA board of directors?
In an HOA, the board of directors is a collection of board members authorized to act on the community's behalf. Board members are volunteers who are elected to their positions by other association members. Homeowners' association board responsibilities include creating and enforcing guidelines, overseeing finances, and maintaining shared spaces.
What Is a Fiduciary Duty?
The fiduciary duty of board members is a legal responsibility to act in good faith on behalf of a person or group that relies on you. This relationship typically exists between an individual in a position of power or authority and those affected by that individual’s decisions.
An HOA or condo board member’s fiduciary responsibility is to help the association succeed while adhering to the governing documents. Homeowners put their trust and confidence in board members to protect the community’s quality of living, use funds wisely, and keep operations running smoothly.
To make sure you meet your obligations as a community leader, review your state laws and the HOA’s governing documents. The bylaws and Conditions, Covenants, & Restrictions (CC&Rs) should outline your responsibilities and authority.
How many board members should an HOA board have?
The number of members on the homeowners' association board is usually outlined in an association’s articles of incorporation or bylaws, which can be found in the governing documents. Governing documents are, in essence, the constitution, law, and regulations that explain how a community is governed. In some states, there are laws that determine the number of board members allowed for a community.
All communities differ, and larger HOAs may have bigger boards while smaller ones have fewer members. On average, an HOA’s board is comprised of three to five members. Some boards have as many as nine members.
How long can an HOA board member serve?
HOA board member terms vary by community and state. Some states have one-year term limits, while others have two-year or four-year term limits.
How to find HOA board members?
When it comes to selecting board members, homeowners should seek out fellow community members who are passionate about improving and protecting the place they call home. Eligibility requirements and information for active board members can be found in the association's governing documents.
Do board members get paid?
In almost all cases, state laws and governing documents prohibit board members from receiving payments, gifts, or kickbacks for their contributions to the community.
What are the HOA board member positions?
The HOA board of directors is a unit that has an obligation to lead a community, but within the board, officers are assigned to lead the functions of the group. Generally, HOA board member positions include president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer.
How does the HOA board work?
All HOA board members must act in the best interest of association members and use sound business judgment when making decisions. To do this, the homeowners' association board must:
- Understand governing documents
- Be familiar with local, state, and federal laws
- Establish committees for support
- Welcome and educate residents
- Hold fair elections
- Discuss issues and vote on decisions in meetings
- Encourage residents to provide input
- Make relevant documents easily accessible
Is there a code of ethics for board members?
Most community associations have a code of ethics for board members to follow. The code outlines what board members are expected to do and not do as part of their duties to the community. The code of ethics can be found in the governing documents.
What traits do successful HOA board members have?
The HOA board of directors can make the difference between the community’s success and failure. The following are 10 signs that you're cut out to be the newest member of your HOA board:
- You're a leader.
- You have a passion for community.
- You can be objective.
- You value relationships.
- You're tenacious.
- You're a good mediator.
- You have a student mindest.
- You're a team player
- You're strategic.
- You're reliable.