How to Address HOA Board Bullies

A homeowners’ association (HOA) board bully can quietly destabilize even the most well-run communities. When intimidation replaces collaboration and erodes trust, decision-making suffers, potentially exposing your association to many risks and low morale. By addressing bullying behavior promptly and professionally, you protect the board’s integrity and homeowner confidence. Read on to learn more about the warning signs of a board bully and how to handle a bully who serves on the board.

What Is an HOA Board Bully?

An HOA board bully is a director or officer who uses tone, authority, or procedural manipulation to dominate decisions or silence others. This behavior might include intimidation, dismissive communication, or pressuring votes outside of established processes. In some cases, it can escalate into HOA harassment.

Who’s Affected by a Board Bully’s Behavior?

The impact of a board bully extends far beyond the conference table. Bullying can affect different segments of the community.

• Board Members. A board may experience reduced participation and disengagement from a bully on the board, fracturing teamwork.

• Homeowners. Homeowners might feel targeted or ignored by a board bully, which makes them reluctant to raise legitimate concerns. This environment fuels complaints tied to HOA board intimidation and can weaken the community’s confidence in board decisions.

• Vendor Partners. Vendor partners often hesitate to work with associations where leadership interactions are hostile or inconsistent, which increases turnover and delays. It could also affect your property’s contract costs.

Collaborative boards experience higher homeowner satisfaction and better compliance. Well-balanced, collaborative boards are also typically more financially stable.

“Everyone has the ability to be a good team player. When you’re respectful, open-minded, and ready to offer a helping hand, the power of your board is sure to grow.”

Deidre McCarthy CMCA^®, AMS^®, director of operations for Homeside Properties, Inc.

Four Warning Signs a Board Member Is a Bully

Early recognition of the following behaviors allows boards to intervene before issues escalate and become harder to correct.

1. Confrontational Language

Persistent aggressive, dismissive, or demeaning language during meetings, on emails, or in public forums is a common early indicator.

2. HOA Selective Enforcement

Applying rules inconsistently, especially when enforcement appears personal or retaliatory, exposes the association to claims and reputational harm. Associa has tips on how to keep selective enforcement out of your community.

3. Ignored Procedures

Bullying board members might bypass agendas and pressure votes outside of meetings, weakening governance safeguards.

4. Conflicts of Interest

When personal interests influence decisions, credibility erodes, and fiduciary duties may be compromised. Proactive disclosure and enforcement are essential to avoid conflicts of interest.

“To build on teamwork, I always recommend you communicate with one another, establish clear roles, attend board seminars together, and have conflict resolution practices.”

Jesse Dubuque GRI^®, CMCA^®, General Manager for Associa Minnesota

What Are the Risks to the Association?

Allowing bullying behavior to continue creates measurable risks that extend beyond interpersonal conflict. Here are the biggest risks of a board bully.

• Insurance Coverage Concerns. Director and officer (D&O) policies might exclude coverage for claims involving harassment, discrimination, or willful misconduct.

• Board Cohesion. Ongoing intimidation undermines trust and delays decisions. It can also lead to weakened strategic planning.

• Loss of Vendor and Homeowner Cooperation. Vendors might decline to renew contracts, and homeowners might disengage, increasing operational inefficiencies and enforcement challenges.

How to Handle Board Bullies in an HOA

An effective response focuses on structure and consistency. However, there must also be shared accountability rather than emotion. To handle the situation professionally, consider:

• Setting Clear Policies and Consistent Enforcement. Bullying behavior often thrives in environments where expectations are vague or accountability mechanisms are weak.

• Acknowledging the Issue Internally. Address concerns during executive sessions to prevent misinformation and ensure transparency.

• Reinforcing Decision-Making Boundaries. Anchor discussions to fiduciary duties, governing documents, and formal voting protocols.

• Sticking to Procedures. Following a consistent agenda helps reduce the opportunity for unilateral action.

• Avoiding Direct Confrontation Alone. One-on-one discussions can increase risk. Facilitate neutrality by engaging management or counsel to help de-escalate conflict.

• Getting Advice from Legal or Management. Professional managers bring experience in conflict resolution and governance compliance.

• Holding an Expectation Meeting. Bringing the full board and management together to review expectations—using a stop–start–continue framework—can help address and correct any bullying or disruptive behaviors while reinforcing standards for professional conduct.

Legal Rights When Facing HOA Bullies

Boards may have defined tools and obligations when addressing bullying behavior. When addressing a board bully, consider these measures:

• Review Governing Documents. Bylaws and Covenants Codes & Restrictions (CC&Rs) define standards of conduct, enforcement authority, and disciplinary procedures. These documents should be used as a guideline for every response to misconduct.

• Document Incidents and Complaints. Objective, detailed records, including dates, witnesses, and exact language used, strengthen internal reviews and protect the association if disputes escalate.

• Request Meeting Minutes to Reflect Objections. Accurate minutes provide institutional memory and legal protection. Some state laws, like California Civil Code 5200, grant member access to association records and meeting minutes.

• Seek Legal Counsel. Association attorneys provide legal advice on enforcement authority and defamation risks, as well as any other procedural compliance issues you might encounter. Early legal input often prevents costly escalation.

• Consider Removal Options. Some documents may allow the removal of directors or officers through board action or member vote. Strict adherence to stated procedures preserves legitimacy and reduces liability.

LEARN MORE: “How to Remove an HOA Board Member”

How Can Boards Improve Teamwork?

Boards can improve teamwork by creating opportunities for members and residents to connect beyond formal meetings and decisions. Encouraging shared experiences, like community events, group activities, and collaborative planning, builds familiarity and trust, which leads to mutual respect.

When boards promote inclusive gatherings and support activities that bring people together, they ultimately strengthen relationships and create a more cooperative, engaged team focused on shared goals rather than individual agendas.

“Managed communities are generally great places to live—but you get what you give. In my experience, if board members do these three things, it leads to a positive environment: maintain transparency, provide top-notch services, and practice professionalism.” 

Jesse Dubuque GRI^®, CMCA^®, General Manager for Associa Minnesota

How to Prevent Future Conduct Issues

Addressing an HOA board bully requires clarity and consistency. It also requires commitment to governance standards. Long-term prevention depends on a positive leadership culture as much as it does on enforcement.

Effective boards:

• Adopt a written code of conduct.

• Provide onboarding and governance training for new directors.

• Normalize respectful disagreement and documented decision-making.

• Engage professional management and legal advisors early.

Boards seeking structured assistance can benefit from reading the 6 Conflict Resolution Best Practices for HOA Board Members, which outlines proven techniques for managing conflict while maintaining professionalism and trust.

“A community’s board must support, trust, and lean on one another to lead successfully.” 

Jesse Dubuque GRI^®, CMCA^®, General Manager for Associa Minnesota

FAQs about HOA Board Bullies

1. How to rid HOA board members that are toxic?

Toxic behavior should be addressed through documentation, policy enforcement, and removal procedures outlined in governing documents. Connect with an HOA attorney when needed.

2. What is an example of HOA harassment?

Examples include repeated hostile communications, threats related to enforcement actions, or intimidation intended to silence homeowners or fellow directors.

3. What are the signs of a dysfunctional board?

Common indicators include personal disputes and inconsistent enforcement. A dysfunctional board may miss agendas or minutes and have poor vendor relationships.

4. What is unprofessional conduct of a board member?

Unprofessional conduct includes bullying, selective enforcement, ignoring fiduciary duties, and behavior that undermines ethical standards or community trust.

Reviewed for accuracy using Associa community association governance resources.

This article was prepared using publicly available data from leading housing and real estate publications. Additional insights reflect industry best practices informed by Associa’s experience supporting homeowner associations across North America through community management, financial services, and resident education.