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How to Become an HOA Board Member

In a community governed by a homeowners’ association (HOA), residents have an opportunity to get involved and shape the future by serving on their board of directors. Becoming an HOA board member allows you to contribute your skills, share your perspective, and directly impact your community. If you’re thinking about running for a position on your board of directors, follow our step-by-step guide on how to become a board member.

1. Understand HOA Board Member Responsibilities

Before jumping into a board election, it’s important to understand what board members do. HOA board members manage community operations, uphold governing documents, oversee the financials, and make decisions on behalf of residents. HOA board of directors responsibilities range from creating budgets and hiring vendors to enforcing rules and addressing homeowner concerns and conflicts. Board members also have a fiduciary duty, a legal responsibility tied to acting in good faith. Fiduciary duties include:

  • The Duty of Utmost Care, to make the most informed and reasonable decisions.

  • The Duty of Integrity, to act with honesty and professionalism.
  • The Duty of Full Disclosure, to lead with transparency.

  • The Duty of Loyalty, to leave personal agendas and preferences aside for the community. 

With so much on your plate, becoming a board member is a big commitment. Anyone looking to participate must fully comprehend the role and possess the right attributes to thrive.

Learn More: Understanding the Fiduciary Duties of an HOA Board

2. Confirm That You Qualify

Every HOA operates differently, but most HOAs often specify that prospective board members must:

  • Be association residents
  • Have no delinquencies
  • Have never previously served on the board

  • Have no legal issues with the association
  • Have no family or business relationships with other board members

  • Have no felony convictions 

     

3. Learn About Your Community’s Election Procedures

Most HOAs have formal election procedures that can be found in the bylaws. When you familiarize yourself with the election process, you’ll be more confident with the structure and can set expectations. Typically, HOA elections take place in these steps:

  1. An upcoming election and open board seats are announced.

  2. The election is organized according to the HOA's rules, which detail a process for candidates to get on the ballot, how they can campaign, how community members can vote, what board meetings will relate to the election, and more.

  3. The election is carried out, votes are tallied, and winners are determined. Usually, an election occurs at the annual meeting, but depending on your community, votes may be submitted through the mail or electronically. Tallying the votes may take a few days or several weeks.

  4. The election is closed, and new directors and officers assume their roles. 

Learn More: HOA Board Elections: How to Get It Right

4. Study Your Governing Documents & Other Laws

A board member should comprehend the structure and operations of an HOA, its governing documents, and applicable local, state, or federal laws. HOA governing documents are legally binding documents that explain how a community is governed. They set expectations for residents, board members, and vendors and establish how the HOA is run. Critical governing document sections include: 

  • Federal and State Laws: Laws and statutes passed by federal or state authorities supersede other HOA  documents.

  • Bylaws: The rulebook for the HOA’s day-to-day management, bylaws describe how the association is governed and board nomination processes, election frequencies, term lengths, and quorum requirements.

  • Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions (CC&Rs): HOA CC&Rs detail the community’s development, operation, and configuration and cover the rights and obligations of the association, board, and residents. You’ll see information about fees, maintenance, architectural standards, and more. 

  • Rules and Regulations: Additional restrictions that help reinforce the CC&Rs, such as the rules and regulations, may include guidelines related to fences, parking, amenities, and pets.

 

Learn More: 5 Common HOA Rules: Why They’re So Prevalent & Here to Stay

5. Refine Your Skills

Every HOA board member has a responsibility to maintain the association at the highest level. To be successful, board members must hold various professional skills. Some qualities that make a good HOA board member include:

  • Leadership: All positions, especially the HOA board president, must be ready to lead their community. Improve your leadership by participating in board education sessions and doing research.

  • Team mindset: Relationships are at the core of successful communities. Whether you’re a vice president leading committees or a secretary recording minutes, make sure you’re networking with fellow board members, residents, and even other HOAs to stay informed on how to best serve your association.

  •  Problem-solving: Unfortunately, issues are bound to arise. Be prepared to handle them by connecting with local agencies that can provide resources and support, like your local health department or animal control.

  • Communication skills: Listening and communicating are vital to connecting with fellow board members and the community at large.
  • Financial acumen: Your treasurer must understand how to budget and allocate association funds.

6. Get Nominated

To formalize your intent to run for the board, you often have to be nominated. Common nomination methods include:

  • Traditional nomination: An HOA member in good standing nominates another resident in good standing. Depending on your HOA bylaws, this nomination may need a "second" to confirm.

  • Self-nomination: A person interested in a particular position on the HOA board puts their name forward for consideration. Most HOAs allow this option, though the candidate must meet outlined qualifications.
  • Floor nominations: When members nominate another member in a meeting. Typically, no second is required.

  • Write-in candidates: Any voting member could write any qualified member's name on the ballot even if they aren’t listed as a candidate.

7. Run for a Position & Campaign

After your candidacy is confirmed, it’s time to run and campaign. Attend board meetings to spread the word about your plans, meet neighbors one-on-one, and share details about your goals through fliers, emails, and other permitted communication tools. Refer to your governing documents for restrictions about these interactions and procedures.

8. Wait for Votes & an Announcement

HOA elections usually happen at an association’s annual meeting. After homeowners’ votes are submitted, they’re tallied, and the newly elected board members are announced. Once announced, new members may sign official documents, and some communities may host a celebration or ceremony to recognize new leadership. 

9. Make a Good First Impression

Following the election, aim to impress through strong communication, planning, time management, negotiation, and problem-solving. From day one, remember to:

  • Be punctual

  • Attend meetings

  • Offer valuable input

  • Actively listen

  • Connect with homeowners

  • Attend board education sessions

  • Pursue professional certifications 

You Learned How to Become an HOA Board Member; What’s Next?

Now that you know how to become a board member, you’re just getting started! For additional support in leading your community, check out our “Complete HOA Board Member Starter Guide” ebook. In it, you’ll find details on board officer roles, tips on how to be successful in your role, conflict mitigation strategies, and more.