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5 Tips for Filling Board Member Vacancies

Published Date

Condominium associations aren’t immune to abrupt resignations and unanticipated changes to the board's structure. It’s difficult to predict when a change will occur and how the leaders and community will be affected, but your board should know what to do if a board vacancy arises. To help you prepare, we’re sharing five tips and best practices for filling condo board member vacancies.

1. Look to the governing documents first.

Governing documents are, in essence, the constitution, law, and regulations that explain how a community is governed. Before acting, refer to these documents on the legalities of filling a board member’s seat when it becomes available. Within them, you’ll find information and guidelines about board member elections, resignations, removals, appointments, eligibility, and more. You should also check provincial, local, or federal laws and ensure compliance. As always, consult your attorney if needed.

2. Evaluate the necessity of a new board member.

Once a seat becomes vacant, your board may be overwhelmed and unaware of what actions to take next. While filling that spot may seem like the appropriate move, it might not be necessary, as long as quorum can be achieved at a meeting. Here’s what to consider:

  • Determine board morale. Is the board of directors currently a positive or negative environment? Will the addition of a new board member improve or damage board morale?
  • Confirm the board can handle its workload. Have the exiting board member’s duties been assigned to existing members? Can the existing board effectively fulfill these new duties and previous ones? Will the board now lack expertise without the exiting board member?
  • Ensure you’re working within all applicable laws and guidelines. Every condo has to be compliant with the Condo Act & Declaration, ensuring the positions are filled. 
  • Get a pulse on membership. Will members feel excluded from the opportunity to serve on the board if there is an open seat? Will members believe the board is acting out of authority if someone new is appointed?

3. Communicate with homeowners.

Communicate the update to residents, and if you’re looking to fill the role immediately, encourage interested candidates to apply. Depending on the situation, you may even want the resigning board member to help vet or recommend their replacement. Remember they might still live in the neighbourhood, so keep a professional tone, thank them for serving their community, and follow the communication guidelines outlined in your governing documents and in accordance with legislation.  

4. Create a board member job description.

To help fill the role with a suitable prospect, demonstrate your due diligence by creating a job description that clearly identifies the commitment involved and the skills that would be valuable in the position. The more information you share, the more likely you are to find a dedicated member who will have a lasting and impactful tenure on the board. When communicating about the vacancy and requesting a new volunteer, include a job description that entails: 

  • General overview of the role, responsibilities, and requirements
  • Board meeting frequency and attendance requirements
  • How many hours per week or month they’d need to dedicate to board duties
  • Any specialized skill that would help the volunteer excel in their role (i.e., for a treasurer, financial acumen would be helpful)

5. Don’t rush the process.

While your board may be eager to fill the vacant seat, it’s important to be careful and methodical in how you appoint or select a new board member. Take your time and thoughtfully seek to identify potential candidates who will strengthen the board. Board members should be of high character and integrity, active and positive in the community, willing to devote sufficient time to fulfilling their responsibilities, and free of any interest that would violate laws and interfere with proper performance.