3 Common Questions About an HOA Board of Directors

The Board of Directions of an Association is responsible for protecting, maintaining and enhancing the community. Knowing who the members of the Board are and having a basic understanding of what they do is a good way for all members of the Association to stay informed.

1.  Why should HOA board members be homeowners in the Association?

A homeowners association is run by a Board of Directors that is usually made up of homeowners who live in the Association. It’s rare that someone who is not a unit owner in the Association would be a member of the HOA Board.

People who are actually homeowners in the Association will have a different perspective on issues in the association community because they are directly impacted by them. This is especially true when it comes to decisions relating to monetary issues, like HOA fees.

Homeowners will also care more about the future and make plans for the Association by considering the big picture, instead of just immediate ramifications. If there's a circumstance where a member of the HOA board is not a homeowner in the Association, then this person most likely would not have voting rights.

2.  What are the offices of the Board of Directors?

In general, the HOA Board of Directors will have the offices of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Member at Large. The officers are usually elected at the first Board meeting following the annual association meeting. The term of office for a board member typically lasts one year. The duties for each office look something like this:

President

• Presides at all HOA board meetings
• Makes sure orders and resolutions are carried out
• Signs contracts and co-signs checks

Vice-President

• Takes the place of the President when he/she is absent
• Performs other duties as required

Secretary

• Keeps meeting minutes
• Records votes
• Signs contracts on behalf of the Association
• Sends meeting notifications
• Keeps member records current

Treasurer

• Receives and deposits monies
• Signs checks
• Keeps the accounting books
• Schedules an annual audit of the accounting books
• Prepares the annual budget

Member at Large

• Fifth voting member of the HOA board
• Performs duties as assigned

3.  What other duties does an HOA board have?

The CC&Rs and Bylaws in a homeowners association will detail the responsibilities of the Board. In general though, an HOA board can also:

• Adopt and change Rules & Regulations to protect the homeowners, relating to the use of common areas and personal conduct of HOA members
• Employ a manger or independent contractor
• Set the amount of HOA fees each year

Board members should be fair, honest and always keep the homeowner’s best interest top of mind. Most importantly, an HOA board is there to represent and support all members of the homeowners association. But who supports the Board? If your Board could use help governing the Association, then you may benefit from hiring an HOA manager.