--- title: Guidelines for the Homeowner Forum at HOA Board Meetings description: If a resident would like to bring an issue to the Board’s attention during a board meeting, they should be welcomed to speak during the homeowner forum image: https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/ThinkstockPhotos-501295529-People_with_speech_bubbles-1.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/guidelines-for-the-homeowner-forum-at-hoa-board-meetings#main-content) [OWNER PORTAL](https://www.hignellhoa.com/owner-portal)|[CALL (530) 419‑6032](tel:5304196032)[![GET A FREE HOA ANALYSIS](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/47820439/5c25c044-6299-494a-9ee9-03dd5dfc13a5.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/47820439/5c25c044-6299-494a-9ee9-03dd5dfc13a5)[![PURCHASE CONSULTING HOURS](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/47820439/3958a588-baae-4ff9-bd9d-021be597a7be.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/47820439/3958a588-baae-4ff9-bd9d-021be597a7be) Close ** Click to close ![Guidelines for the Homeowner Forum at HOA Board Meetings](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/ThinkstockPhotos-501295529-People_with_speech_bubbles-1.jpg) [HOA ManagementHOA Management](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/tag/hoa-management), [Member of HOAMember of HOA](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/tag/member-of-hoa), [HOA Board MeetingsHOA Board Meetings](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/tag/hoa-board-meetings) --- # Guidelines for the Homeowner Forum at HOA Board Meetings By  [ HOA Manager Written by HOA Manager ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/author/hoa-manager)    |    Jul 31, 2015 12:00:00 AM Share this Blog [![Share on facebook](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/facebook-icon.svg) ](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/guidelines-for-the-homeowner-forum-at-hoa-board-meetings&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [![Share on twitter](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/twitter-icon.svg) ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/guidelines-for-the-homeowner-forum-at-hoa-board-meetings&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/guidelines-for-the-homeowner-forum-at-hoa-board-meetings&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on instagram](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/instagram-icon.svg) ](http://www.instagram.com/share.php?u=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/guidelines-for-the-homeowner-forum-at-hoa-board-meetings&utm_medium=social&utm_source=instagram) [![Share on linkedin](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/linkedin-icon.svg) ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/guidelines-for-the-homeowner-forum-at-hoa-board-meetings&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [![Share on whatsapp](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/whatsapp-icon.svg) ](https://web.whatsapp.com) ![People_with_speech_bubbles](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/ThinkstockPhotos-501295529-People_with_speech_bubbles-1.jpg?width=311&name=ThinkstockPhotos-501295529-People_with_speech_bubbles-1.jpg "People_with_speech_bubbles")In homeowners associations, residents are encouraged to attend and observe HOA board meetings. Does your Association have many residents attend the board meetings? Some Associations have many residents that participate and attend meetings and other communities may never have a resident attend a meeting. This entirely depends on the Association. If a resident would like to bring an issue to the Board’s attention during a board meeting, they should be welcomed to speak during the [homeowner forum](https://www.davis-stirling.com/HOME/Open-Forums)—a time set aside just for homeowners so that everyone who attends has an opportunity for a meaningful exchange with the HOA board. ## Here are some guidelines to observe: - Although homeowners within the community are all neighbors, **a board meeting is a corporate business meeting**. Attendees should behave accordingly. - If a member would like to address the board, please have them **sign in when they arrive**. They will be called in the order in which they signed up. This allows the HOA board to contact the member should they need to gather further information on an issue and to report back to the member with an answer. - The homeowner forum is an** exchange of ideas, not a gripe session**. If a member is bringing a problem to the Board's attention, it is productive to hear ideas for a solution too. - To keep the meeting businesslike, it may be best for a member to **refrain from speaking if they are particularly upset about an issue**. Have them consider speaking later, speaking privately with a board member, or putting their concerns in writing and emailing them to the Board. - **Only one person may speak at a time.** Meeting attendees need to respect the opinion of others by remaining silent and still when someone else has the floor. - **Each member will be allowed to speak for no more than five minutes.** Meeting attendees need to respect the volunteers’ time by limiting their remarks. - If a member needs more than five minutes for the homeowner forum, the Board can have them **put their comments in writing**. Ask them to include background information, causes, circumstances, desired solutions and other considerations that they believe are important. The board may make the member's written summary an agenda item at the next meeting. The Board of Directors in a homeowners association may not be able to resolve all member concerns on the spot, and they may choose not to argue or debate an issue with a member during the homeowner forum.   The HOA board usually needs to discuss and vote on the issue first. But, at the very least, having guidelines to follow for the homeowner forum will help the board meeting run smoother and the exchange with members easier to manage. Share this Blog [![Share on facebook](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/facebook-icon.svg) ](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/guidelines-for-the-homeowner-forum-at-hoa-board-meetings&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [![Share on twitter](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/twitter-icon.svg) ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/guidelines-for-the-homeowner-forum-at-hoa-board-meetings&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/guidelines-for-the-homeowner-forum-at-hoa-board-meetings&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on instagram](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/instagram-icon.svg) ](http://www.instagram.com/share.php?u=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/guidelines-for-the-homeowner-forum-at-hoa-board-meetings&utm_medium=social&utm_source=instagram) [![Share on linkedin](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/linkedin-icon.svg) ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/guidelines-for-the-homeowner-forum-at-hoa-board-meetings&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [![Share on whatsapp](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/whatsapp-icon.svg) ](https://web.whatsapp.com) [** Previous Post Previous Post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-an-hoa-board-can-fly-through-a-fowl-situation-in-your-association) [** View all posts ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/) [Next Post ** Next Post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/new-bill-proposes-guidelines-for-turf-in-homeowners-associations) ## Recent Posts [![Can an HOA Board Make Important Decisions without Homeowners?-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/HOA%20Board%20Meeting%20-640178088-1.jpg) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/can-an-hoa-board-make-important-decisions-without-homeowners) ### [Can an HOA Board Make Important Decisions without Homeowners? Click to view Can an HOA Board Make Important Decisions without Homeowners?](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/can-an-hoa-board-make-important-decisions-without-homeowners) Can an HOA board make decisions without homeowner approval? In many cases, yes. HOA board members are elected... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/can-an-hoa-board-make-important-decisions-without-homeowners) [![HOA Management vs. HOA Consulting: Which Does Your California Board Need?-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/HOA%20Management%20vs.%20HOA%20Consulting%20Which%20Does%20Your%20Board%20Need.webp) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-management-vs-hoa-consulting) ### [HOA Management vs. HOA Consulting: Which Does Your California Board Need? Click to view HOA Management vs. HOA Consulting: Which Does Your California Board Need?](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-management-vs-hoa-consulting) Some HOA boards need consistent support managing day-to-day responsibilities, while others need expert... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-management-vs-hoa-consulting) [![HOA Rule Enforcement: Best Practices to Stay Fair, Legal, and Effective-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/HOA%20Rule%20Enforcement%20Best%20Practices%20to%20Stay%20Fair%20Legal%20and%20Effective.jpg) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-rule-enforcement-best-practices) ### [HOA Rule Enforcement: Best Practices to Stay Fair, Legal, and Effective Click to view HOA Rule Enforcement: Best Practices to Stay Fair, Legal, and Effective](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-rule-enforcement-best-practices) HOA rule enforcement plays a key role in maintaining a well-managed, high-functioning community. When rules... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-rule-enforcement-best-practices) [![The Role of an HOA Manager: What Boards Should Expect Before, During, and After the Working Relationship Begins-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/The%20Role%20of%20an%20HOA%20Manager_What%20Boards%20Should%20Expect%20Before%2c%20During%2c%20and%20After%20the%20Working%20Relationship%20Begins.jpg) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/the-role-of-an-hoa-manager-what-boards-should-expect) ### [The Role of an HOA Manager: What Boards Should Expect Before, During, and After the Working Relationship Begins Click to view The Role of an HOA Manager: What Boards Should Expect Before, During, and After the Working Relationship Begins](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/the-role-of-an-hoa-manager-what-boards-should-expect) Many HOA board members know when their community needs additional support, but it isn’t always clear what... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/the-role-of-an-hoa-manager-what-boards-should-expect) [![Budgeting for Major HOA Projects: How Boards Can Plan Without Special Assessments-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Budgeting%20for%20Major%20HOA%20Projects%20How%20Boards%20Can%20Plan%20Without%20Special%20Assessments.webp) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-budgeting-planning-major-projects-without-special-assessments) ### [Budgeting for Major HOA Projects: How Boards Can Plan Without Special Assessments Click to view Budgeting for Major HOA Projects: How Boards Can Plan Without Special Assessments](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-budgeting-planning-major-projects-without-special-assessments) Effective HOA budgeting plays a critical role in helping communities prepare for large repair and improvement... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-budgeting-planning-major-projects-without-special-assessments) [![HOA Insurance Explained: What Every Board Member Needs to Know in 2026-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/HOA%20Insurance%20Explained%20What%20Every%20Board%20Member%20Needs%20to%20Know%20in%202026.webp) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-insurance-explained-what-every-board-member-needs-to-know-in-2026) ### [HOA Insurance Explained: What Every Board Member Needs to Know in 2026 Click to view HOA Insurance Explained: What Every Board Member Needs to Know in 2026](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-insurance-explained-what-every-board-member-needs-to-know-in-2026) HOA insurance is one of the most important responsibilities an association board oversees. It protects the... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-insurance-explained-what-every-board-member-needs-to-know-in-2026) [![Understanding California HOA Laws in 2026: Key Updates for Boards-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Understanding%20California%20HOA%20Laws%20in%202026%20Key%20Updates%20for%20Boards.webp) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/understanding-california-hoa-laws-in-2026-key-updates-for-boards) ### [Understanding California HOA Laws in 2026: Key Updates for Boards Click to view Understanding California HOA Laws in 2026: Key Updates for Boards](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/understanding-california-hoa-laws-in-2026-key-updates-for-boards) California HOA laws continue to evolve year after year, and 2026 is no exception. New legislation, regulatory... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/understanding-california-hoa-laws-in-2026-key-updates-for-boards) [![How to Run Effective HOA Board Meetings (and Avoid Common Pitfalls)-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/senior-beautiful-woman-sitting-at-a-table-outside-2026-01-09-07-46-51-utc%20(2).jpg) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-to-run-hoa-meetings) ### [How to Run Effective HOA Board Meetings (and Avoid Common Pitfalls) Click to view How to Run Effective HOA Board Meetings (and Avoid Common Pitfalls)](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-to-run-hoa-meetings) HOA board meetings are essential to the health of a community, but they can easily become stressful,... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-to-run-hoa-meetings) [![Self-Managed HOA vs. Professional Management: A Cost-Benefit Guide-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Self-Managed%20vs%20Professional%20HOA%20Management%20A%20Cost-Benefit%20Guide%20for%20Boards.jpg) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/self-managed-hoa-vs-professional-management) ### [Self-Managed HOA vs. Professional Management: A Cost-Benefit Guide Click to view Self-Managed HOA vs. Professional Management: A Cost-Benefit Guide](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/self-managed-hoa-vs-professional-management) Many HOA boards start out self-managed because it seems like the most cost-effective approach. Without... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/self-managed-hoa-vs-professional-management) [![The Essential HOA Board Responsibilities That Guide Every Community-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/An%20HOA%20board%20meeting%20at%20an%20outdoor%20table%20with%20laptops.jpg) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/10-fundamental-principles-of-a-homeowners-association) ### [The Essential HOA Board Responsibilities That Guide Every Community Click to view The Essential HOA Board Responsibilities That Guide Every Community](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/10-fundamental-principles-of-a-homeowners-association) Homeowners associations play a big role in keeping neighborhoods well-maintained, financially healthy, and... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/10-fundamental-principles-of-a-homeowners-association) ** Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of [website accessibility](https://userway.org) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "HOA Manager", "url" : "https://blog.hignellhoa.com/author/hoa-manager" }, "dateModified" : "2024-12-16T23:53:53.073Z", "datePublished" : "2015-07-31T04:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Guidelines for the Homeowner Forum at HOA Board Meetings", "image" : [ "https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/ThinkstockPhotos-501295529-People_with_speech_bubbles-1.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.hignellhoa.com/guidelines-for-the-homeowner-forum-at-hoa-board-meetings", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Hignell-Property-Management/Hignell-logo-2023.svg" } } } ```