HOA boards are the governing bodies that make decisions affecting your community and property. Understanding board structure, member roles, and decision-making processes helps you participate effectively and hold boards accountable.
What Is an HOA Board?
An HOA board is a group of elected homeowners responsible for managing the association. Boards make decisions about finances, maintenance, rules, and community operations. They act on behalf of all homeowners and are subject to governing documents and state laws.
Board Composition
Board size and structure vary:
- Size: Typically 3-7 members, often 5
- Election: Board members are elected by homeowners
- Terms: Usually 1-3 year terms, often staggered
- Requirements: Must be homeowners in good standing
- Compensation: Usually volunteer positions (unpaid)
Board Member Roles
Common board positions include:
President
- Leads board meetings
- Represents the association
- Oversees board operations
- Signs contracts and documents
- Works with management company
Vice President
- Assists the president
- Acts in president's absence
- May oversee specific committees
Secretary
- Maintains meeting minutes
- Manages association records
- Handles correspondence
- Maintains membership records
Treasurer
- Oversees finances
- Reviews budgets and financial statements
- Monitors reserve funds
- Works with accountants
- Reports on financial status
Members at Large
- Participate in board decisions
- May chair committees
- Represent homeowner interests
Board Powers and Authority
Boards have authority to:
- Manage Finances: Create budgets, set fees, manage reserves
- Enforce Rules: Enforce CC&Rs and bylaws
- Make Decisions: Approve contracts, projects, and policies
- Hire Services: Contract with management companies, vendors
- Maintain Property: Oversee maintenance and repairs
- Adopt Policies: Create rules and policies (within limits)
Board powers are limited by:
- Governing documents (CC&Rs, bylaws)
- State and federal laws
- Homeowner voting requirements
- Fiduciary duties
Decision-Making Processes
Boards make decisions through:
Board Meetings
- Regular meetings (often monthly or quarterly)
- Open meetings (homeowners can attend)
- Executive sessions (closed, for sensitive matters)
- Voting on motions and proposals
- Majority or supermajority requirements
Voting Requirements
- Quorum: Minimum members needed to conduct business
- Majority Vote: Most decisions require majority
- Supermajority: Major decisions may require 2/3 or 3/4 vote
- Unanimous: Some decisions require all board members
Board Limitations
Boards cannot:
- Act beyond their authority in governing documents
- Violate state or federal laws
- Make decisions that require homeowner votes
- Act in self-interest or discriminate
- Spend beyond approved budgets without approval
- Amend CC&Rs without homeowner approval
Fiduciary Duties
Board members have fiduciary duties:
- Duty of Care: Act with reasonable care and diligence
- Duty of Loyalty: Act in association's best interests
- Duty of Obedience: Follow governing documents and laws
- Conflicts of Interest: Disclose and avoid conflicts
Homeowner Rights
As a homeowner, you have rights regarding boards:
- Right to Vote: Vote in board elections
- Right to Run: Run for board positions
- Right to Attend: Attend open board meetings
- Right to Information: Access records and documents
- Right to Participate: Speak at meetings (within limits)
- Right to Challenge: Challenge improper board actions
Red Flags
Watch out for boards that:
- Make decisions in secret
- Don't follow proper procedures
- Act beyond their authority
- Show favoritism or discrimination
- Have conflicts of interest
- Don't respond to homeowner concerns
- Lack transparency
Conclusion
Understanding HOA board structure helps you participate effectively in community governance. By knowing board roles, powers, and limitations, you can hold boards accountable and ensure proper community management. Consider running for the board if you want to contribute to community decision-making.