Across the country, HOA board members volunteer thousands of hours each year to serve their communities. If compensated for their time, the estimated annual value of their contributions would exceed $2 billion.
But what exactly does an HOA board member do, and what is the purpose of an HOA board in the first place?
In this article, we’ll break down the roles and responsibilities of HOA board members and explore what they receive in return for their time and dedication.
What Is an HOA Board?
A homeowners association (HOA) is typically structured as a non-profit organization.
Like any organization, it requires a governing body to ensure smooth operations and guide it toward its long-term goals. That governing body is the board of directors.
HOA Board Members
An HOA board is only effective when it has members who are authorized and committed to act on behalf of the community.
In most cases, board members are residents elected by their fellow homeowners to serve as representatives. Depending on the state and the size of the association, a board may consist of as few as three members or as many as nine.
We’ll dive into the specific roles later, but for now, it’s important to understand that each board member holds a duty of care to the community.
To uphold this duty, board members are expected to:
Act in good faith, always prioritizing the best interests of the community
Understand the HOA’s governing documents and relevant state regulations
Stay informed before making decisions or casting votes
Purpose of an HOA Board
Having a board gives elected homeowners “apparent authority” over major decisions affecting the HOA.
That means that board members don’t have much authority as individuals. They can’t sway the community one way or the other based on whims. They do, however, have control when they vote collectively.
So a board member’s support for a motion doesn’t necessarily carry more weight than any other regular homeowner’s support, unless enough board members share this point of view.
Side Note: There might be exceptions in the HOA’s governing documents. For instance, the board might grant one person the authority to buy materials for an event without needing prior approval for each item.
Responsibilities of HOA Board Members
What are the responsibilities of HOA board members? The responsibility range can change from one homeowners’ association to another.
This is partially because of state and local laws. However, the association’s bylaws also play a role. Each residential community has different needs, and the HOA’s structure has to cater to these demands.
That being said, there are some core HOA board members’ responsibilities to expect.
Updating and Enforcing Governing Documents
Most HOAs have three types of governing documents. The first is the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs), which define the rights and obligations between the association and the members. This record is usually kept on file with the state as well.
Another important document is the bylaws, and it focuses on the governance details. It covers everything from board elections to quorums and meeting frequencies.
The third document is the Rules and Regulations, which is a broad term for anything not covered by the first two