Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs for Board Members
What are the responsibilities of an HOA/Condominium Association board member?
Board members are responsible for managing the community's common areas, enforcing rules and regulations, planning budgets, and overseeing repairs and maintenance.
How are board members elected?
Board members are typically elected by the homeowners during annual general meetings. The specific election process can be found in the association's bylaws.
What are the financial responsibilities of the board?
The board is responsible for creating and maintaining a budget, setting and collecting assessments, and managing funds to cover maintenance, improvements, and reserves for future expenses.
How often should the board meet?
The frequency of board meetings can vary, but it's common to have quarterly meetings. The bylaws of the association should specify the minimum number of meetings per year.
Can board decisions be appealed by homeowners?
Homeowners can generally voice concerns or appeal decisions through specific processes outlined in the governing documents, often during open forum sessions of board meetings.
What is the role of a property manager in relation to the board?
A property manager assists the board by handling day-to-day operations, facilitating communications, enforcing community rules, and often acting as an advisor on various issues.
How can a board member manage conflicts of interest?
Board members should disclose any potential conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from voting on matters where they might have a personal or financial interest.
What are the legal obligations of a board member?
Board members must act in the best interest of the association, adhering to state laws and the association’s governing documents, while exercising reasonable care and good faith in their duties.
How does the board handle rule enforcement and violations?
The board should enforce rules consistently and fairly, with a clear process for issuing warnings, imposing fines, or taking corrective actions as detailed in the governing documents.
What training or resources are available for new board members?
Many associations provide orientation sessions, and there are also external resources like workshops, online courses, and guidance from industry organizations that can help new board members understand their roles and responsibilities.