Board of Director meetings

A reader in Montana asked if meetings of the Board are open to non-Board members. It's not uncommon for Board member meetings to be held in closed session so that confidential matters related to finances or individual homeowners may be addressed.

Frequency of meetings

A reader recently asked how often her HOA should be conducting meetings. As I often do, I will ask you to consult the CCRs and/or the Bylaws of your Association. These documents should explain the minimum required meeting schedule of the HOA and the necessary steps the to be taken to properly notify homeowners of the meeting. Some HOAs conduct monthly meetings while others may meet quarterly or less often.

Lack of homeowner participation

I must admit that I'm pretty amazed at the level of apathy that I see in some of the communities. I continually stress to residents that based on my experience, the few are creating rules and implementing policy for the many. I typically see about 5-15% turnout in the HOA meetings and this is not the most favorable scenario for a well run community. In light of the current economy and the risk of foreclosures and budget deficits in the communities, the HOAs are highly dependent upon the proactive participation of the homeowners.

Can you please explain what an HOA is in simple terms? I thought our management company was part of the HOA.

Sure, an HOA is a Homeowner's Association. In simple terms you can think of your HOA as if it were a city within your city that is governed by a Board of Directors and Officers and is assisted by various committees. When you purchase your home in a deed restricted community you become a member of the Association and you cannot opt out. In other words, membership is mandatory.

The HOA exists in order to preserve and maintain the community where your city will not. The management company that works with your HOA is not part of the HOA and its employees are not members of the HOA. Only homeowners are members of the HOA. The management company is a contracted service provider that is hired to manage the affairs of the HOA on behalf of the members of the HOA.