Landscaping is an important part of every community. Not only do neatly manicured lawns, well-maintained trees, and beautiful flowers improve the overall aesthetics of the neighborhood, but they also help boost property values. As a result, the HOA’s responsibility for maintaining the landscaping of the community’s common areas is one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. […]
Why Is It So Hard to Get Quorum (and New Board Members) in NYC Coops?
If you’re on a coop or condo board, you already know: getting enough shareholders or unit owners to show up at the annual meeting can feel like pulling teeth. And when it comes to finding people willing to run for the board? That’s often even harder. So what gives? Read the article…………………………….
Volunteer leadership: 5 questions to guide a board’s fiduciary duty
April is National Volunteer Month, an excellent time to celebrate the volunteers that help community associations thrive. Fiduciary duty is a critical component of successful volunteer leadership. As a board member, fiduciary duty represents my responsibility to make sound decisions that allow my community to operate as outlined by our governing documents. An association board […]
BrainyBoard
Brainy Board is a streaming service and educational resource for community association board members. Watch the webinars……………………….
Do’s and Don’ts for Running a Community Association
Community associations are receiving a lot more press these days than in the past, and most of it is less than flattering. Let’s face it, nobody wants to read a story about all of the thousands of associations that are doing things right. People are only interested in the bad news, even if it is […]
The Dos and Don’ts for Successful HOA Task Management (OH)
Serving on a homeowner’s association (HOA) management board comes with plenty of challenges. There’s no shortage of responsibilities—budgeting, resident concerns, maintenance, event planning—but there is a shortage of time. Without a clear system in place, tasks can pile up, meetings can stretch on without resolution, and community members can feel unheard. That’s where a well-structured […]
A Baker’s Dozen – Risky Actions by Community Association Board Members (OH)
It is well-established that Association Board members (directors and officers) have fiduciary duties to their owners and associations. Failure to adhere to them can result in lawsuits against the associations, their directors, and officers. Unfortunately, directors and officers sometimes increase their risk by engaging in behaviors that make lawsuits more likely. So, the question becomes, […]
When Boards Go Silent: What to Do When Your Association Becomes ‘Headless’ (IL)
What happens when your condo or HOA board stops functioning—when board members resign, stop responding, or disappear altogether? This situation, sometimes referred to as a “headless association,” can leave communities in limbo—without leadership, financial oversight, or the authority to make essential decisions. The recent article from CooperatorNews sheds light on this increasingly common issue, and […]
HOA Q&A: Can the board president use HOA money to make political contributions? (FL)
Q: Is it legal for a board President to use HOA funds to make political contributions? A: NO. First and foremost, assessments collected from the members of the association may only be expended on common expenses of the association. Read the Q&A………………………………..
Reviewing HOA Financials
Reviewing your HOA’s financial statements isn’t just a best practice—it’s essential for protecting your community’s long-term stability. Whether you’re a seasoned board member or new to HOA leadership, knowing what to look for in your financial reports can help you spot trends, catch inconsistencies, and confidently make informed decisions. Read the article…………………………….
HOA Board of Directors Duties
HOA Board of Directors Duties – Who are they, and what do they do? Generally, an HOA Board of Directors comprises community volunteers elected by fellow residents to serve on the Board and make decisions on the residents’ behalf regarding the HOA. Read the article…………………………….
Engaging New Condo Owners: Filling Board Vacancies After a Board Member Sells (IL)
When a board member sells their condo, it creates a vacancy that needs to be filled. This transition is a valuable opportunity to engage new owners early and help them understand their role in the community. With the right tools and support your association can streamline the transition and empower new owners to become actively […]
Educational Requirements for Boards (FL)
With this year’s elections of Boards of Directors behind us for many associations, newly elected or appointed directors of residential condominiums, cooperatives, and homeowners’ associations need to be aware of the educational requirements and deadlines for these requirements to start off on the right foot for a successful term as a director. Read the article…………………………….
HOA Board Responsibilities: What Every Board Member Should Know (CA)
If you’re part of a homeowners’ association (HOA), you know how important it is to keep your community running smoothly. That responsibility often falls on the shoulders of the HOA board. Whether you’re a new board member or have years of experience, understanding your role is essential for creating a well-managed, thriving neighborhood. Understanding your […]
5 Common Challenges HOA Boards Face and How to Overcome Them
Running a community association should – and can! – be a rewarding experience. A well-organized HOA board creates a thriving neighborhood, maintains property values, and fosters strong community relationships. When finances, responsibilities, and communication stay on track, expectations remain clear, operations run smoothly, and both board members and homeowners feel confident in the community association’s […]
How To Create An HOA Board Handbook
An HOA Board Handbook is an essential resource for board members, providing clarity on governance, responsibilities, and best practices. It helps maintain consistency, prevents misunderstandings, and serves as a guide for both new and existing board members. A well-structured board handbook outlines the association’s mission, policies, and procedures, making it easier for board members to […]
Board Responsibilities in a Community Association
Community Associations are responsible for managing and maintaining the common areas, amenities, and services within a residential community. To ensure the smooth running of a community association, a board of directors is typically elected or appointed to oversee the management and decision-making processes. This blog post will discuss the association’s board of directors responsibilities and […]
What Are The Legal Liabilities Of HOA Board Members?
Understanding the legal liabilities of HOA board members is critical to smooth leadership and operations. Board members volunteer their time and services to help the association. However, the role also comes with its fair share of legal hazards. Board members often expose themselves to possible liability simply by representing the HOA. Read the article…………………………….
Preventing Burnout Among HOA Board Members
Serving on a homeowners’ association (HOA) board is an essential but often demanding role. Board members are responsible for maintaining the community’s financial health, enforcing rules, managing vendors, and addressing homeowner concerns – all on a volunteer basis. Over time, these responsibilities can lead to burnout, causing disengagement, frustration, and even resignations. Read the article…………………………….
HOA Q&A: Are minutes required at a workshop attended by the Board of Directors? (FL)
Q: We recently had a workshop that was attended by a quorum of the Board of Directors, and over 50% of the membership. This was a two-hour discussion about updating our covenants. If this is not an official board meeting, are minutes still required? Read the Q&A………………………………..
Protect Your HOA From Lawsuits
As a concerned leader in your community, you’re happy to have joined your HOA board. Now let’s go deeper into one aspect of your new responsibilities: protecting your HOA and board from HOA lawsuits. It’s a critical concern for any community association, and expand on each point to provide a more comprehensive understanding. Read the […]
Attracting And Retaining Active Board Members
A strong, well-functioning homeowners’ association (HOA) depends on committed board members who actively participate in governance and decision-making. However, many communities struggle to attract and retain engaged board members, leading to burnout, disorganization, and inefficiency. Read the article…………………………….
Attracting And Retaining Active Board Members (CA)
A strong, well-functioning homeowners’ association (HOA) depends on committed board members who actively participate in governance and decision-making. However, many communities struggle to attract and retain engaged board members, leading to burnout, disorganization, and inefficiency. Encouraging homeowners to step up and serve on the HOA board requires strategic outreach, clear expectations, and a culture of […]
7 Habits of Highly Effective Board Members
Learn how to be an effective HOA or Condo Board Member by watching our recent webinar, “7 Habits of Highly Effective Board Members” presented by Dan Tiernan from Campbell Property Management. This webinar touches on the following 7 habits of successful HOA and Condo Board Members: Watch the webinar……………………….
Best HOA Board Nomination Statement Examples
Homeowners’ Association (HOA) board elections play a key role in shaping a well-managed and thriving community. If you’re thinking about running for a position, your HOA board nomination statement is your chance to introduce yourself, highlight your qualifications, and explain why you’re the right choice. Read the article…………………………….
Litigation Threats by Unit Owner Unsettling (FL)
Q: How can condominium associations handle a unit owner who frequently threatens lawsuits against the association and its board members, especially when these actions seem frivolous and disrupt our ability to manage the community? Read the Q&A………………………………..
Three Ways to Reduce and Handle HOA Board Resignations
Many homeowners are eager to get involved in their HOA, often volunteering to serve on the HOA board of directors to help improve their community. Some board members bring professional expertise—like CPAs serving as treasurers—while others are motivated by a desire to contribute to the well-being and success of their neighborhood. Read the article…………………………….
The Lowdown on HOA Responsibility (FL)
Being on your homeowners’ association board often means working hard to balance the cares and concerns of one person or a small group of people with those of the larger group. This can mean that it can be difficult to figure out who should be responsible for certain things: the HOA or the individual homeowner. […]
Safety Advice for HOA Leaders
The February chapter meetings of the network have been featuring a presentation by Bob Penney, a retired police officer from Champlin who is making a great post-retirement career by training groups on personal safety. We asked Bob to attend our chapter meetings to provide HOA leaders with some insights about what to do in the […]
Safeguards for Volunteer Directors
Community associations are governed by boards of directors made up of volunteers. The role of these volunteers is crucial to keeping community associations functioning, but potential volunteers are often dissuaded by their fear of potential liability. This is a misconception. California law has evolved considerably to provide a robust framework of shields for volunteer directors. […]
Entire Florida HOA Board Of Directors Resigns at Same Time: The Penalties & Consequences
When an HOA board resigns en masse, the immediate financial impact can be severe. If there is no board to authorize payments, essential services like insurance, maintenance, trash, and utilities could be disrupted. For instance, in Sunrise, Florida, condo owners had to crowdfund over $20,000 to cover insurance costs after their HOA board resigned. Without […]
Your Guide to Thriving as a Community Association Board Member in Florida
Congratulations! You’ve been elected (or appointed) to serve on the board of directors for your community association. This is an important role that directly impacts the lives of your fellow residents. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and understanding necessary to navigate your responsibilities effectively. Read the article…………………………….
Three Ways to Reduce and Deal with HOA Board Resignations
Many people today are eager to get involved in their local communities. One place they tend to start is at home, volunteering for their own community association (HOA or Condo Owners associations). For some volunteers, they see it as an extension of what they do everyday, as is the case for treasurers who may work […]
Ideal Board Composition Questioned (FL)
Q: During our recent condominium association board meeting, we received questions about how the number of board members impacts our effectiveness. Is having an odd number of members important to avoid tie votes? And, does having an even number, whether due to vacancies or not, create challenges for decision-making? Read the Q&A………………………………..
When Experts Chime In: Can HOAs Afford to Tune Them Out?
An HOA receives an engineer’s report warning that a retaining wall on the property is on the brink of failure. The board, focused on other issues and keeping dues low, decides to put the report on the back burner. After all, the wall looks fine from a distance, right? Fast forward a few months, and […]
Community Association Boards and the Business-Judgment Rule (CO)
The business-judgment rule is an important legal doctrine in Colorado that applies to directors of common interest communities. Most often, the business-judgment rule is used as a defense to complaints pertaining to discretionary board decisions. The business-judgment rule requires courts to defer to corporate deliberations and avoid second-guessing the good-faith decisions of directors. Read the […]
Life on The Other Side – A Resident’s Candid Take on Condo Living and Community Governance (FL)
Everyone knows that boards and management are the decision makers in community associations—but what’s it like to be on the receiving end of those choices? In this week’s episode of Take It To The Board, host Donna DiMaggio Berger flips the script with a guest who provides a candid look at life within a condominium […]
HOA Board Conflict Resolution
As a member of your HOA’s Board of Directors, you’re accustomed to listening to homeowners’ concerns, disputes, and complaints and resolving these issues to the best of your abilities. But what happens when your fellow Board members have an argument? What should you do if a dispute between board members gets in the way of […]
Who Should Not Serve On A HOA Board?
Who should not serve on a HOA board? For many associations, navigating the ins and outs of board member qualifications can be challenging. However, it is essential to set specific criteria for board membership. This will allow the HOA to control the quality of directors who serve the community while simultaneously ensuring the association’s success. […]
The Hidden Cost of HOA and Condo Board Duties: How Time Spent Impacts Your Life and Organization
As a board member time is one of your most valuable assets. However, many board members find themselves buried under the demands of meetings, reporting, and administrative tasks. One customer recently shared how they were spending over 30 hours a month on board responsibilities—time they believed could be used more effectively. Their goal? To find […]
Understanding Insurance Defense for Community Associations
Lawsuits against condominium, homeowner (HOA), and townhome community associations can be complex, costly, and time-consuming. For volunteer board members, receiving legal notices can also be an intimidating and stressful experience. Read the article…………………………….
Seven New Year’s Resolutions for Board Members: Setting Your Community Up for Success
A new year offers homeowner’s association (HOA) board members an excellent opportunity to reflect on past achievements and set meaningful goals for the future. By adopting proactive strategies and focusing on key resolutions, your board can improve community engagement, ensure compliance, and foster a harmonious living environment. Read the article…………………………….
HOA Homefront: Can the board extend their own terms? (CA)
Q: Our HOA directors serve two-year terms per the bylaws. The board recently voted to delay the date of the HOA annual members’ meeting by six months, and to extend their terms an additional six months, declining to hold an election after expiration of their terms. There is no provision in our bylaws conferring this […]
Start the New Year on the Right Foot in Your HOA
The end of the year is often a stressful time if you’re on an HOA board. After all, many associations hold votes at the end of the year and financial statements are also due. In fact, you might be time to take a break by the time January comes. However, starting the new year right […]
4 Listening Skills Every HOA Leader, Manager, and Customer Service Rep Should Master
Listening is an essential skill for anyone working in HOA management, whether you’re a leader setting strategy, a manager overseeing day-to-day operations, or a customer service representative handling homeowner concerns. The ability to truly hear others can transform a simple conversation into an opportunity to build trust, resolve conflicts, and strengthen community relationships. Read the […]
2025 Board Member Primer (FL)
No matter how successful you may have been in business, government, politics, military, education or any other entity, you can never be fully prepared for your experience on a community association board. In order to help you understand the game better, we have put together this brief primer, which we hope helps you get up […]
New Year, New HOA Resolutions!
At our annual firm Legal Symposium, I was asked by a board member “what they could do differently in 2025 to make their life as a board member just a little easier?” So, I decided to place the answer to her question in the form of New Year’s resolutions. Get started early in the year […]
New Year’s Resolutions to Set for Your HOA
One of the most exciting things about the New Year, is the potential it brings! While you are writing your personal resolutions for 2025, we encourage you to set some goals for your community as well. Being intentional about taking care of your HOA and fellow residents can have positive lasting effects on your association. […]
How HOA Boards Can Successfully Navigate New Resident Move-Ins
As new faces arrive with their hopes and dreams packed in moving boxes, existing residents bid farewell to familiar neighbors and shared memories. The ebb and flow of people in a community can either strengthen its foundation or shake it to its core. With each move-in comes the potential for a fresh perspective, new connections, […]
D&O the Right Thing
Homeowner associations rely on members to volunteer time, talent and energy. They do this for no pay however there is still legal exposure for mistakes or errors made. Directors & Officers Liability insurance is designed to protect and defend HOA volunteers and is often included in HOA insurance packages. It also can be purchased separately. […]