Responsibilities of an HOA President: A Comprehensive Guide

The HOA board serves as the backbone of an engaged residential community, consisting of four pivotal officer roles: president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. Each position plays a fundamental part in managing day-to-day operations. Most residential communities are required to establish a board of directors made up of current homeowners.

The board president holds significant responsibility and authority in overseeing the smooth functioning of HOA matters. This role demands a diverse skill set, as the president represents neighbors in crafting essential rules, overseeing maintenance, and more. However, there's often confusion among residents about the specific responsibilities of an HOA president and their limits.

Key Responsibilities of an HOA President

An HOA president must fulfill several standard expectations, although these can differ based on the community's size, location, and demographics. The typical duties of an HOA president include:

Facilitating Board Meetings

HOA boards must hold at least one annual meeting, often referred to as the “annual election meeting.” Additional meetings may be scheduled to discuss significant association matters, projects, and property improvements. The board president is responsible for organizing and leading these meetings, reviewing agenda items with homeowners, and guiding discussions. They must also be ready to answer questions promptly and accurately during these sessions.

Signing Association Documents

Another duty of the HOA president is to sign official documents on the association’s behalf. These can range from annual budgets to amendments to by-laws. Before signing any document, it is crucial for the president to consult legal counsel to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

Upholding Association Governing Documents

The president is tasked with creating and enforcing fair policies to promote a harmonious living environment. This role involves collaborating with other board members to ensure critical decisions are made fairly and efficiently. They must be well-versed in governing documents like covenants, by-laws, and rules and regulations.

Creating Meeting Agendas

Crafting meeting agendas is a vital function of the board president. A well-structured agenda helps plan and organize discussions during board meetings, ensuring all necessary topics are covered. It should outline discussion subjects, include supporting documents, and provide space for comments, votes, and details on next steps, enabling board members to focus on critical issues effectively.

Calling for Votes and Sharing Results

HOA board presidents are responsible for calling votes during meetings, whether for new rules or board member elections. After tallying votes, the president must communicate the results to the homeowner association, ensuring democratic decision-making. This accountability encourages homeowners to take ownership of changes made by the board.

Appointing Committees

There are instances when forming committees is necessary to tackle projects the board cannot handle alone. These committees offer insights and advice on various topics like budgeting and election oversight, helping ensure decisions benefit all residents. The board president determines whether committee members have voting rights or only serve in an advisory capacity, carefully selecting members to provide a balanced mix of skills and perspectives.

Benefits of Being an HOA President

Serving as an HOA president can be a rewarding experience with numerous benefits. Presidents have the opportunity to enact positive changes in their communities, using managerial skills to conduct meetings and resolve resident disputes. The role allows for budget management and project approvals, which can be exciting as they shape the neighborhood's future. Presidents often participate in rewarding events that foster community relationships. Moreover, serving as president offers a platform to advocate for neighbors and address community issues, allowing for meaningful contributions to the local environment.

Do HOA Presidents Receive Compensation?

The role of HOA president encompasses responsibilities like dispute resolution and maintenance oversight, requiring integrity and adherence to fiduciary duties. Typically, serving as an HOA president is unpaid, as compensation may present a conflict of interest. Many HOAs have bylaws prohibiting payment for board members and presidents. If considering a leadership position, reviewing bylaws for compensation restrictions is essential to determine if pursuing this role is worthwhile.

Steps to Become an HOA President

Interested in becoming your community's HOA president? Here's how:

Meet Eligibility Requirements

Your community's bylaws will specify criteria for running for the board of directors. Often, one must be a homeowner, and sometimes a resident, to be eligible. Additionally, a good standing as an HOA member for at least one year is usually necessary, meaning no overdue maintenance charges.

Submit a Request for Candidacy

Once eligible, you must submit a candidacy request to the management office, including a letter of intent detailing your interest and qualifications. The management will include your statement in the annual meeting notice to inform homeowners of all candidates.

Be Elected by the HOA

The final step is election by the HOA during the annual board meeting. Secure the required number of votes, and you’ll proudly serve as the board president of your community!