How Do I Become a Member of My HOA Board?

Serving on your HOA's board is one of the best things you can do to encourage the growth of your community in a positive direction. Board members are responsible for planning for the future and maintaining the rules and regulations of the community. 

HOA boards typically have between three and seven seats, sometimes with a president or community organizer leading the group. Because of this, it can sometimes be difficult to join your HOA board and you may even have to campaign for a spot in a community-wide election. 

So how do you join your HOA board? What are the necessary steps to apply for a seat and what kind of experience should you have to be a useful member of your board?  

In this post, we will tell you how you can become a member of your HOA board and some information about the duties and responsibilities of serving on your community's board.  

Eligibility Requirements for Board Membership 

To become a member of your HOA board, there are typically specific eligibility requirements that must be met. These requirements ensure that individuals who serve on the board are both capable and qualified to carry out their duties and responsibilities. While the specific eligibility requirements can vary from one HOA to another, there are some common criteria to consider. 

Let's look at a few things you need to consider before running for a seat on your HOA board.  

Property Ownership Requirement 

Only individuals who own property within the community are eligible for board membership. Non-property owners, such as renters or non-resident investors, do not meet the eligibility criteria. 

The property ownership requirement is essential to ensure that board members have a vested interest in the community. By owning property within the community, members have a direct stake in the decisions and actions of the HOA board. This requirement helps to ensure that the board is composed of individuals who are directly impacted by the policies and decisions they make. 

Property owners not only have a personal connection to the community but also have a financial investment in maintaining and improving property values. Their shared interest in the well-being of the community helps to foster a sense of unity and dedication among board members. 

Other Restrictions and Qualifications 

While there are generally no required qualifications to become a member of the board, it is important to review the HOA documents to understand if there are any additional requirements set forth by the community. 

These additional requirements could include factors such as residency length, attendance at board meetings, or involvement in committees. Residency length restrictions may require that board members have been residents of the community for a certain amount of time before being eligible to run for a board position.  

Meeting attendance requirements may stipulate that members must consistently attend board meetings to maintain their position on the board. Some HOAs may also expect board members to actively participate in committees, such as finance or landscaping, to ensure the efficient management of the community. 

Remember to consult the HOA's governing documents for specific details on eligibility requirements and any other crucial roles or qualifications required to become a member of the HOA board. 

What are some reasons to join your HOA? Check out this blog! 

Filing to Become a Board Member 

Becoming a board member of your homeowner's association can be an exciting and fulfilling opportunity to serve your community. If you are interested in joining the HOA board, you will need to go through a filing process to officially become a candidate. 

Below are a few steps required by most HOA boards.  

Obtaining Nomination Forms and Required Documents 

To become a member of your HOA Board, you must first obtain the necessary nomination forms and gather the required documents. The association will typically provide a notice calling for candidates, which outlines the nomination guidelines, candidate qualifications, and submission deadline. 

To begin the process, carefully read the association notice to familiarize yourself with the requirements. This document will provide you with important information on the eligibility requirements and any candidate qualifications needed to be considered for a board position. 

Once you have reviewed the notice and understand the requirements, you can proceed with obtaining the nomination forms. These forms are typically available from the association's management company or the community manager. Contact them to request the forms and any additional information that may be required. 

In addition to filling out the nomination forms, you may also need to submit certain required documents. These documents can vary depending on the association's guidelines but may include copies of your articles of incorporation, financial statements, or other relevant legal documents. 

To increase your chances of being elected, you could consider delivering a short solicitation letter to members of the association. This letter should highlight your qualifications, experience, and commitment to serving the community. Be sure to explain why voting for you would be beneficial for the entire community. 

What makes a great board member? Check out this blog to learn more! 

HOA Management Made Easy with Management Plus 

Becoming a sitting member of your HOA's board is one of the best things you can do to make a difference in your community. As a board member you will have the ability to make changes to rules and regulations, plan for events and parties, and even suggest or support sweeping changes that can make profound differences in your community.  

However, becoming a member of your HOA board is much more challenging. These board spots are often limited in number and many people from your community may have ambitions of running for a spot on the board.  

Additionally, HOA board members can sometimes be overwhelmed, especially in large communities where board members have full-time jobs and rich family lives. In these communities, HOAs often benefit from a community management firm like Management Plus. 

At Management Plus, our team of experienced and professional community managers are here to help your board run your HOA in a way that works for your community. Our team has helped dozens of communities in southern Ohio and we can help yours too.  

Click here to reach out to Management Plus today! 

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