Being a board member for a condominium association or homeowners’ association can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. From managing finances to resolving conflicts among residents, board members play a crucial role in maintaining the community’s well-being. However, even the most well-intentioned board members can make mistakes that can have significant repercussions. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common board member mistakes in condos and HOAs.
Neglecting Proper Communication Channels:
Effective communication is key to the smooth functioning of any community association. One common mistake that board members make is neglecting to establish and maintain proper communication channels with residents. According to an article by HOA Management (.com), failing to keep residents informed about important decisions, upcoming projects, or changes in rules and regulations can lead to frustration and resentment within the community. To avoid this mistake, board members should leverage various communication tools such as newsletters, emails, or community forums to keep residents in the loop.
Mismanagement of Finances:
Another significant responsibility of board members is managing the association’s finances responsibly. However, mishandling finances is a common mistake that can have serious consequences for the community. It’s important to create and adhere to a detailed budget, maintain adequate reserves, and conduct regular financial audits. Board members should prioritize transparency and accountability when it comes to financial matters, ensuring that residents trust them to manage their dues and expenses carefully.
Ignoring Maintenance and Repairs:
Condos and HOAs are responsible for maintaining common areas, amenities, and infrastructure within the community. Ignoring necessary maintenance and repairs is a mistake that can lead to deteriorating property values and safety hazards for residents. Postponing maintenance tasks or opting for quick fixes instead of addressing underlying issues can end up costing the association more in the long run. Board members should develop a proactive maintenance plan, prioritize necessary repairs, and allocate sufficient funds to ensure the community’s infrastructure remains in good condition.
Overstepping Boundaries or Micromanaging:
While board members have a duty to act in the best interests of the community, it’s essential to respect boundaries and avoid micromanaging. Micromanagement can breed resentment among property managers, committee members, and fellow board members, hindering collaboration and productivity. Instead, board members should focus on setting clear goals, delegating tasks effectively, and providing oversight without micromanaging every detail.
Meeting Protocol:
Properly conducting board meetings is critical. Any gathering where a majority discusses association affairs must adhere to documentation and notification protocols, even informal discussions over lunch. It’s always best to check with your community manager to see what topics of discussions are ok to have when no formal meeting is being held–you don’t want to break the law!
Board membership comes with many responsibilities and challenges. By implementing proactive strategies to avoid mistakes, board members can contribute to creating thriving and harmonious communities. For some additional reading on board recommendations, here is the October 2023 of Condo Lifestyles, wherein Executive Vice President Eric Staszczak reviews how expectation alignment can make your community thrive beginning on page 33.
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