The HOA president plays an essential role on a homeowners association board of directors. The title comes with several duties and responsibilities that homeowners and board members should know to ensure accountability. Those who wish to run for the position must also understand what it entails.
Who is the HOA President?
The HOA president leads the HOA board.
Together with other directors, the president makes decisions for the community. They have the same fiduciary duties as other board members, including the duty of care, the duty of loyalty, the duty of obedience, and the duty of full disclosure.
The HOA president is an officer title. To get there, an owner must first get elected as a board member, and the other directors elect the president from the board.
What are the HOA President Responsibilities?
An association’s governing documents generally specify the exact president of HOA duties, but they usually include presiding over meetings, serving as the association’s spokesperson, signing official documents, overseeing committees, and assigning specific jobs to other directors. Let’s discuss these below.
1. Presides Over Meetings
The president is responsible for leading meetings, including annual membership meetings, board meetings, executive sessions, and special meetings. The president establishes and follows the agenda, ensuring that topics don’t stray. They control the direction of the meeting and keep things orderly by adopting parliamentary procedure.
2. Serves as the HOA’s Spokesperson
As part of HOA president duties, they must act as the official representative of the community. They speak for the association and liaise with other parties, including residents, HOA management companies, contractors, and local agencies.
3. Signs Official Documents
The president of the HOA co-signs official contracts, legal documents, and association checks alongside other designated officers. They are also typically a co-signer of bank accounts.
4. Forms Committees
Depending on the bylaws, the president creates or appoints committees for the association. Actual oversight of these committees can either fall to the president or one of the other directors of the board.
5. Assigns Specific Jobs
The president delegates specific tasks to other board members. If a project isn’t usually covered by a job title, the president may assign it.
How to Become HOA President
The exact process for becoming association president depends on state laws and the association’s governing documents. In many communities, homeowners elect directors first, and the board then selects a president from among its members. That said, here are the general steps.
- Check Eligibility. Homeowners must verify if they meet the qualifications to join the board and become president.
- Run for the Board. Before getting the president’s role, an owner must first become a board member. This usually means running as a candidate and winning a seat on the board.
- Seek the President Position. After the election, directors usually hold a meeting to select officers. A director interested in the role of president can seek the position at this point.
- Get the Votes. Board members either elect or appoint a director as president, as per the bylaws. An interested director must secure enough votes to get the job.
Benefits of Being HOA President
Being the association president doesn’t come with monetary benefits, such as compensation or health insurance, but it can be a rewarding position.
The board president gets to make a real difference in the community. They can help the board address problems and improve the neighborhood as a whole. They get to have a voice in important decisions, which can move the HOA in the right direction.
Additionally, the president gets to build leadership experience by running meetings, working with others, and guiding fellow directors. The skills they develop while on the job can help them in their professional roles as well.
Apart from that, the president can help protect property values. They can contribute to an effective board whose decisions benefit the entire community, keeping it attractive and financially stable.
HOA Board President FAQs
Does an HOA need a president?
State laws and the governing documents dictate whether a president is required, but most associations need one. Several states also require HOAs to elect a president, such as Delaware (Section 81-306), Nevada (Section 116.3106), and West Virginia (Section 36B-3-106). Many nonprofit corporation laws also address the requirement.
Can anyone be HOA president?
It depends on the eligibility requirements as outlined by state laws and the governing documents. Most associations require candidates to be homeowners of legal age and in good standing. Moreover, an HOA may not allow a board member to have a felony conviction that prevents the association from securing fidelity insurance.
Can an HOA president be treasurer?
Yes, the president may sometimes also serve as treasurer, but it depends on state laws and the association’s governing documents. Some states specifically allow one person to hold multiple officer positions, while others place restrictions on which positions can be combined.
That said, even when it’s permitted, combining the roles of president and treasurer may not be a good idea. Keeping the roles separate allows for better and more transparent financial oversight and internal controls. It helps reduce the risk of fraud, errors, and conflicts of interest.
Does the HOA president have unlimited authority?
No, the president of an HOA does not have unlimited authority. In fact, their authority is subject to the limitations imposed by state laws and the governing documents. The president can’t make decisions unilaterally, as the board votes on decisions as a collective whole.
Can the HOA president break tie votes?
It depends on what state laws and the governing documents allow. Some presidents have tie-breaking capabilities, while others don’t. Of course, this doesn’t mean that the president automatically gets two votes every time. Their casting vote usually only comes into play when there is an actual tie that the board can’t resolve.
Does HOA president get paid?
No, most associations don’t pay an HOA president a salary. None of the board members receive any sort of compensation, as they are volunteers by nature. Getting paid would mean losing that volunteer status, which can void existing legal protections.
That said, some communities do allow compensation. It ultimately depends on state laws and the association’s governing documents.
Moreover, it is important to differentiate compensation from reimbursement. The president may temporarily spend their own money to cover an association expense. Later on, they can have that cost reimbursed, provided they submit a receipt and go through the proper channels.
What are the qualities of a good HOA president?
An effective HOA president must have strong leadership skills, excellent communication skills, and knowledge of the governing documents. They must exercise fairness, practice organization, and show integrity. Other than that, they must be a team player, as the job involves working with others.
A Duty to Understand
The HOA president is often a thankless job, but it’s a necessary one. Homeowners who are interested in running for the position must understand the duties and responsibilities involved. They must also be prepared to commit time and energy to the role.
Are you looking for a trusted partner in HOA or condo management? Westward360 serves communities across the United States. Get started on more effective management by contacting us online or requesting a proposal!
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