In the fall of 2024, I decided to become active in the community and learn how HOAs operate. What followed was a lot of time on the internet, reading, and talking with people. I’ve shared below some resources that I think are valuable.
If you have a specific question, email it to me (wwv.marlane@gmail.com) and I’ll try to find an answer and add the resource here.
Understanding Your HOA Board: Roles, Responsibilities, and Why They Matter
By Creative Management Company
“Whether you’re a new homeowner or considering running for a position yourself, understanding the HOA board roles, responsibilities, and duties can give you a clearer picture of how your neighborhood operates, and how you can get involved.”
Read more at https://www.cmctx.com/hoa-board-roles-responsibilities/ Accessed: 01/06/2026
HOA Member Services https://hoamemberservices.com/
In February 2025, I was reading all I could about HOAs and their operations. HOA Member Services offers SO many great resources that I decided to become a member to gain access to full articles, legal case studies, forms, and other info that non-members only get to preview in part. Also, materials that are sold for a usually small fee are a little less expensive for members. To me, it was worth $12.70 each month.
Some titles are shared here – summarized, because each full piece is copyrighted. After clicking the links to the original content, you can decide whether a monthly or annual subscription is worth paying for access to the full content.
- Can an HOA Change Rules Without a Vote?
“If you live in an HOA, you may have asked yourself: Can the board really change the rules without asking homeowners first? The answer is: sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on the type of rule, what your governing documents say, and the requirements of state law.
The Three Levels of HOA Rules
Not all HOA rules are created equal. Understanding the difference helps you know when a vote is required: “
Read more… - Associations Must Maintain Proper Minutes
“The only way to properly memorialize what transpired at meetings of owners, association directors, or committees is through the preparation of minutes of the meetings that are conducted. The minutes provide a record of the meeting and must be properly maintained in perpetuity as association records. Because they are the official records of proceedings and evidence of actions that were or were not taken, state laws and association governing documents mandate that minutes of meetings be maintained and retained.” Read more… - HOA Directors Are Responsible for Maintaining Proper Minutes of Their Meetings
“Maintaining minutes of the meetings of directors in a homeowners’ association (HOA) is crucial for several legal, administrative, and practical reasons. Here are some key reasons:
1. Legal Compliance- State Laws: Many states require HOAs to maintain accurate records of board meetings, including minutes, as part of their corporate governance requirements.
- Bylaws: Most HOA governing documents (e.g., bylaws or CC&Rs) mandate the recording and preservation of meeting minutes.
- Audit Trails: Minutes serve as an official record of decisions and actions, which can be referenced in case of disputes, audits, or lawsuits.
2. Transparency and Accountability”
Read more…
- 10 Helpful Guidelines For Members Speaking at HOA Board Meetings
“When speaking at a Homeowners Association (HOA) Board of Directors meeting, it’s important to follow specific rules to ensure that the meeting runs smoothly and that all members have a chance to voice their concerns. While the specific rules may vary depending on your HOA’s governing documents, here are some common guidelines:
1. Follow the Agenda- Only speak on topics that are listed on the agenda unless permitted otherwise by the board.
- Wait for the appropriate time in the meeting, usually during the “open forum” or “public comment” section, to address the board.” Read more…
- Why HOA Board of Directors’ Meeting Agendas Matter
“Every homeowners association (HOA) is guided by a board of directors that makes decisions affecting the community — from budgets and maintenance projects to rules enforcement and long-term planning. But before those decisions are made, there’s one small but very important step in the management process that is frequently overlooked or minimized: preparing and posting the agenda for the directors’ meetings.
“HOA members have no doubt seen an agenda for a noticed meeting posted on the bulletin board, website, or emailed to members before the board meeting. While preparing and circulating the agenda for a meeting of an HOA’s board of directors might seem like a routine administrative task, in reality, it is a very important protection that is afforded to association members by state statutes and the HOA’s governing documents.” Read more…
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