HOA Board Roles & Responsibilities

What each board position actually does, how many people you need, and how to keep a volunteer board functioning as members rotate out year after year — including where board composition is actually set by state law versus your own bylaws.

In short: HOAs across the U.S.

Who can serve on an HOA board and how the board is structured depends on state law and your bylaws. Many states set a minimum board size for incorporated associations, some bar certain people from serving, and most treat directors as fiduciaries who owe duties of care and loyalty to the owners. Rules on officers, conflicts of interest, and the handover from developer control also vary. Pick your state to see its requirements.

Choose your state to see its board rules, including condominium rules where we've researched them.

Board rules depend on your state

Minimum board size, who can serve, officer requirements, term limits, and conflict-of-interest rules are set differently in every state: some by a law written for HOAs or condominiums, some by nonprofit corporation law, and some by nothing but your own bylaws.

We've researched each state's rules and linked the sources. Choose your state to read the guide with the rules that actually apply to your association.

Board roles and rules by state

This guide is general information about how HOAs typically operate and is not legal advice. Consult your governing documents and, where needed, a qualified attorney.

Self-Managed HOA Guide
Chapter 1
Board Roles & Responsibilities
Chapter 2
Board Elections
Chapter 3
Meetings & Quorum
Chapter 4
Governing Documents Explained
Chapter 5
Violations & Enforcement
Chapter 6
Fine Limits by State
Chapter 7
Communicating with Homeowners
Chapter 8
Finances, Dues & Reserves
Chapter 9
Common Disputes & How to Avoid Them
Chapter 10
Insurance Basics
Chapter 11
Signs It's Time to Hire a Management Company