What does an HOA president do?
The president leads the HOA board and supervises its procedural duties.
Although you are president, you don’t have more power and authority than other members of the board. The board always acts in consensus.
The president’s exact duties vary by association, but they typically include:
- overseeing day-to-day matters, such as meeting with vendors and soliciting bids
- preparing meeting agendas (with the secretary)
- presiding over board and membership meetings
- ensuring consensus in all board decisions
- signing all HOA contracts and other legal documents
Traits of a Good HOA President
1. Knows the governing documents
Your HOA’s governing documents will inform you of the specific rules and procedures you have to follow to run the HOA effectively. Knowing your governing documents will help you do your job well, build credibility, and avoid violations.
2. Knows your financials
As president, you must strive to keep your association in good financial health, which is essential in ensuring regular maintenance, funding large projects and emergencies, and preserving property value.
Although HOA financial matters are primarily the treasurer’s job, as president, you should know how to read and understand financial statements, which is important in making financial decisions with the board. You should also ensure that financial documentation and audits are up-to-date.
3. Strong volunteerism
Being an HOA president is still volunteer work. It can feel unglamorous, exhausting, and thankless at times, but what’s important is you’re working for the common good. When an HOA is well-run, everyone benefits, including you.
All neighbors live harmoniously and peacefully with each other (most of the time), your community is well-maintained and lovely to live in, and your property value is preserved at ideal levels.
But remember that you don’t have to do everything! You also have your work, your family, and your responsibilities to take care of.
Running an HOA is a team sport. The board, your committees, and your HOA management company will help you realize your HOA goals.
4. Fair and consistent
As president, you’re expected to be fair and impartial in treating all members of the association—from dealing with violations to handling neighbor complaints.
You shouldn’t play favorites or hold grudges. In the face of conflict, you must stay calm and collected. Don’t take it personally. Strive to be empathetic and diplomatic yet consistent in enforcing bylaws.
When you’re fair and impartial, your neighbors will more likely respect and follow you. You build integrity.
5. Communicative and transparent
Sending out regular and timely news, updates, and reports on matters that concern the association is one of the important tasks of the board, including the president.
Homeowners have the right to know the latest information on maintenance, new rules, HOA meetings, and most especially, financial matters. If they know how their money is being utilized, residents become more agreeable to paying their association fees on time.
Lastly, you are also expected to respond to homeowner inquiries, requests, and complaints in a timely manner.
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Photos by Samia Liamani & Blake Barlow on Unsplash
