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How to Get Elected to
The Board of Directors of Your HOA
Written by Attorney Michael T. Chulak
If you want to get elected to the board of directors of your homeowner
association, we suggest that you follow the guidelines that follow. Members of
homeowner associations generally want to elect neighbors who are objective,
reasonable, knowledgeable, and informed to represent them on their HOA board.
If you follow these guidelines, you will substantially increase your chances
of being elected to your association's board of directors:
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Regularly attend your association's board meetings. You
will become informed and visible. Ask questions during the
open meeting sessions and make appropriate comments and
suggestions. Be professional and polite at all times. Do not
develop the reputation of being a gadfly. |
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Read the Davis - Stirling Act which can be found on
HOAQandA.com. Also, read the questions and answers on the same
website. This will provide you with knowledge that you will
need as a director. |
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Read your association's governing documents which include
the Bylaws, Rules and CC&Rs. These will provide you with
knowledge that you will need as a director. |
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Read your association's contract with the property
management company and any other existing contracts so that
you are fully informed about the rights and duties of both
parties. |
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Attend free HOA legal seminars when possible. Visit the
website LegalSeminars.net for a schedule. Ask questions and
get answers. Become informed and knowledgeable. |
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Meet your neighbors at every opportunity. Let them know
that you have an interest in running for the board. Develop
the reputation for being caring, concerned, and reasonable. |
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Be absolutely certain to pay your assessments on time and
to obey all rules of the association. |
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Be certain to use the association's nomination form and
any candidates' forum as a way to convey your qualifications,
objectivity, sincerity, and overall relevant knowledge to the
membership. Most importantly, you must explain why you want to
be on the board. |
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Send a short solicitation letter to every member of the
association, about the time ballots are mailed to the
membership, requesting that they vote for you. Provide the
membership with the information on your nomination form.
Explain why you want to be on the board. Include a copy of
your signed Pledge by Nominee with your letter. |
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While you should keep your candidacy as positive as
possible, consider the following possible election issues: |
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Any failure to collect delinquent assessments |
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The condition of the common areas |
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Any failure to produce an accurate budget, resulting in
special assessments |
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The overall quality of your association's management,
including the property management company's performance |
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Any failure to obtain reserve studies in accordance with
the law, resulting in inadequate reserves and special
assessments |
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Any failure to hold elections as required by law |
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Any CC&R or Rules violations by members of the board or
others |
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Any failure by a board member to pay his or her
assessments on time |
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If you follow the guidelines set forth above, your chances of
success will increase substantially. If you are not elected the first
time, don't be discouraged. Success comes to those who persevere.
Call Michael T. Chulak & Associates at (818) 991-9019 or (800)
565-2232 for a no cost initial consultation regarding any legal matter.
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