Do HOA board members get paid?

The success of a homeowners association (HOA) depends on the leadership and dedication of its board members. If you’re considering joining your HOA board or are simply curious about how these boards operate, you may be wondering: Do HOA board members get paid? In this article, we’ll explore the responsibilities of an HOA board and how board members are compensated.
 

What is an HOA board?

An HOA board is a group of elected homeowners responsible for making decisions that affect the community's well-being. Common requirements include being a current homeowner within the community, being in good standing with the association, and having a commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities of the position. Board members may also need to attend training sessions to better understand their roles and responsibilities. An HOA board typically includes several officer roles, such as:

• President: Leads meetings, works with management teams, and represents the board in community matters.
   
• Vice President: Supports the president and steps in when necessary.
   
• Treasurer: Manages financial matters, including budgets, reserve funds, and expense tracking.
   
• Secretary: Records meeting minutes and maintains records of official HOA documents.

Board members work together to enforce governing documents, adopt or amend rules, approve budgets, and address resident concerns. Their role is crucial in maintaining the quality and financial stability of the community. HOA boards often partner with a professional property management company like FirstService Residential to oversee day-to-day operations, help reduce operating costs, optimize income, and aid in maintaining the long-term value of the community.
 

Do HOA board members get paid?

No, HOA board members are not typically paid. The vast majority of HOA boards operate on a volunteer basis, with members dedicating their time to the community without pay. This is because most HOAs are nonprofit organizations, meaning board members serve in the best interest of the homeowners rather than for personal financial gain.

Some communities may offer small stipends to HOA board members, but these modest payments typically cover basic time or out-of-pocket expenses rather than serving as a true paycheck. Each HOA operates under its own set of governing documents, which outline whether reimbursements are permitted. It’s essential to review your community’s rules and regulations, bylaws, and Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) to understand how your specific community approaches board member compensation.

Many board members volunteer for these unpaid positions because they feel a responsibility to contribute, shape decisions, and guide a community that they and their neighbors call home. They see it as an opportunity to add tangible value: improved amenities, more effective budgeting, and a stronger sense of connection between residents. FirstService Residential has decades of experience supporting HOA board members with professional property management expertise, allowing boards to focus on leadership rather than daily administrative tasks.
 

Do HOA presidents get paid?

Like other board members, HOA presidents are typically unpaid volunteers. Some large-scale HOAs with extensive amenities and complex operations may offer stipends or honorariums to board presidents. This is more common in master-planned communities or luxury condominiums, where the workload may be more demanding. If an HOA does provide compensation, it must be clearly stated in the governing documents and approved by homeowners.
 

Do HOA board members pay dues?

Yes, HOA board members are typically required to pay their HOA dues, just like any other homeowner in the community. Being on the board does not usually grant a homeowner any special exemptions from assessments, fees, or rules and regulations. Waiving HOA fees for board members could be seen as unfair to other homeowners. In fact, some governing documents forbid discounted dues for board members altogether. By paying dues, board members demonstrate that they are in the same position as their neighbors, sharing the costs and the benefits of living in the community.
 

Who makes money from HOAs?

HOAs use homeowner fees to pay for essential services, with money going to property management companies, vendors, maintenance service providers, legal professionals, accountants, and insurance providers who support the community’s operations.

A property management company like FirstService Residential charges a management fee for overseeing day-to-day operations like selecting and coordinating with vendors, handling financial reporting, and assisting with meeting logistics. Community vendors and contractors, like landscaping teams, maintenance crews, pool operators, and security personnel, are paid for the specific services they deliver.

Professional advisors, such as HOA attorneys and accountants, also receive compensation when they provide guidance on governance, bylaws, compliance, or annual audits. In many associations, insurance brokers earn commissions by helping the community secure coverage that meets its needs, and construction or renovation specialists are paid to handle large-scale improvement projects that might require permitted work and technical expertise.

In each case, these professionals are paid because of the services they provide. Their work helps the community run smoothly, addressing both urgent tasks and long-range planning. That’s different from board service, which is typically seen as a civic or communal role rather than a commercial one.
 

Benefits of being on your HOA board

Although HOA board positions are unpaid, serving on the board can offer valuable personal and professional benefits, including:

• Influence over community decisions: Board members help shape policies, budgets, and improvements that impact their neighborhood.
   
• Learning opportunities: Board service can help members develop skills in financial management, conflict resolution, event planning, and negotiation. These skills often translate into career growth or further community involvement. FirstService Residential provides board education and training resources to help our clients cultivate the qualities of great board members.
   
• Protecting property values: Active and well-run HOAs contribute to maintaining and improving property values by enforcing community standards and making strategic investments.
   
• Working with industry professionals: Board members can build their professional network by collaborating with property management companies, legal advisors, and vendors, providing valuable insight into how communities are maintained and operated.
   
• Stronger community engagement: Serving on the board allows members to connect with neighbors and contribute to a positive living environment.

If your HOA board is looking to simplify operations, improve financial stability, and enhance resident life, partnering with a professional property management company can be an invaluable investment. To learn more about how FirstService Residential can support your HOA, contact us today.