Understanding HOA president duties and responsibilities

This article is not intended to and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Board members should consult their association’s attorney to discuss the legal implications of their decisions or actions prior to proceeding.
 

What is an HOA president?

An HOA president is the elected or appointed leader of a homeowners association's board of directors and plays a central role in guiding the community's operations. They help organize board activities, support communication with residents, and work closely with management partners to keep the association running smoothly. Presidents are typically chosen by fellow board members and serve a set term based on the association’s governing documents.
 

Key duties of an HOA board president

There are standard expectations from an HOA board president; however, the responsibilities can vary by community based on location, size, and resident demographics. But for the most part, the most common HOA president duties are the following:

1. Presiding over board meetings

   The HOA president leads and facilitates board meetings by setting the agenda, opening the session, and guiding the discussion. They help confirm that the meeting stays focused, each board member has a chance to speak, and the final decisions reflect the board's collective direction. Effective meetings require preparation, so the president typically works with the property manager in advance to finalize agenda items. During the meeting, the HOA president helps maintain order and keeps the board operating in accordance with its governing documents.
    

2. Making decisions

   The HOA president plays a key role in board decision-making, helping to shape discussions and offering direction. While they do not act alone, the president often leads efforts to build consensus when opinions differ.
   
   In some associations, the president may cast a tie-breaking vote or make executive decisions if authorized by the bylaws. Otherwise, they help guide the board toward shared decisions while respecting each director’s input.
    

3. Enforcing rules and regulations

   The HOA president works with the board and property manager to support consistent rule enforcement. They help interpret the governing documents and apply policies in a fair and transparent way.
   
   Although the president is not personally responsible for issuing violation notices, they may provide guidance on how to approach specific situations and verify that enforcement steps align with association procedures.
    

4. Representing the community

   The HOA president represents the board’s position and often communicates important information on behalf of the association. Whether through meetings, emails, or official letters, the president speaks for the board, not just themselves. They may also meet with city officials, legal counsel, or outside consultants on behalf of the HOA. They should be mindful to speak within the scope of the board’s direction and avoid making commitments unless the board has reviewed and approved them.
    

5. Working with other board members

   The HOA president collaborates with fellow board members to align priorities, assign responsibilities, and advance community goals. They can help keep projects moving and bring people together when different opinions arise. Open communication and respect among directors are critical, and the president can help model those values. They can also provide leadership between meetings to help board initiatives stay on track.
    

6. Managing the budget

   While the treasurer handles day-to-day financial oversight, the HOA president supports long-term planning and budget discussions. They review financial reports, help prioritize funding, and collaborate with the treasurer, property manager, and other directors. The president does not approve spending on their own, but may help guide financial strategy and communication. They may also take part in discussions with auditors, banks, and insurance providers as part of the budgeting process, subject to board approval and within the limits of their authority.
   
   Learn more in our guide, 'A complete guide to HOA finances and essential community financial practices'
    

7. Delegating tasks

   An HOA president delegates responsibilities to other board members and committees to help cover the association’s needs. They don’t manage every detail personally, but instead help organize who is responsible for what. Delegation can help prevent burnout and promote shared accountability. Presidents may assign projects related to community issues such as landscaping, vendor proposals, or rules review, then check in regularly to monitor progress and offer support.
    

8. Signing legal documents

   The HOA president typically has the authority to sign contracts, agreements, and other legal documents on behalf of the board, once approved by the board and legal counsel. This may include items like vendor contracts, banking forms, and insurance paperwork.
   
   Signing authority comes with the responsibility to sign only documents that reflect board decisions. Before signing official HOA documents, board presidents should consult with legal counsel regarding the necessary steps required to satisfy all applicable laws and regulations.
    

9. Appointing committees

   The HOA president may be responsible for recommending or appointing members to committees. These committees often assist with community-specific efforts such as events, architectural review, or landscaping. The president helps clarify each committee’s scope, supports their activities, and brings updates to the board. Effective committee use can help expand capacity and provide residents with more ways to get involved.

What are the benefits of being an HOA president?

Serving as the president of an HOA can be rewarding, offering those who accept it many valuable benefits. When leading an HOA, presidents can enact positive changes in their communities and use their managerial skills to conduct meetings and resolve disputes between residents. The ability to manage budgets and approve projects for development can be thrilling for some, allowing them to shape their neighborhoods for the better. Presidents often participate in rewarding events culminating in successful resolutions or well-attended social gatherings that strengthen interpersonal relationships in the community. Finally, being an HOA president gives members a chance to advocate for their neighbors and support efforts to address their concerns. While it takes dedication and hard work, being an HOA president allows individuals to make real changes in their local community.
 

Do HOA presidents make money?

With HOA president duties ranging from resolving community disputes to overseeing maintenance and other activities, those in leadership positions must uphold their fiduciary responsibilities with integrity. Being the president of a homeowners association is often an unpaid commitment, as financial compensation could be seen as a conflict of interest. This is why many HOAs have bylaws restricting any form of payment for board members and presidents. If you're thinking about running your HOA's board or already serving, research any compensation restrictions within your bylaws to determine whether taking a position of authority would be worth pursuing.
 

How do I become an HOA president?

If you are curious about how to get on your community board as the HOA president, there are a few steps you have to follow:

1. Meet all eligibility requirements - Most community bylaws will include criteria that an individual must meet to run for the board of directors. The main one is that you must be a homeowner in the community, and occasionally, it is required that you also reside in the property during your tenure. Additionally, you may be asked to have been an HOA member in good standing for at least one year prior to running. This means having no past-due balances on any maintenance charges.
    
2. Submit your request for candidacy - Once you are eligible, you must submit a request for candidacy to the management office. This can include a letter of intent explaining your interest in running for the board and your qualifications. The management team then compiles your statement with the annual meeting notice so homeowners are aware of all available candidates.
    
3. Be elected by the HOA - Last but not least, you need to be elected by the HOA to become a member of the board, which will be conducted during the association’s annual board meeting. Once you have secured the sufficient number of votes, congratulations, you are now the board president of your community!

Serving in your community as the board president can be challenging; however, creating positive change in your community is one of the upsides. For more information on how FirstService Residential supports our board presidents and communities, contact us today.

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