Getting Elected to Your HOA Board of Directors

Описание: Getting elected to the board of directors of your homeowner association takes both planning and action.

I established an HOA management company in Southern California in 1987 and I became an HOA attorney in 1998. I currently own a business that provides inspector of election services to homeowner associations in Los Angeles County and Ventura County. I have lots of experience with HOA elections that are required to be held by all common interest developments.

There are many reasons why you should seriously consider running for the board of your homeowner association which is the subject of another video. Once you’ve made the decision to run for a position on your association’s board, you need to win.

Based on years of observation and years of experience, the following recommendations will help you win:

1. For at least 6 months prior to the election, you need to attend every meeting of the board. This will
help you become informed and will make you visible to the members who attend. Ask questions
during the open meeting sessions and make appropriate comments and suggestions. Be
professional and polite at all times.

2. Read the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act on the official State of California
website. I have provided a link to it below. The Davis-Stirling Act consists of the California Civil
Code Sections 4000 through 6150. I recommend that you read the official document published by
the state because that way you can be certain you are reading the current law. You certainly don’t
want to read an obsolete version of the law which you may find on some websites. Reading the
Davis-Stirling Act will provide you with the knowledge you will need as a director. You will probably
need to read it twice. After that, you can utilize the Davis-Stirling Act as a reference tool, referring
to it when necessary.

3. Read your association's CC&Rs, bylaws, and operating rules. This will provide you with the rights
and obligations of the association and the members. After reading them, you can use them as
additional reference tools.

4. Read your association’s contract with the management company and any other existing
contractors so that you are fully informed about the rights and duties of all parties. Only by
understanding the terms of each contract, can you know whether the board’s expectations are
realistic. Note that as a member of your homeowner association, you have the right to a copy of
all signed contracts.

5. Meet your neighbors at every opportunity. Let them know that you have an interest in running for
qqqthe board. Develop the reputation for being caring, concerned, and reasonable.

6. Be absolutely certain to pay your HOA assessments on time and to obey all rules of the
association.

7. Be certain to use the association’s nomination form and any candidate’s forum as a way to convey
your qualifications, objectivity, sincerity, and overall knowledge to the membership. Most
importantly, you must explain why you want to be on the board.

8. 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.

While you should keep your candidacy as positive as possible, if relevant, consider the following possible election issues:

a) Any failure to collect delinquent assessments;

b) The condition of the common areas;

c) Any failure to produce an accurate budget, resulting in special assessments;

d) The overall quality of your association’s management, including the property management
company’s performance;

e) Any failure of the board to obtain reserve studies in accordance with the law, resulting in
inadequate reserves and special assessments;

f) Any failure to hold elections as required by law; andqqq

g) Any CC&Rs or rules violations by members of the board.

In another video, I talk about why it is so important for you to get elected to your HOA board.

There is a link to that video below.

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.

My name is Michael Chulak. I can be reached at 818-991-9019 or E-mail: [email protected]

Davis - Stirling Act: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/fa...

1. Become a Homeowner Association Board Member
   • Become a Homeowner Association Board Member  
2. Inspector of Elections Services in Southern California
   • Inspector of Elections Services in Souther...  
3. HOA Election Rules in California
   • HOA Election Rules in California  
4. Davis - Stirling Act – California
   • Davis - Stirling Act - California