Board members are responsible for running homeowners associations, but internal HOA politics can sometimes put a damper on their efforts. Disagreements, selective enforcement, and power plays can all create friction among leaders and residents alike. These struggles often have negative consequences, which is why it’s important to address them early on.
Common Problems That Surround HOA Politics
Homeowners associations operate in much the same way as small governments or corporations. Each community has a set of elected board members who are responsible for overseeing the maintenance and management of the association. These board members are responsible for managing the association’s finances, enforcing the rules, and making decisions on behalf of the community.
Unfortunately, many associations suffer from internal problems stemming from HOA politics. The most common ones include board power struggles, selective enforcement of rules, abuse of power, proxy manipulation, budgeting and financial control, and the creation of factions and divisions.
Let’s discuss how each of these problems affects an HOA and how proper management can address them.
1. Board Power Struggles
An HOA board is meant to function as a cohesive team, but the ambitions of individual directors can disrupt that balance. When board members clash over control, it can slow down decisions and turn meetings unproductive. Board members can argue about leadership roles and committee assignments, further intensifying internal tension.
These struggles can stem from personality conflicts, differing priorities, or opposing views on governance and management. For instance, a power-hungry board member may push personal agendas to suit their own benefit instead of prioritizing the community’s needs. When these disputes escalate, the board loses focus on what truly matters, such as maintenance and budgeting. This can lead to delayed projects and poor communication.
An HOA management company can help balance out these power struggles. Managers can mediate disputes and provide clear guidance on governance and organizational structure. They can also ensure that meetings stay on track. This will encourage boards to follow proper procedures and adhere to the bylaws. With neutral oversight, board members can remember their shared responsibility to the HOA.
2. Selective Enforcement of Rules
Selective enforcement is a common source of resentment in HOAs. It happens when the board applies rules to some but not others. For example, one homeowner might receive a fine for an unapproved paint color while another doesn’t.
Inconsistent application of the rules can make residents feel singled out or unfairly treated. This can cause distrust within the community, particularly among residents’ trust in the board.
Boards will sometimes overlook violations for friends, relatives, or allies. This will only deepen the divide and cause further resentment. Over time, selective enforcement can destroy the confidence that homeowners once had in the board. Homeowners will begin to question why they must comply with the rules in the first place if exceptions are made for others.
An HOA management company can also help address this by creating a standardized enforcement process. Managers can monitor violations, conduct inspections, and ensure that everyone gets the same treatment. It is also beneficial to report enforcement actions in a transparent manner, so that residents are assured there is no favoritism or bias.
3. Abuse of Power
It’s hard to discuss HOA politics without mentioning abuse of power. This occurs when board members use their positions to intimidate others or bypass standard protocol. For example, board members might make unilateral decisions without conducting a vote. Another example is when the board prevents homeowners from participating in meetings.
These actions can alienate residents and undermine the role of homeowners within the community. Associations are inherently democratic, and running one in a dictatorial manner should be a cause for concern.
More often than not, abusive behavior stems from a lack of accountability. Without proper checks and balances, boards might start operating outside of their authority. Homeowners may then feel powerless against dominant boards, especially if they are unaware of their rights.
An HOA management company can provide crucial oversight in these situations. Managers can remind boards of their scope of power and legal requirements. They can help enforce the bylaws and ensure compliance with state laws. Many companies also provide ongoing training and education, particularly on board ethics and proper governance.
4. Proxy Manipulation
Proxy voting enables homeowners to designate another person to cast their vote on their behalf. It is a good way to boost participation and ensure elections reach a quorum. Still, there are downsides to proxy voting, including the potential for proxy manipulation.
Board members may misuse proxies to unfairly influence outcomes. They might mislead homeowners and gather proxies under false pretenses. They might also pressure homeowners to sign over their proxies.
Proxy manipulation interferes with the credibility of elections. Over time, residents may grow resentful and distrustful of the way leaders run both elections and the community itself.
An HOA management company can reduce instances of proxy manipulation through transparent elections. Managers can verify proxy forms, confirm with homeowners, and oversee vote counts. They can also help establish and enforce clear rules for proxy voting, including the collection of proxy ballots.
5. Budgeting and Financing Control
Control over an HOA’s budget is another common source of tension in HOA politics. Boards are responsible for allocating funds for maintenance, insurance, reserves, and other expenses. Disputes tend to arise when certain members push for projects that don’t benefit the HOA as a whole or neglect necessary repairs.
Financial disagreements can quickly escalate into heated arguments because they affect every homeowner. Mismanagement or favoritism in spending will erode residents’ confidence in the board. Homeowners might worry that the association is wasting their dues and neglecting the community’s critical needs.
An HOA management company can provide professional financial oversight. Managers can prepare accurate budgets, ensure compliance with accounting standards, and monitor spending. They can also implement internal controls that prevent financial misdeeds. In addition to that, managers can promote transparency through proper reporting.
6. Creating Factions and Divides
Power struggles often lead to the formation of factions within the community. Board members might form groups, causing residents to follow. Conflicting priorities can split neighbors into opposing camps. These divides can instantly turn small issues into heated debates, creating long-term animosity among residents.
Factions can undermine community spirit. Associations will have a harder time reaching a consensus, which can stall projects and decisions. Homeowners may also feel pressured to choose sides even though they want a collaborative approach.
This tension won’t remain confined to board meetings either. They can spill over into social interactions, further damaging relationships between neighbors. Pretty soon, even social events will turn into civil war.
An HOA management company can also help with this by fostering open communication. Managers can encourage discussion and collaboration. Town halls and Q&A sessions, for instance, will provide residents with a neutral environment in which to voice their concerns. For severe cases, managers can also implement dispute resolution practices.
Professional Assistance
When an association allows power struggles within the board, HOA politics can quickly spiral into conflict. These struggles can cause long-term problems for the community, damaging its reputation and lowering property values. Without help from experienced HOA management, associations can adopt clear policies, ensure transparency, and support proper oversight.
Cedar Management Group provides effective management services to HOAs and condo associations. Call us today at (877) 252-3327 or email us at help@mycmg.com to get started!
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