When HOA Board Members Go Rogue: Handling Bullies the Right Way

Serving on a homeowner’s association (HOA) board should be about collaboration, transparency, and working toward what’s best for the community. But sometimes, a board member goes rogue—pushing their own agenda, making unilateral decisions, or trying to strong-arm others into agreeing with them. These “board member bullies” can create unnecessary conflict, damage trust, and even put the association at legal or financial risk.

So, how can you handle this type of behavior while maintaining professionalism and keeping your community on track? Let’s break it down.

Recognizing Board Member Bullies

A board member bully doesn’t always behave like the stereotypical playground troublemaker. In the community association setting, bullying can be subtle but equally damaging. Here are a few common signs:

• Pushing a personal agenda: Instead of making decisions in the best interest of the community, a board bully may focus on their own (or their friends’) preferences or pet projects.
• Acting alone: They may attempt to make decisions or give directives without the entire board’s approval, undermining the group process. No single board member has more or less authority than any other member.
• Violating fiduciary duty: Board members are charged with acting in good faith and in the best interest of the association. Acting independently directly conflicts with this responsibility.
• Using intimidation: Some bullies pressure or manipulate other board members into going along with what they want. This creates a toxic environment and discourages open discussion.
• Good old-fashioned bullying: Coercion, rudeness, or downright nastiness causes disruption to the democratic process and leads to escalating tensions, a drop in volunteerism, and other negative community impacts.

Recognizing these behaviors early is key to preventing long-term harm.

How to Handle Board Bullies

Once you’ve identified the issue, your board will need to address it promptly. Ignoring the behavior can just make it worse. Here are practical steps you can take:

1. Advise them to stop inappropriate outreach. A rogue board member may contact service providers, residents, or other parties directly as though they represent the entire board. Remind them firmly but professionally that only the board acting together can make association-related decisions. Educate homeowners so they understand board decisions can only be made in a properly called board meeting, and not to misconstrue casual conversations with neighbors who serve on the board.
2. Clarify authority. Make it clear that individual board members have no authority to take action individually, on behalf of the association, without board authorization. The board must make decisions as a whole and act on behalf of the entire membership, supporting majority consensus and setting aside personal opinions.
3. Set the record straight. If the behavior continues, communicate with homeowners, service providers, or anyone else involved to clarify that the individual’s statements or actions do not represent the board or association. 
4. Escalate if needed. In extreme cases where the bully refuses to stop, the board may need to consult legal counsel. An attorney can advise on options, which may include formal warnings or even removal from the board if permitted by governing documents and state law.

Taking these steps not only protects the board but also reinforces the message that rules and procedures apply equally to everyone.

Strategies for Moving Forward

While addressing board bullies is important, prevention is just as critical. Putting structures in place can reduce the chances of one member taking over or pushing the board off course. Consider these strategies:

• Formalize meetings. Require that all decisions be made in properly noticed, open meetings and be in accordance with the governing documents. This ensures transparency and prevents side deals or unilateral action.
• Educate board members. Host a training session or seek out educational resources to review the powers, duties, and restrictions of board members. Understanding fiduciary duty and proper procedure can help reduce misunderstandings.
• Adopt a code of ethics or civility pledge. A written commitment to respectful, cooperative behavior sets clear expectations and provides a standard to reference if issues arise.

These steps help foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and respect, making it less likely that a bully will derail progress.

Conclusion

Board bullies may be persistent, but they’re not unstoppable. By recognizing the signs, addressing the behavior directly, and putting strong procedures in place, your HOA board can maintain order and protect the community’s best interests. Remember: a community association functions best when all members work together, not when one person tries to run the show.

About Community Association Management Services

In business since 1991, CAMS has grown to become North and South Carolina’s premier community management company. With experienced local managers in each of its nine regions, CAMS provides innovative solutions to the community associations it serves. To learn more, visit www.camsmgt.com/choose-cams.