Living in a homeowner’s association (HOA) means you’re part of something bigger - a shared neighborhood, shared standards, and yes, shared responsibilities. Whether you’re a homeowner or you’re also serving as a volunteer board member, everyone plays a role in keeping the community running smoothly. Here’s a refresher on what rights and responsibilities look like on both sides.
Homeowner Rights: What You Can Expect
Homeowners deserve a community association that’s well‑run, transparent, and respectful. That includes the right to:
- Live in a well-maintained neighborhood where common areas and amenities are cared for.
- Fair, honest, and respectful treatment from board members.
- Be involved, whether that means attending meetings, joining committees, voting, or even running for the board.
- Review governing documents, such as CC&Rs, rules, and regulations, before buying a home in the community.
- Be confident that their assessments are spent wisely, with financial decisions made in the overall community’s best interest.
- Have responsive, competent community leadership that communicates clearly and handles concerns appropriately.
Homeowner Responsibilities: Doing Your Part
Being a good neighbor and community member means:
- Taking time to review the governing documents to help ensure consistency and shared understanding.
- Staying informed through meetings, newsletters, or online updates.
- Caring for your home in a way that reflects the shared community standards.
- Paying assessments on time, ensuring the HOA can provide essential services.
- Keeping your contact information up to date so you don’t miss important notices.
- Ensuring your household and guests follow rules - sometimes the smallest reminders make the biggest difference.
- Respecting the privacy of board members as neighbors outside of official association matters.
Board Member Rights: What Volunteers Can Count On
- Board members are neighbors too, and in their capacity as volunteer directors, they also have important rights, such as:
- Receiving honest, respectful communication from residents.
- Awareness and adherence to the governing documents among homeowners.
- Gaining constructive input and support from the community.
- Trusting that owners will consistently meet their financial obligations, which allows the association to function.
- Pursuing educational opportunities, training, and resources to help them serve effectively.
Board Member Responsibilities: Leading with Care
Serving on the board means balancing many needs while acting in the community’s best interest. Key responsibilities include:
- Fulfilling fiduciary duties with care and discretion.
- Using sound business judgment when making decisions that impact the community.
- Having a solid understanding of the governing documents and staying informed about HOA-related laws.
- Running fair, open, and well-publicized elections.
- Actively listening to the community and responding with meaningful action.
- Operating transparently whenever appropriate, building trust through openness.
- Balancing the needs of the entire community, not just a few individuals.
Wrapping It All Up
When homeowners and board members understand both their rights and responsibilities, the entire community benefits. Good communication, clear expectations, and mutual respect create a neighborhood where people love to live, and that's the goal for all of us.
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.
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