As part of being on an HOA board of directors in Michigan, there is a lot to do to keep members happy. To help with this, it is best to give new members a good idea of how they can make working with your organization easier.
The Homeowners Protection Bureau, LLC, touched on a few ways to sidestep HOA issues. While members are the target for the tips, a board of directors can use them for deeper insight into how to avoid unnecessary issues.
Ensure members understand what HOA membership entails
Acting as a member of an HOA is not the same as being a homeowner or apartment building tenant. New members need to understand the differences, what rights they give up, which rights they gain and the terms and conditions they need to follow.
Members need to read every page of the Governing Documents
Impress the importance of new members reading your organization’s Governing Documents from front to back. Open the door to questions and concerns, and do not hesitate to work with a legal or real estate professional for any questions you cannot answer.
Stress the importance of property upkeep
One of the most common sources of conflict between HOA members and the board is a failure to keep properties looking good and in working order. Let members know about their responsibilities, and do what you can to make it easy and convenient for them to maintain their exterior property.
Members should know how fees work
Breakdown your organization’s payment schedule, and explain to members how you use the fees you collect. Let members know what happens when fees are not paid, or if an account is in default.
This information is only intended to educate and should not be interpreted as legal advice.