HOA presidents often need managers’ assistance

Q: First, I would like to thank you for your continued advice to homeowners. I read as much as possible about every question raised by homeowners. I do, however, have some questions of my own.

First, is it typical or normal for management to preside over a homeowner's association board meeting instead of the president of the association? My understanding is that when a president is elected he or she should be presiding over the meeting, and the role of the community's management company is to give a report, just like any other committee.

In addition, it is also my understanding that when voting on some issues, the president should not vote unless there is a tie, which is typical on any other HOA board.

Second, regarding the installation of security doors, can a homeowner just install them without any prior approval by the architectural committee or the board of directors?

Our directors seem to think that a homeowner can install these doors as they please.

A: Often, presidents of associations require community managers' assistance in presiding over board meetings. You must remember, we have many board members who are inexperienced in HOA business. The presidents may need to learn by example.

Normally, the president votes to make a tie or break a tie, or when there is a formal vote by ballot of the board. Having stated that, the president also can vote on other matters as he or she is an elected board member.

Depending upon your governing documents and your architectural guidelines, your association may allow homeowners to install security doors without approval. That is not the norm for most associations, which would first require approval unless there is a standard door or doors that have already been approved by the architectural committee or the board and is on some list for the association members.

Barbara Holland, certified property manager, broker and supervisory certified association manager, is president and owner of H&L Realty and Management Co. Questions may be sent to Association Q&A, P.O. Box 7440, Las Vegas, NV 89125. Her fax number is 385-3759, or she can be reached by email at support@hlrealty.com.