Nagle & Zaller, P.C. | Attorneys At Law

Understanding the roles of the HOA board in Maryland

On Behalf of | Nov 10, 2022 | Blog, Community Association Law

If you live in a community with a Homeowners Association (HOA), you are probably familiar with the board. They may have told you to pay fees, abide by the set laws in that community and so on. To understand why this is the case or why they have such powers, you need to know the people who make HOA what it is.

A homeowners association board member

A board member is an individual elected by the homeowners in the community to oversee the affairs of the association. The board makes decisions that affect the daily lives of residents, such as enforcing rules, approving budgets and managing property.

Duties of a homeowners association board in Maryland

From the definition, you can typically divide the duties of a homeowners association board into three main categories: financial, legal and physical. Financial duties include creating and approving a budget, collecting dues from members and paying bills associated with running the HOA. They are also responsible for maintaining property insurance for the community.

The legal duties of the board include complying with state and federal laws, as well as the community association law of the HOA. The board must also enforce the rules of the community and handle any violations that may occur.

Physical duties of the board include maintaining common areas such as pools, playgrounds and landscaping. In addition, they are responsible for repairing any damage to common areas and managing staff who take care of these areas.

When you don’t comply with the board rules

Homeowners associations are not governmental entities; they are nonprofit corporations that serve people living in a particular neighborhood. As such, they have the power to fine homeowners who violate the rules set forth by the board. In some cases, the HOA can even place a lien on your home if you do not pay fines or dues.

Generally, the homeowners association board is there to help make your community a better place to live. By understanding the board’s duties and following the rules set forth by the board, you can help make your neighborhood a great place to call home.