Common Mistakes When Resigning from the HOA Board

Serving on the HOA board can be an incredibly rewarding experience. You’re able to help guide the future of the organization and make decisions in the best interest of the community. However, sometimes it is necessary to step down from your board position, whether it is for personal reasons, time constraints, relocation, or you’re simply ready to give someone else the opportunity to serve.

Whatever the reason may be, it is your right to be able to leave. But that doesn’t mean you should just up and vanish without much explanation. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making the decision to step down from the board:

  • Not providing written notice. It is common courtesy (and sometimes required by the governing documents) to put your resignation in writing. You don’t have to compose a long, drawn-out letter. Simply state that you are stepping down and date it goes into effect. Keep things positive and professional, thanking everyone for the opportunity to serve on the board. Make sure your letter not only goes to the current board, but also to the membership, as they have the right to know that you are resigning.
  • Resigning in haste. When issues get heated or feelings hurt, it can be easy to make rash decisions, such as wanting to quit the board. If tensions rise, give yourself a chance to cool down and think things through. Do you really want to relinquish all of your duties, or were you simply reacting in the moment? See if there is a better way to resolve issues than leaving if that is not what you really want to do.
  • Leaving projects lingering. If you do step down, try to wrap up any projects that you initiated or were part of to the best of your ability. Giving advanced notice can allow the board to make arrangements to fulfill these duties in your absence. Assuming you’re not moving, you could continue working on these projects until completion but not take on any new ones. In some cases, you may have liability based on contracts or agreements that were signed, so that is something to address before resigning.
  • Burning bridges. Unless you’re planning on moving, remember that you’ll still be part of the HOA community, just not as a board member. You’re still required to follow all of the rules and may want to attend meetings and events or be involved in other ways. Leaving on a sour note can inhibit your ability to fully enjoy the community and all that it has to offer.

Try to keep things as positive and professional as possible. While you’re not obligated to disclose the specifics of why you are stepping down, you may want to consider being available to answer questions from others regarding the position if they are interested in running. Help the board to fill your open spot and train the incoming board member so that the transition runs more smoothly. You don’t want to leave everyone in a bind by suddenly disappearing. Partnering with a property management company like Kuester can help HOAs to run more effectively and efficiently and overcome challenges. If your association could use additional support with managing communications and daily operations, contact Kuester today.

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Bryan Kuester

Bryan Kuester

Bryan is the CEO of Kuester Management Group. He has over 15 years of managing community associations throughout North and South Carolina.

His specialties include Community Association Management - maintenance, budgeting for operational and reserve funding, long-range planning, covenant enforcement, amenity management, onsite management, large scale management.