Believe it or not, HOA board size plays a bigger role in the success of a community than most people realize. When the board is too small, responsibilities can quickly overwhelm the directors. On the other hand, when it is too large, decision-making can slow down and factions can form. This is why it is important to strike the right balance.
What is the Ideal HOA Board Size?
Every homeowners association and condominium has a group of leaders known as the board of directors. These directors are volunteer-owners, voted into office by their peers. The number of directors can vary from one community to another.
When it comes to the ideal HOA board size, the general rule of thumb is a minimum of three (3). It is also better to have an odd number of directors so that there are no split votes or ties.
Most boards have 3 to 7 members, but some communities have larger boards due to their size or needs. Larger associations or those with more complex needs may require more directors for diversity and specialized roles. Meanwhile, smaller communities can function effectively even with fewer directors.
Associations should refer to their state laws and governing documents for the appropriate number of directors. The bylaws, in particular, should spell out the size of the board and the term lengths of its members.
How Many Board Members Should Your HOA Have in Illinois?
Some states set a minimum number of board members an association must have. In Illinois, three laws come to mind: the General Not-for-Profit Corporation Act, the Common Interest Community Association Act (ICICAA), and the Condominium Property Act (ICPA).
Under the General Not-for-Profit Act, a corporation must have at least three (3) board directors (805 ILCS 105/108.10). In Illinois, associations can choose to incorporate as nonprofits, and most do.
Both the ICICAA (765 ILCS 160/1-25) and the ICPA (765 ILCS 605/18) require associations to elect a president, a secretary, and a treasurer. While there is no explicit provision stating a number, this requirement implies a minimum of three (3) directors.
The ideal size of an HOA board in Illinois depends on its needs and governing documents. That said, a minimum of three (3) directors is required by law. Communities can certainly go beyond the minimum, provided their bylaws permit it.
Is More Better? The Pros and Cons of a Large HOA Board
When the workload accumulates, most people’s first instinct is to open more seats and enlist additional directors. While this might sound like a good idea, it is not the right move for every community. Having a large HOA board comes with its own pros and cons.
Pros
- Diverse Perspectives. A large board offers a good mix of perspectives, leading to more informed discussions and balanced decisions.
- More Specialized Skills. A bigger board means there’s more room for experts. Communities won’t have to find someone who’s a jack-of-all-trades.
- Broader Representation. Having a large board can give voice to those who tend to be quieter or more reserved in expressing their opinions. This can help ensure that everyone in the community is heard.
- Lower Burnout Risk. There is a lower risk of burnout for individual directors when they have more co-members. They can share the burden and spread tasks among more people.
Cons
- Slower Decisions. A large board may be slower to make decisions simply because there are more opinions to consider.
- Requires More Coordination. It’s harder to schedule board meetings when there are more people to consider. Coordination becomes a difficult task.
- Lack of Perceived Unity. Board members may have a tougher time presenting a united front due to varying opinions and personalities.
- Redundancies. If there are too many board members and not enough work, tasks can easily overlap. Worse yet, it can make room for the bystander effect, with some board members having no function or contribution at all.
- Potential for Cliques. A large board is more likely to form cliques or factions within the group.
How to Decide Your Ideal HOA Board Size
If your community is in the process of adjusting its board size, there are several factors to consider before making a decision. Here’s how to arrive at an ideal HOA board size.
1. Check State Laws and Bylaws
First, it is important to check the requirements under state laws and the association’s bylaws. Most already have an established number to work from. These laws may specify both the minimum and the maximum sizes.
2. Assess Needs
The next step is to evaluate the community’s needs. What skills does the association demand? Does it need someone with financial acumen or legal knowledge? What about project management? Outlining the association’s needs will help determine how many directors will be needed to maintain success.
3. Consider Community Size
A large, complex community might require more board members to address specific roles. If an association is too big, it might not operate efficiently under the leadership of a small board. Directors can quickly feel overwhelmed or burnt out. Having a larger board will allow for a more even distribution of responsibilities.
4. Strike a Balance
Too many cooks in the kitchen can lead to fights and slow down decision-making. Meanwhile, not having enough might sacrifice representation. It is important to have a diverse mix of people with enough voices to provide good input. At the same time, the board should not be so large that it fails to act decisively.
5. Consider Committees
The problem with a board that’s too large is that it’s hard to find enough volunteers, but board members don’t have to shoulder all the work. Homeowners can sign up for committees without joining the HOA board. They can test the waters and focus on specific roles while maintaining a manageable workload.
A Helpful Alternative
The ideal HOA board size is somewhere between three to seven (3 to 7) members, depending on the needs and size of the community. That said, boards should tread carefully when adding more seats, as a large board does not always equate to greater effectiveness. If the workload is the problem, boards should consider hiring professional help instead.
Hillcrest offers HOA management services to communities in Chicago. Call us today at 630-627-3303 or contact us online to request a proposal!
RELATED ARTICLES:
- Duties And Responsibilities Of HOA Board Members
- Getting To Know HOA Board Of Directors
- HOA Board Of Directors Code Of Conduct
