The HOA Paradox: Why Serving on a Homeowners Association Board is a Thankless Task

The Burden of Amateur Governance

Homeowners associations (HOAs) have become a dominant force in American residential life. By 2025, there were 373,000 community associations across the United States, overseeing nearly 30 million housing units and 78 million residents. These entities represent a massive financial ecosystem, collecting over $124 billion in assessments annually—a figure roughly 1.5 times the total tax revenue of New York City. Despite their scale, these organizations are typically run by non-expert, unpaid volunteers who live in the very communities they govern.

For those who step into these roles, the experience is often described as a “pressure cooker.” Lana Martin, a Los Angeles resident who joined her townhouse complex’s board to address a leaking roof, found herself managing vendor calls, fielding neighbor complaints, and overseeing a property manager. The project, which required a $160,000 investment, led to significant friction with neighbors, some of whom threatened legal action. Martin eventually had to block the phone numbers of some residents who were critical of the process.

The Archetypes of HOA Leadership

According to Evan McKenzie, a political science professor at the University of Illinois Chicago and author of Privatopia, HOA boards tend to attract two specific types of people. The first are “reluctant pragmatists” who join out of a sense of civic duty or self-defense. The second are “condo commandos,” individuals who view the board as a platform to enforce their personal standards on how neighbors should live. When these groups collide—or when they face widespread community apathy—governance often descends into conflict.

This dynamic creates a unique challenge. Unlike corporate boards, HOA directors are neighbors to the people they govern. This proximity means that personal relationships often suffer. Some board members report being treated like an “unwitting customer service desk,” receiving emails about minor issues at all hours of the day. In extreme cases, such as that of attorney Olivia Horbowy, who joined her board after a dispute over renovation fines, the environment can become hostile. Horbowy reported receiving abusive emails from a fellow board member, including personal insults and accusations of bribery, before that member eventually resigned.

The Financial Crisis Looming Over Communities

Beyond interpersonal disputes, the most significant challenge facing HOAs is financial. For decades, many boards kept monthly dues artificially low to appease residents. Now, as housing stock ages and insurance premiums rise, these communities are facing a reckoning. The situation is particularly acute in Florida, where a 2023 Senate analysis found that over 900,000 condo units were at least 30 years old. Following the 2021 Surfside condominium collapse, state regulations have tightened, mandating structural inspections and preventing owners from voting to underfund necessary reserves.

This shift has forced boards to impose significant assessments, creating tension between different demographics. Older residents on fixed incomes often prioritize keeping costs low, while younger families may favor higher fees to fund improvements. In some instances, this leads to difficult fiduciary decisions. Paul Vesely, a board member for a Florida condo complex, noted that the association had to take out over $2 million in loans to cover essential renovations. The board is now faced with the difficult task of collecting payments from residents who may be struggling financially, including one owner dealing with cancer.

A Cycle of Conflict

The disconnect between the desire for low costs and the reality of maintenance needs often leads to absurdity. Andrew Simkovsky, who orchestrated a “hostile takeover” of his Florida condo board to address financial mismanagement, found himself embroiled in a heated debate over pet policies. Despite the building’s bylaws, pets had become common over the years. When Simkovsky attempted to formalize rules for pets, he faced a revolt from residents who wanted them banned entirely.

For many, the role is a test of endurance. Whether it is dealing with petty grievances, managing aging infrastructure, or navigating the legal complexities of property management, the work is rarely appreciated. As Lana Martin continues to navigate the complexities of her board, she notes that even basic tasks, such as enforcing parking policies, require constant negotiation. For those in the “belly of the beast,” the reward is rarely gratitude; it is simply the hope that the work gets done.

Source: businessinsider.com