How Board Members Should Deal with HOA Harassment

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Homeowners Association (HOA) board members are responsible for maintaining a positive community atmosphere, enforcing rules and regulations, and ensuring that residents live in harmony. However, there may be times when board members may face HOA harassment from homeowners. Such HOA harassment can take many forms, including verbal abuse, written abuse online, physical intimidation, and discrimination.

It is important for HOA board members to understand how to deal with harassment from homeowners, as it can negatively affect their mental health and overall effectiveness in managing the community. Here are some tips on how HOA board members should deal with HOA harassment from homeowners:

Take It Seriously

Board members and trustees should take any instance of HOA harassment seriously, no matter how minor it may seem. Even if the harassment appears to be directed toward one board member, it can affect the entire board’s effectiveness.

Board members should take HOA harassment seriously for several reasons. Harassment can negatively affect their mental health, leading to anxiety, stress, and depression. It can also impact their ability to perform their duties effectively, as they may be distracted or disengaged due to the harassment.

HOA harassment can create a hostile and unsafe community atmosphere, which goes against the very purpose of an HOA. Board members are responsible for ensuring that residents feel safe and comfortable in their community, and harassment can threaten this sense of security.

HOA harassment can escalate and become a legal issue. If left unchecked, it may result in legal action being taken against the HOA or individual board members. This can be costly and time-consuming and can damage the HOA’s reputation.

Lastly, HOA board members are responsible for upholding the community’s rules and regulations, including those related to harassment. Failing to take action against harassment can send the wrong message to residents and may result in a breakdown of trust and respect between board members and residents.

Document The Harassment

Board members should record any harassment incidents, including the date, time, and what was said or done. This documentation can serve as evidence if legal action needs to be taken.

When HOA board members face harassment from homeowners, it is important to document the incidents accurately and thoroughly, including the date, time, and what was said or done. This documentation can serve as evidence if legal action needs to be taken. Here are some steps that board members can take to document HOA harassment:

  1. Record the date and time of the incident: Note down the date and time of the harassment incident as soon as possible after it occurs. This will help to establish a timeline of events.
  2. Document what was said or done: Write a detailed description of what the harasser said or did, including any physical actions or gestures. Be as specific as possible and avoid making assumptions or interpreting the incident in a certain way.
  3. Note any witnesses: If there were any witnesses to the incident, ask them to provide a statement about what they saw or heard. Make sure to note down their names and contact information.
  4. Save any evidence: If there is any evidence of the harassment, such as emails, voicemails, or text messages, save them and make copies. These can be important pieces of evidence if legal action is required.
  5. Keep a log: Keep a log of all incidents of harassment, including any subsequent communications or interactions with the harasser. This will help establish a behavior pattern and record how the situation has progressed over time.
  6. Consult with legal counsel: If the harassment continues or becomes more serious, seek advice from legal counsel. They can guide what steps to take and how to legally protect yourself and the HOA.

By documenting HOA harassment in a detailed and thorough manner, board members can have a record of incidents that can be used if necessary. It is essential to take harassment seriously and take appropriate action to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents in the community.

Don’t Engage

It is important for board members not to engage with the harasser, as this can escalate the situation. Instead, they should remain calm and professional and seek legal advice if necessary.

HOA board members should not engage with homeowners who harass them because it can escalate the situation and worsen matters. It can fuel the harasser’s behavior, making them feel like their behavior is justified or even encouraging them to continue their harassing behavior towards HOA board members. This can make the situation even more challenging to manage.

Retaliating toward HOA harassment can undermine the board’s professionalism. Engaging with a harasser can cause the board member to appear unprofessional or lose their temper, harming their credibility and reputation among other residents in the community.

Engaging with a harasser can distract from the board’s duties and take up a significant amount of time and energy, which can distract board members from their primary duties of managing the community and enforcing rules and regulations.

It can also create legal liability for the HOA and individual board members. If a board member says or does something inappropriate or offensive, it can result in legal action being taken against them or the HOA.

Seek Support

Board members should seek support from their colleagues, legal counsel, and mental health professionals if they are experiencing HOA harassment. It is essential to have a support system in place to deal with the emotional toll that harassment can take.

Talk to other board members. Discussing the situation with other board members can provide emotional support and a sense of solidarity. Other board members may have faced similar situations and can provide guidance on handling the situation effectively.

Seek support from a professional counselor. Speaking with a licensed professional counselor can help board members process their emotions and develop effective coping strategies.

Contact your HOA management company if you have one. If the HOA harassment is related to the community’s operations, the management company may be able to provide support and guidance on handling the situation. They can also provide legal advice and help with documenting incidents of harassment.

Consult your HOA attorney. If the harassment is severe or persistent, seeking the advice of an attorney may be necessary. An HOA attorney can provide guidance on how to protect the board member legally and can help with any necessary legal action.

By seeking support from others, HOA board members can cope with the emotional impact of harassment and develop effective strategies for managing the situation. It is essential to take harassment seriously and to seek support when needed to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents in the community.

If the HOA harassment continues, board members may need to take legal action, such as obtaining a restraining order or filing a lawsuit. It is important to consult with an HOA attorney before taking any legal action.

In conclusion, harassment from homeowners can be challenging for HOA board members. It is important for board members to take any instance of harassment seriously, document it, and seek support. By following these suggestions and taking appropriate action, HOA board members can ensure they continue managing the community effectively and maintaining a positive atmosphere.

Seek the Help of a Property Management Professional

If you’re struggling to manage your HOA or condo association, it’s worth contacting a professional management company like Innovative Management for help. With years of experience managing COA and HOA properties, Innovative Management can provide valuable guidance to association board members, ensuring that your properties are managed efficiently and effectively. We offer various services, including financial management, maintenance, and homeowner communication, making managing your association properties easier. By working with Innovative Management, you can have peace of mind knowing that your community is in good hands and managed by experienced professionals.

Contact Innovative Management to start a conversation.

Categories HOA