A corporation is required by California law to have at least three directors. However, the corporation may have one director if the corporation has only one shareholder; and the corporation must have at least two directors if the corporation has only two shareholders.
In general, California's HOA laws protect volunteer board members from personal liability. (Civ. Code §5800; Corp. Code §5047.5(b).)
In 2024, the California legislature passed an amendment that allowed online elections to be held within HOAs. It recognized that this could open the door to digital vote manipulation within the HOA's management, though, so the state mandated that each HOA election needed to have an independent inspector of elections.
The new HOA law in California, passed in September 2024, includes amendments to the Davis-Stirling Act of 1985. These amendments make it possible for HOAs to conduct elections online rather than through costly and time-consuming paper balloting.
The majority of the time, HOA board members can meet in private, but there are important considerations to bear in mind to ensure openness, adherence to association rules, and compliance with local laws. Private conversations can be beneficial but must be conducted with care and courtesy.
HOA Board Membership Numbers Typically, a board needs at least three members, but the maximum size will depend on state laws and the governing policies. HOA boards can expand where the demands and scope of the association increase due to new homes in the neighborhood or a larger number of residents.
The number is usually five. Very small associations sometimes call for three directors, and very large associations may have seven or more.
Many HOAs maintain a website where governing documents are posted. To find HOA rules and regulations online: Navigate to the HOA's official website. Look for sections labeled “Documents,” “Governing Documents,” or “Rules and Regulations.”
AB1033 is a California state law passed in October 2023 that aims to promote affordable homeownership by allowing ADUs to undergo inium conversion.
Once you buy a home that's part of an HOA, you automatically become a member of the HOA. HOA rules are legally binding, and you must adhere to all rules and regulations in the governing document. Yes, there are bylaws that you may not like, but there are no HOA loopholes.