Open Meeting Requirements
Most state HOA laws require board meetings to be open to all homeowners. Board members cannot make official decisions in private conversations, email chains, or informal gatherings outside of properly noticed meetings. This applies even when all board members agree — a unanimous decision still requires a properly noticed meeting with recorded minutes.
Executive Sessions
Executive sessions are closed board meetings permitted only for specific purposes defined by state law. Common authorized purposes include: pending or threatened litigation, contract negotiation, personnel matters, member disciplinary hearings, and assessment payment plans.
Executive session discussions cannot be disclosed publicly, but the fact that an executive session occurred must appear in the meeting minutes, along with the general subject matter.
Homeowner Participation
Most HOA laws give homeowners the right to attend open board meetings and speak during a homeowner input or open forum period. This period is for homeowner comments, not for debate with the board. The board is not required to respond to or act on homeowner comments during the open forum — but listening and acknowledging concerns is both courteous and strategically sound.
Traditions 