HOA Board Conflict Series (Pt. 1): Can a Board Member Be Removed?

When an HOA Board Member Becomes the Problem

Every HOA board eventually faces it.

A disagreement escalates. A board member begins working against the rest of the group. Meetings become tense. Decisions stall. And someone inevitably asks the question:

Can we remove a board member from the HOA board?

In Episode 87 of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook sits down with HOA attorney James McCormick of Delphi Law Group to unpack one of the most sensitive challenges in community governance: conflict inside the boardroom.

While many people assume HOA disputes revolve around homeowners and rules enforcement, experienced managers and attorneys know the reality can be different. Sometimes the biggest challenge facing a community is conflict between the volunteers tasked with leading it.

And when that happens, boards often struggle to understand what their options actually are.

The Legal Reality of Removing a Board Member

One of the first misconceptions McCormick addresses is the idea that a board can simply vote to remove one of its own members.

In most California associations, that is not how it works.

Directors are elected by the membership. Because of that, removal usually requires a vote of the homeowners, not just the board.

That means removing a director can involve:

• Recall elections
• Membership petitions
• Formal voting procedures
• Significant community involvement

The legal process can quickly become complex and emotionally charged.

For many associations, the better approach is preventing the situation from escalating to that point in the first place.

Most Board Conflict Is Not Actually Legal

One of the most interesting insights McCormick shares is that most HOA conflicts are not really legal problems.

They are people problems.

Personality differences, misunderstandings, unrealistic expectations, and communication breakdowns often drive disputes far more than violations of the law.

That is why many attorneys who work in community associations find themselves acting less like litigators and more like mediators.

The goal is not just enforcing rules.

The goal is helping communities function.

Expectations Shape Board Performance

Another major contributor to conflict is a lack of clarity around what being a board member actually means.

Many volunteers join the board with good intentions. They want to help their community. But without proper education or orientation, they may not understand:

• The scope of their authority
• Their fiduciary duties
• The limits of the association’s responsibility
• The importance of acting collectively as a board

When expectations are unclear, frustration builds quickly.

Homeowners may expect instant responses. Board members may assume they have individual authority. Managers may be caught in the middle.

Education and communication are often the most effective tools for preventing these situations.

Why Governance Matters

Healthy boards operate with shared expectations and a clear understanding of roles.

They understand that directors act collectively, not individually.

They focus on the long term interests of the community.

And they remember that while disagreements are normal, the goal is always the same: protecting the association and serving its members.

When boards operate from that mindset, conflict becomes easier to navigate.

And the need to consider removing a board member becomes far less likely.

A Conversation Every HOA Board Should Hear

Whether you are a board member, community manager, or homeowner who wants to understand how associations function, this episode offers valuable perspective.

Because at the end of the day, HOAs are not just about rules and regulations.

They are about people.

And learning how to work through disagreements is one of the most important skills a board can develop.