The short answer
Board members owe the association a fiduciary duty: to act in good faith, with reasonable care, and in the association's interest rather than their own. In practice that means adopting budgets, funding reserves, enforcing the governing documents consistently, maintaining common property, keeping adequate insurance, and making decisions in properly noticed meetings.
Core responsibilities
- Adopt the annual budget and set assessments
- Fund and protect reserves
- Maintain and insure common property
- Enforce bylaws, rules, and the master deed fairly
- Hire and oversee the manager, vendors, and professionals
- Keep accurate minutes and records
The business judgment rule
Courts generally defer to board decisions made in good faith, on reasonable information, within the board's authority, and without conflicts of interest. Documented process — bids, professional advice, minutes — is what earns that deference.
Protecting yourself
Confirm the association carries directors and officers insurance, disclose any conflicts, and don't act individually on matters the board must decide together.
What the manager handles
A professional manager executes the board's decisions and carries the day-to-day load: vendor management, collections, owner calls, financial reporting, and meeting logistics. The board sets policy; the manager runs it.
Common questions
Can a board member be personally sued?
It's possible, but good-faith decisions made within the board's authority are generally protected, and D&O insurance typically covers defense costs. Talk to the association's attorney about specific concerns.
How much time does serving on a board take?
With a professional manager, most volunteer board members spend a few hours a month: preparing for and attending meetings, and reviewing financials.
Reviewed October 2026 by Comet Management, Hamburg, NJ.