What happens when your condo or HOA board stops functioning—when board members resign, stop responding, or disappear altogether?
This situation, sometimes referred to as a “headless association,” can leave communities in limbo—without leadership, financial oversight, or the authority to make essential decisions. The recent article from CooperatorNews sheds light on this increasingly common issue, and how communities can begin to take action.
How can you tell that your board may be dysfunctional or headless? A headless board doesn’t necessarily mean there are zero board members left—it often means the board is no longer meeting, managing finances, or addressing property needs. Common warning signs include:
- Lack of communication from board members or the management company
- Unpaid bills or service disruptions
- No budgeting or planning for future expenses
- Missed annual meetings and vacant board seats
Without proper oversight, associations can quickly fall into disrepair—financially and physically.
If your association is in disarray, there are ways to restore leadership:
- Check your governing documents for protocols around board elections and special meetings.
- Call a special meeting if you can gather enough owners to meet quorum and nominate new board members.
- Seek legal support if necessary, especially if the board is completely inactive.
- Partner with experienced professionals to stabilize finances and reestablish structure.
Rebuilding a non-functioning board starts with restoring financial control. Haus Financial Services specializes in big support for small condo associations by providing budget-friendly management support designed for buildings up to 20 units. HausFS bridges the gap between self- and full-service management with a unique solution that puts your board at ease and they know exactly how to help communities recover from leadership gaps.
Whether your board is active or teetering on the edge, it’s important to stay proactive to prevent board breakdown:
- Regularly recruit and train new members
- Maintain open communication with owners
- Find reliable professionals on Condoly who can support your board's workload
Need Help?
Chicago Condo Resource is proud to partner with organizations like Haus Financial Services and Condoly who offer the resources you need to rebuild stronger.
If your board has gone quiet, now is the time to act. The sooner you restore leadership and accountability, the better your chances of protecting your property—and your investment.