Model Code of Ethics for Community
Association Board Members
This model code of ethics is not meant to address every potential ethical dilemma encountered by a community association board member, but is offered as a basic framework that can be modified and adopted by any common-interest community.
Board members should:
■ Strive at all times to serve the best interests of the association as a whole regardless of their personal interests.
■ Use sound judgment to make the best possible business decisions for the association, taking into consideration all available information, circumstances and resources.
■ Act within the boundaries of their authority as defined by law and the governing documents of the association.
■ Provide opportunities for residents to comment on decisions facing the association.
■ Perform their duties without bias for or against any individual or group of owners or non-owner residents.
■ Disclose personal or professional relationships with any company or individual who has or is seeking to have a business relationship with the association.
■ Conduct open, fair and well-publicized elections.
■ Always speak with one voice, supporting all duly-adopted board decisions even if the board member was in the minority regarding actions that may not have obtained unanimous consent.
Board members should not:
■ Reveal confidential information provided by contractors or share information with those bidding for association contracts unless specifically authorized by the board.
■ Make unauthorized promises to a contractor or bidder.
■ Advocate or support any action or activity that violates a law or regulatory requirement.
■ Use their positions or decision-making authority for personal gain or to seek advantage over another owner or non-owner resident.
■ Spend unauthorized association funds for their own personal use or benefit.
■ Accept any gifts—directly or indirectly—from owners, residents, contractors or suppliers.
■ Misrepresent known facts in any issue involving association business.
■ Divulge personal information about any association owner, resident or employee that was obtained in the performance of board duties.
■ Make personal attacks on colleagues, staff or residents.
■ Harass, threaten or attempt through any means to control or instill fear in any board member, owner, resident, employee or contractor.
■ Reveal to any owner, resident or other third party the discussions, decisions and comments made at any meeting of the board properly closed or held in executive session.