Simple, straight forward answer:  It's the Law. (Source Illinois Condominium Property Act. (765 ILCS 605/1) (from Ch. 30, par. 301))

 

A condo association's board of directors is a miniature government.  Condo owners rely on the board to resolve community problems ranging from building damage to unruly residents.  The first priority for a condo board of directors is to carry out its duties in accordance with state law and the governing documents of the condo association.  The board of directors of a condominium association is responsible for making sure that the maintenance required to maintain the property and protect its value is done, and, deciding how the fees collected from the residents are spent.

 

Condo owners handle repairs on their own units, but it's the board's job to fix problems with the common areas--the building's exterior, the hallways and amenities such as a business center, fitnesss center, community/party room, pool or tennis court. The board must arrange for regular inspections and maintenance and, if multiple repairs are necessary, the directors must set priorities for which problem needs fixing first. In some cases, the board may put projects out to bid, in which case the directors must review the bids and pick the best one. Many associations hire a manager to deal with such issues, but the ultimate legal responsibility goes back to the board.

 

It's up to the board of directors to handle the condo association's money. Every member of an association is assessed a fee which funds association operations, such as repairs and administration. It's the directors' job to review the next year's budget and set the annual fees to pay for services while maintaining a reserve for emergencies. The directors must take action against owners who don't pay; if an owner continues to refuse, the directors have an obligation to the other association members to take the fight to court.

 

Benefits of Condo Board of Directors membership include, but are not limited to:

 

1. a chance to meet your neighbors and develop friendships.

2. learning how to use the famed “Roberts Rules of Order” to control a meeting.

3. learning the budget of the complex and seeing why condo fees are needed and how they are allotted each month. 

4. control over what gets done and what priorities are given precdent.

5. can have a say in decisions that can affect the monthly budget and the future value of  homes in the complex.

6. learn why the cheapest project bid is not always the best bid to accept.

7. the ability to know what is going on from the inside.

 

The Cons of Condo Board of Director membership include, but are not limited to:

 

1. harassment from other homeowners who don’t understand that board members are volunteers, residents and homeowners themselves.

2. residents will treat you like staff, even though you're a volunteer. [Note: residents should be treating the staff with respect also.]

3. other owners just haven’t quite outgrown that college dorm experience.  Residents think you’re an RA (resident advisor) and knock on your door late at night, or catch you in the parking lot or laundry room when they have problems instead of reporting problems to the management office.

4. apathetic owners, very few homeowners are willing to serve on the board or even attend an annual meeting.

5. no matter what the fees are people will complain that they are too high because the board is not managing the money properly.

 

Board member only section