How Many Directors in Our Condo Owners Association?

M.C. from Hartford County writes:

Dear Mister Condo,

How many directors can we have in our condo owners association?

Mister Condo replies:

M.C., believe it or not, the answer to your query lies within your condo documents. All unit owners are provided with a copy at the time they purchase their unit. You’ll find the condo’s declaration and by-laws inside. Included are the rules of governance for your association. Most associations would have a minimum of four directors but it is not uncommon for a much larger number to be called for. Depending on the size of the association, I have known some larger associations to have as many as twelve directors. I have known other smaller associations to have as few as one or two, even though their by-laws require that there be more. If volunteers do not agree to serve, their positions may go unfilled. For purposes of illustration, I will assume your by-laws calls for 5 directors, which is not uncommon for an association of your size. Provided five or more people agree to serve, an election is held at your association’s Annual Meeting where the directors are elected. After the meeting, typically the directors then meet and hold an election amongst themselves as to which director will serve in which office. Typically the offices are President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Directors that are not Officers serve “at large” meaning they have a seat on the Board and vote on issues before the Board. I hope that answer helps. All the best!