Welcome to HOA Board vs. Management: Who’s Responsible for What?

Serving on an HOA or condo board means making important decisions that affect an entire community. But one of the most common challenges board members face is knowing where their responsibilities end—and where the management company’s responsibilities begin.

This course exists to bring clarity to that question.

Why Role Clarity Matters

When roles are clearly defined, decisions are easier to make, communication improves, and boards and management companies are able to work together more effectively.

When roles are unclear, even well-intentioned efforts can lead to delays, confusion, or unnecessary frustration.

In working with associations across Texas, RISE often sees boards and management companies navigating questions around roles and responsibilities. The goal of this course isn’t to point fingers—it’s to create alignment.

What This Course Will Cover

Throughout this course, we’ll build a clear, practical understanding of how board responsibilities differ from management company responsibilities.

We’ll explore:

• The difference between governance and day-to-day operations
• Where accountability truly lies
• Why clearly defined roles support healthier, better-run communities

The focus isn’t on limiting involvement. It’s on helping everyone focus where they add the most value.

How to Use This Course

Each lesson is short and focused, designed to fit into a busy schedule. You can move through the course from start to finish or return to specific lessons whenever questions come up.

By the end of this course, you’ll have a stronger framework for deciding who should handle what—and more confidence in your role as a board member.

What’s Next

Let’s begin by looking at the core distinction everything else builds on.

We’ll start by exploring the difference between governance and operations in the next section.