Rules for the board of directors in a housing cooperative
The board of directors in a housing cooperative is responsible for ensuring a well-functioning and secure environment while implementing decisions made at general meetings. The board also plays a crucial role in maintaining efficient operations and sound financial management for the cooperative. In this blog post, we will explore the rules that apply to boards in housing cooperatives, the required roles within the board, and their responsibilities.
Who should be on the board?
The rules for a board in a housing cooperative are typically outlined in the association’s bylaws, which are established by the members. These bylaws can often be found on the cooperative’s website. Unlike other types of organizations, there are no specific legal requirements dictating the composition of a cooperative board.
A typical board consists of a chairperson and 1-3 additional board members. Some cooperatives may also have a vice-chair, though this is not always the case. In many cases, a treasurer is also part of the board, responsible for managing the cooperative’s finances. Additionally, there may be one or more alternates who can step in if a board member resigns or is unable to attend meetings.
What are the board’s responsibilities?
The board of a housing cooperative operates under the cooperative housing laws, which outline a range of tasks and responsibilities that the board must fulfill.
One of the board’s legal responsibilities is to provide key information to cooperative members. This includes essential documents such as the annual financial report, budget, and meeting minutes.
The board must also ensure that the property is maintained in accordance with the maintenance plan approved at the general meeting. This includes planning and overseeing repairs and renovations to ensure the long-term upkeep of the cooperative’s assets.
Additionally, the board is responsible for calling the general meeting. This must be done within the timeframe specified in the cooperative’s bylaws, which is typically between two to six weeks before the meeting takes place.
Another key responsibility is securing the necessary insurance coverage for the cooperative. This usually includes liability insurance, property insurance, home contents insurance, and potentially workers’ compensation insurance if applicable.
Overall, the board must adhere to and enforce the cooperative’s bylaws, as these dictate the decision-making processes, deadlines, and procedures that must be followed.
Rules That the Board Must Enforce
The board is not only subject to rules governing its own conduct but is also responsible for enforcing rules that apply to cooperative members. These responsibilities include:
- Ensuring that cooperative members adhere to the bylaws and any house rules that have been adopted.
- Making sure that all members contribute to common expenses and meet their financial obligations.
- Handling violations of cooperative rules or financial obligations by implementing a structured approach, starting with dialogue, followed by warnings, and, if necessary, sanctions.
It is often beneficial for cooperative rules and board responsibilities to be publicly accessible on the cooperative’s website, allowing members and other interested parties to easily review them.
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