Forbidding homeowner contact with attorney

I can see limiting contact with the attorney, if they are expecting the attorney's fees to be paid by the association. If they want to foot the bill, then by all means contact them as much as you want. I know I would have a problem approving payment to an attorney for a homeowner consultation that didn't go through the board first.

Most if not of our contracts state that only the board or its authorized representative (or words to that effect, e.g., our PM or MC) may contact the vendor whether it's our HOA attorney, landscaper, pest control firm, vendor who supplies our security officers, or whomever.

But we don't have an actual written rule of policy about this.

Our CC&Rs also say that the board represents the "Association." I honestly can't imagine the chaos that would ensue if Owners could contact any of our 15 or so vendors. I can hear it all now:

"Hello, XYZ Pest Control, how may I help you?"
Owner: "I saw a big cockroach in the underground garage!! Help me!!

"Hello, ABC pool services, how may I help you?"
Owner: "The pool water is too cold. My grandchildren are shivering and will get sick. Help us!!"

"Hello, LMN Law Firm. Cash or credit card?"
Owner: "Ummm, cash.... I don't like my HOA's rules. They won't let me build a slide from my roof into my backyard. Help me!"

In years past, we had a free for all. Any board member could contact any vendor (including professionals) on any topic.

The big problem was that vendors got mixed messages. One board member didn't always tell the rest of the board about a conversation.

We fixed this by designating one board member as the point person for each vendor. Everyone understands who speaks for the community. There is no confusion. Maybe frustration once in a while because another board member doesn't agree - but if there's a real problem, the board can always vote to change who a designated person is for a particular vendor.

Huge improvement - better transparency and clarity since we made the change.

Couldn't begin to imagine what craziness we would have if we opened communication up to the entire community.

As others have said, cost control is the other big issue.

ArtT5 Illinois: Wonder how the proposed Rule is worded ?

Would it purport to be wide enough to override an attorney's right to interact where the client corporation's interest is not raised ? Freebies are a different matter.

How about contact with an AUDITOR appointed not by the Board but by Resolution of an owners' meeting to whom the audit duty is owed ? How about direct contact with a property manager ?

Thanks, I appreciate the comments.

Our contract with our attorney permits the board to have only one liaison with him and the board usually chooses the president. Our retainer includes free phone calls, so our PM also phones him from time to time usually at the direction of the board.

Our contract with our MC states that only the PM & her assistant, may direct vendors. We have several full time custodians & security officers and a F-T engineer, who all are instructed to send any resident to the management offices if they have requests.

The chair of our landscaping committee has authorization in her charter to direct the landscapers who are here twice a week.