Can HOA forbid you from discussing meetings?

I would think that would not be a good idea in a private group outside the HOA. You don't know if those are "official" notes. Which official notes usually have to be approved by the board at the NEXT meeting. So the meeting notes you may be posting would be more of the "personal" than of the "official".

Doesn't mean you can't discuss what is going on with the HOA. It's just that it's more of a personal basis. Official business should stay in an official capacity. Released in a HOA sponsored or shared resource is a better choice where to post APPROVED official notes.

When I was President, was NOT allowed to act as the Secretary. The Secretary was responsible for the meeting notes. However, we lost our Secretary (along with most of the board my last year in). So I would post the meeting notes at the Mailbox area but mark them "Unofficial". It was enough notes to let people know what was going on and voted on. Could not be used more than just informational. Otherwise, Official HOA notes can be used in court or other matters.

We don't post official notes we just discuss what happened at the meeting to keep each other informed if we can't attend. The official notes are mailed to the residents but many travel over seas and don't have access to their mailboxes for quite some time. We were also told we could not post anything negative in our discussion because if word got out to non residence it could make our property values go down. Does that mean we cannot discuss the HOA to a friend who is thinking of buying in the neighborhood? I feel like they should no what they are getting into. This is my first time living in a neighborhood so unsure of it all. Discussing it with my neighbors is very helpful to me.

I appreciate your feedback!

That's a falsehood. Negative comments may or may not influence buyers. Less potential buyers could mean having to lower the asking price to entice the buyers back.

I think this is more of a concern over the Board being seen in a bad light.


No, it's more of a scare tactic by the Board (which I would disagree with).


You still have the ability to discuss things with the neighbors.
Keep in mind that if you question a policy or don't understand a decision if you approach the Board with a positive attitude and express that you are asking the questions in order to learn vs. criticize, they should be open to discussing things with you.

The homes the HOA Members own may be the largest single investment of their lives. Members have the right to comment, though I would caution all to strive for facts and constructive opinion. IMO, you also have the legal right to post the Minutes. However, do expect retaliation from the HOA Board. For example, the Board may name you during meetings and in a derisive way. I think the typical board consists of long-time directors painfully aware they are not paid a cent. They often do not take kindly to any criticism, no matter how thoughtful it is. A part of me cannot blame them, especially when the critic is not willing to serve on the board.

Ask them to show you what in your governing documents or state law says you can't exercise your First Amendment right to talk about whatever you like.

If you were board members or committee members, discussing official HOA business, there are some restrictions...but assuming that's not the case, they're way overstepping their authority.

Really good advice from Tim. If they are approved minutes, should not be a problem. If your page is named the same as the association, put "residents of" in from of the title.

I personally have a very hard time with people telling others what they can or cannot talk about. I personally find myself at odds with anyone that tells me I cannot talk about something to someone. It may lead to problems in the future, but up till now I simply respond "I'll say any damn thing I please", smile and walk away. I'm fairly confident that I've had conversations with neighbors about HOA business or issues that I probably shouldn't have. But I did. It's just my way of doing it. I feel that 100% full disclosure and transparency in all matters trumps the "do not speak of..." rule.

John,

That's being a little discriminatory isn't it ;)

I've seen many people confused by the written word. Age wasn't a factor in what I saw.

My experience in life is more older people get easily confused versus younger people and I am 75..........LOL

Lol I am 57 always get confused with written legal jargon so I look to the more mature experiences individuals in such matters