HOA Meetings follow Robert's Rules of Order

When in doubt, quote Robert's Rules to deflect critique.
HOA meetings are governed by Robert's Rules of Order first published in February 1876.

All HOA meetings should approximately follow this format of procedure.
See http://www.robertsrules.org/ or http://www.rulesonline.com/ for examples.

Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised in Brief can be purchased online from various booksellers - Paperback 176 pages List Price: $6.95 Your Cost: $6.50 Your milage may vary. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert's_Rules_of_Order

Also, it may depend on individual association documents. Ours say to follow RROO.

Doug,

Some assn documents may call for RRO, but not all as you seem to imply. Usually it's up to the BOD to determine what parliamentary procedure, if any, to follow. BTW, AZ state law does not call for RRO to be followed and, frankly, I don't know that this is addressed in any state law.

Richard,

Thx for the info -- it's the first I've heard of. Of course there may be others.

There has been discussion about the use of Robert's Rules of Order in my Association as well. Nothing is stated about it in our governing documents or in NYS Not-For-Profit Law. There is a statement about following Robert's Rules in the NYS Public Authorities Law but we are unsure if that applies to us. Does anyone know?

Deborah

Deborah,

I'm not familiar with NY state laws, however, HOAs are considered private corporations not public entities. IMO, the public autorities law most likely only pertains to public bodies, i.e., school boards, state legislature, co & city govts, etc.

I am curious if any of the folks here have actually seen a meeting run by RRO... not a passing wave to the rules, not a meeting where someone makes a motion and it is seconded, but a meeting where the actual Robert's Rules are used... where a motion is made, is seconded, proper debate is held with proper passing of the floor from one member to another, main motions are properly done and properly worded, subsidiary motions are done properly, proper notice is made to the chairman for rights to the floor, votes are properly recorded on each submotion, procedural rules are followed, etc..

I ask because i have never seen one.. is it just me?

http://www.tenant.net/Other_Laws/RPL/rpl09b.html

Here's a link.

Thanks, Jon. We didn't find anything about Robert's Rules in the NYS Condo Act-Article 9B and wondered if there was anyplace else we should look. Perhaps in NY following Robert's Rules is optional.

Deborah

A nonprofit corporation is governed (in descending order of priority) by state law, the articles of incorporation, the bylaws, and resolutions of the board of directors. Only when those sources fail to provide the answer is it appropriate to refer to "Robert's Rules of Order."