Interactive Bylaws for
Homeowners Associations

Missing 3 cumulative monthly dues despite repeated demands is a ground for being declared delinquent. You'll receive a written notice with a 60-day grace period to settle arrears.

Yes. The Board can charge reasonable fines for late payments and violations, based on a previously established schedule furnished to all homeowners. Fines require due notice and a hearing.

Both the majority of the Board AND the majority of the members must approve special assessments. The Board cannot impose them unilaterally.

Yes. Even after being declared delinquent and having your rights suspended, you remain obligated to pay all dues, fees, and assessments that apply to members in good standing.

If quorum fails after one meeting, a referendum must be held within 30 days. A Notice of Referendum with an executive brief must be sent to all members at least 15 working days before the referendum and posted in at least 3 conspicuous places.

Yes. Any member may be represented by proxy. The proxy must be in writing, signed by you, and submitted to the Secretary before the meeting. It is valid only for the specific meeting unless stated otherwise, and cannot exceed 3 years.

Gather a petition signed by at least 30% of members in good standing. Submit it to the Board, which is then required to call the special meeting. Notice must be given at least 2 weeks in advance.

The association Secretary is responsible for preparing, keeping, and preserving the minutes of all general assembly meetings as the official record.

No. Board members serve without compensation. However, reasonable and documented expenses directly related to official activities may be reimbursed. Other officers and staff who are not board members may be compensated.

Vacancies due to removal, resignation, death, or incapacity are filled by majority vote of members in good standing at a special election. The replacement only serves the remainder of the predecessor's term.

Within 15 days of the newly elected Board assuming office. If the outgoing Board refuses, the new Board must notify the DHSUD. Failure to turn over is a ground for disqualification from future service.

No. The Board cannot amend the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, dissolve the association, or determine qualifications and terms of the Board itself — those require member approval. All other business may be conducted by the Board.

Within 30 days of election or appointment, all directors/trustees must undergo a free DHSUD orientation on conducting meetings, preparing minutes, managing accounts, and understanding applicable laws and regulations.

Only in cases of fortuitous event or force majeure. A special election must then be held within 30 days. Only one postponement is allowed — otherwise it is considered a failure of election. The Election Committee must notify DHSUD at least 10 days before the rescheduled election.

A failure of election occurs when the election cannot be held due to lack of candidates, insufficient qualified candidates to fill a majority of board seats, or other serious causes preventing a free and honest election. The Election Committee must notify DHSUD within 15 days.

No. When a failure of election is declared, the incumbent Board's authority is considered functus officio — expired — once their term ends. No member of the outgoing Board may exercise authority in a hold-over capacity.

Only the incumbent Board is authorized to call for an election. Unauthorized elections may result in disqualification for the individuals involved.

Yes. Proxies must be in writing, signed, submitted to the Election Committee per the election guidelines, and validated. Each proxy is issued for a specific election only and cannot exceed one year.

Bring it to the Grievance Committee first. Any controversy must go through the Grievance Committee before it can be elevated to the DHSUD or HSAC. The Committee must resolve it within 30 days.

The Election Committee members are elected by the majority of members in good standing at the annual meeting or in a special general assembly, 90 days before the election date. They serve a fixed 2-year term and cannot be candidates in the elections they oversee.

Yes. Any homeowner or duly authorized government representative may inspect the books of accounts during reasonable business hours. You may also request a copy of the annual financial statement at your own expense.

No. All checks, drafts, and payment orders must be signed jointly by the Treasurer and the President, or by other officers specifically authorized by a Board resolution. This is a safeguard against unauthorized disbursements.

Annually. The statement must be posted at the association office and on bulletin boards, and submitted to DHSUD within 90 days from December 31. A summary is also presented to members at the annual general assembly.

No. Amending the bylaws requires a majority vote of all members, not just the Board. The Board cannot unilaterally change fundamental governance rules. DHSUD approval is also required.

The Board proposes the rules, but they must be presented to members for consultation and ratified by a majority of all members regardless of standing. Rules not ratified by members are not valid.

DHSUD regulates HOAs under Republic Act 9904. It approves bylaw amendments, receives election reports, issues orders and sanctions, handles complaints escalated from the Grievance Committee (via HSAC), and can declare directors permanently disqualified for serious violations.