Homeowners’ associations exist to keep communities throughout Arizona looking pristine and maintain property value within a neighborhood. However, the board members within an HOA are elected volunteers, and sometimes this power can be abused if left in the wrong hands. Knowing how to remove or recall an HOA board member in Arizona in 2026 is key to protecting your rights as a homeowner, as well as protecting your community.
How HOAs Are Structured in Arizona
Homeowners’ associations are designed to hold homeowners accountable for the maintenance of their property and community. Active HOAs are important because their covenants add value to well-maintained neighborhoods. Members of an HOA board are elected volunteers who are responsible for collecting monthly dues from the community’s homeowners and maintaining common areas and landscaping, as well as repairing amenities.
An HOA board is also required to enforce HOA covenants, conditions, and restrictions, usually by using fines or restricting use to community areas, such as the pool, for noncompliance or nonpayment of dues.
As more people make the move to Arizona, cities across the state continue to develop new housing and neighborhoods to accommodate them. In 2025, the towns in Arizona with some of the most population growth included Apache Junction, Buckeye, Casa Grande, and Maricopa. In 2025, Arizona had a homeowner rate of 69.7%. Arizona
That same year, 65.1% of all listings throughout Arizona had a homeowners’ association. In 2023, the average homeowners’ association fee for Arizona homeowners was $448 per month. Arizona had the second-highest HOA fees in the country that year. Because of the common nature of HOAs in Arizona, understanding how they operate is key for any current or future homeowner within the state.
Homeowners’ associations in Arizona must follow state laws to stay compliant. However, many homeowners throughout the state find themselves in situations where board members act inappropriately. In these cases, there are legal options HOA members can take to remove board members with ill intentions.
Grounds for Removing an HOA Board Member in Arizona
In situations where an HOA board member is breaking the rules or acting against the interests of the community, an HOA attorney is a great resource for finding ways to remove such a board member from their position. Any elected board member can be removed by the homeowners in the community if the homeowners take the proper steps to remove them.
When taking steps to remove a board member in your HOA, keep in mind the tips and implications listed below:
- Review your HOA rules. The rules likely outline the grounds for removing a board member and the process for doing so.
- Start a petition among your community’s homeowners to hold a special meeting to discuss the removal of the board member. For associations with less than 1,000 members, the petition must include signatures of 25% of the voting members or 100 votes, whichever amount is less.
For associations with more than 1,000 members, the petition must have signatures equal to 10% of votes or 1,000 votes, whichever amount is less. - Hold a meeting to vote for the board member’s removal. Once the petition is filed with the HOA, they must hold a special meeting within 30 days. Without this meeting, the board member can be automatically removed from the board on the 31st day.
- A board member within an HOA in Arizona can be removed with or without reason. As long as a majority of the members vote to remove them. However, a board member appointed by the developer of the community cannot be removed.
Hire an HOA Lawyer to Explain Your Legal Rights and Options
When dealing with the complex rules surrounding homeowners’ associations, having an experienced lawyer on your side can change everything. At Harper Hall PLC, our goal is to provide empathetic and professional services to businesses and homeowners throughout Arizona. We value making Arizona’s legal process as accessible as possible for our clients, offering straightforward and honest legal advice at every stage.
FAQs
What Are Some Reasons to Remove an HOA Board Member in Arizona?
In Arizona, there are many reasons you may want to petition to remove a board member from your HOA. These reasons can range from committing fraudulent acts, mishandling the HOA’s funds, acting discriminatorily towards a specific homeowner, or just failing to fulfill their duties in the association. When an HOA is in charge of governing a community, board members should take their responsibilities seriously. If they don’t, you can work with an attorney to start the removal process.
What Should I Do if the HOA Board Member Refuses to Leave After Being Removed?
If the HOA board member refuses to leave after being removed, seek legal counsel. Acting on the board of an HOA is a serious role, and board members who have been removed cannot just ignore the outcome of the vote. If they do, they may be facing legal repercussions. Speak to a local HOA attorney to learn more about your HOA’s specific circumstances.
What Happens After an HOA Board Member Is Removed?
Once an HOA board member is removed from the association, their vacancy can be filled according to the HOA’s rules. However, if a majority of the homeowners’ association has been removed, or if the association rules don’t specify how vacancies should be filled, an election must be held within 30 days to replace the removed members.
Should I Hire an HOA Attorney to Help Remove a Board Member?
Yes, you should hire an HOA attorney to help remove a board member. An HOA lawyer who is knowledgeable about Arizona HOA laws can provide invaluable legal advice to assist your community in the legal removal of a board member. HOA rules can be complex, along with Arizona state laws. Your lawyer can help you understand your rights as a homeowner in the state and the legal options available to you.
Dedicated Legal Advocacy in Arizona HOA Law
With almost three decades of experience working with clients across Arizona, the legal advocates at Harper Hall PLC are the obvious choice when it comes to HOA disputes. Reach out to our office in Gilbert to schedule a confidential case evaluation with one of our skilled attorneys. As an Arizona homeowner, you have rights. The proper legal resources can help you protect those rights and maintain the integrity of your HOA board.
