HOA Board Candidate Scoring Rubric (For Owners)
Purpose of the Rubric
This rubric empowers homeowners to make informed decisions when electing HOA board members. It provides a transparent, standardized framework for evaluating candidates against key criteria, ensuring qualified individuals are chosen to lead our community.
Use this tool to objectively assess each candidate's suitability and commitment, fostering a stronger, better-managed community for everyone.
Scoring Scale (per category):
Use the following scale to evaluate each candidate across all categories. Check the box that best represents the candidate's qualifications in each area.
1
No experience / unclear response / misalignment in values and/or approach
Little to no relevant experience demonstrated. Responses are vague, incomplete, or indicate a lack of understanding of the subject matter, or there is a misalignment in values or approach with the community.
2
Some relevant experience or thoughtful approach
Demonstrates some relevant experience or a thoughtful, albeit not fully comprehensive, understanding. Responses show potential but may lack specific examples or depth.
3
Demonstrated experience, strong understanding, or clear examples
Extensive, relevant experience clearly demonstrated with specific examples. Responses are detailed, insightful, and reflect a strong command of the subject.
Evaluation Categories
Evaluate each candidate using the categories below. For each category, check the box corresponding to your score assessment.
  1. Governance & Fiduciary Understanding
  1. Legal Experience & Understanding
  1. Financial Oversight & Budget Literacy
  1. Property / Asset Management
  1. Project Management
  1. Leadership & Decision-Making
  1. Conflict Resolution & Communication
  1. Ethics & Integrity
  1. Time Commitment & Reliability
  1. Long-Term / Strategic Thinking
  1. Core Technical Competencies
Governance & Fiduciary Understanding
Assess the candidate's understanding of HOA governance, legal responsibilities, and fiduciary duties to the community.
  • Knowledge of CC&Rs, bylaws, and state HOA laws
  • Understanding of board member fiduciary duties
  • Awareness of legal compliance requirements
  • Commitment to acting in the community's best interest
Score:
  • ☐ 1 - No experience / unclear response / misalignment in values and/or approach
  • ☐ 3 - Some relevant experience or thoughtful approach
  • ☐ 5 - Demonstrated experience, strong understanding, or clear examples
Financial Oversight & Budget Literacy
Evaluate the candidate's ability to understand and manage HOA finances, budgets, and reserve planning.
  • Experience reading and analyzing financial statements
  • Understanding of budget development and monitoring
  • Knowledge of reserve fund planning
  • Ability to make sound financial decisions
Score:
  • ☐ 1 - No experience / unclear response / misalignment in values and/or approach
  • ☐ 3 - Some relevant experience or thoughtful approach
  • ☐ 5 - Demonstrated experience, strong understanding, or clear examples
Legal Experience & Understanding
Assess the candidate's legal knowledge and experience relevant to HOA governance and operations.
  • Legal background or experience with contracts and regulations
  • Understanding of real estate law and property rights
  • Experience with dispute resolution and legal proceedings
  • Ability to interpret legal documents and identify legal risks
Score:
  • ☐ 1 - No experience / unclear response / misalignment in values and/or approach
  • ☐ 3 - Some relevant experience or thoughtful approach
  • ☐ 5 - Demonstrated experience, strong understanding, or clear examples
Property / Asset Management
Consider the candidate's knowledge of property maintenance, vendor management, and long-term asset preservation.
  • Understanding of property maintenance needs
  • Experience with vendor selection and oversight
  • Knowledge of capital improvement planning
  • Awareness of property value preservation strategies
Score:
☐ 1 - No experience / unclear response / misalignment in values and/or approach
☐ 3 - Some relevant experience or thoughtful approach
☐ 5 - Demonstrated experience, strong understanding, or clear examples
Project Management
Evaluate the candidate's ability to plan, organize, and execute projects effectively for the community.
  • Experience managing projects from planning to completion
  • Ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and resources
  • Understanding of timelines, budgets, and deliverables
  • Track record of successful project execution
  • Risk and issue management capabilities
  • Status reporting and progress tracking
  • Communication management throughout project lifecycle
  • Stakeholder management and engagement
Score:
☐ 1 - No experience / unclear response / misalignment in values and/or approach
☐ 3 - Some relevant experience or thoughtful approach
☐ 5 - Demonstrated experience, strong understanding, or clear examples
Leadership & Decision-Making
Assess the candidate's leadership qualities and ability to make informed, balanced decisions for the community.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience
  • Ability to analyze issues and make sound decisions
  • Collaborative approach to problem-solving
  • Vision for community improvement
Score:
☐ 1 - No experience / unclear response / misalignment in values and/or approach
☐ 3 - Some relevant experience or thoughtful approach
☐ 5 - Demonstrated experience, strong understanding, or clear examples
Conflict Resolution & Communication
Evaluate the candidate's ability to communicate effectively and resolve disputes fairly and professionally.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Experience mediating or resolving conflicts
  • Ability to listen to diverse perspectives
  • Professional demeanor under pressure
Score:
☐ 1 - No experience / unclear response / misalignment in values and/or approach
☐ 3 - Some relevant experience or thoughtful approach
☐ 5 - Demonstrated experience, strong understanding, or clear examples
Ethics & Integrity
Consider the candidate's commitment to ethical behavior, transparency, and acting with integrity.
  • Demonstrated ethical decision-making
  • Commitment to transparency and accountability
  • Absence of conflicts of interest
  • Trustworthiness and honesty
Score:
☐ 1 - No experience / unclear response / misalignment in values and/or approach
☐ 3 - Some relevant experience or thoughtful approach
☐ 5 - Demonstrated experience, strong understanding, or clear examples
Time Commitment & Reliability
Assess the candidate's availability and commitment to fulfilling board responsibilities consistently.
  • Availability for regular board meetings
  • Willingness to dedicate time to board duties
  • Track record of reliability and follow-through
  • Understanding of time requirements
Score:
☐ 1 - No experience / unclear response / misalignment in values and/or approach
☐ 3 - Some relevant experience or thoughtful approach
☐ 5 - Demonstrated experience, strong understanding, or clear examples
Long-Term / Strategic Thinking
Evaluate the candidate's ability to think strategically about the community's future and long-term goals.
  • Vision for community's future development
  • Ability to plan beyond immediate issues
  • Understanding of long-term financial planning
  • Strategic approach to community challenges
Score:
☐ 1 - No experience / unclear response / misalignment in values and/or approach
☐ 3 - Some relevant experience or thoughtful approach
☐ 5 - Demonstrated experience, strong understanding, or clear examples
Core Technical Competencies
Assess the candidate's technical skills and ability to leverage digital tools for community operations and communication.
  • Ability to create data visualizations and reports
  • Experience with automated workflows and process optimization
  • Website development and maintenance capabilities
  • Newsletter creation and digital communication tools
  • Proficiency with collaboration and productivity software
  • Understanding of data management and security
Score:
☐ 1 - No experience / unclear response / misalignment in values and/or approach
☐ 3 - Some relevant experience or thoughtful approach
☐ 5 - Demonstrated experience, strong understanding, or clear examples
Overall Assessment
Optional Overall Impression (not scored):
☐ Strong fit
☐ Moderate fit
☐ Limited fit
After evaluating all categories, use this section to record your overall impression of the candidate's suitability for the HOA board position.
Important Notice

This rubric is intended as a decision-support tool, not an endorsement or ranking by the HOA.
This scoring rubric is designed to help homeowners make informed decisions when evaluating candidates for the HOA board. It provides a structured framework for assessment but does not represent an official endorsement or ranking by the HOA organization.
Use this tool to organize your thoughts and compare candidates objectively across key competency areas that are important for effective board service.
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