Can a vendor attend an HOA board meeting without being invited?

Answer 1

Typically, association board meetings are business meetings called to conduct the business of the association in full view of member-owners. In this sense, it is not a public meeting where anyone can simply attend with no basis.

An officer or director could approach the vendor and query as to the vendor's motivation for attending. If the vendor has 'business' with the association's board -- short of an unsolicited proposal for services which would be entirely inappropriate -- then the director can work with the vendor to help the vendor conduct the appropriate business at hand.

If the business at hand can be conducted more appropriately in a different venue, then the director and vendor can work out a separate meeting.

If the vendor believes that s/he is being treated unfairly or unreasonably by the board, the vendor can announce this alleged unfairness to the board and request that the board address the issue. These actions are better suited for written communication to the board, and can include the vendor's announcement to all owners.

If the board chooses not to address the vendor's issue, then best practices dictate that the board announce the issue together with its decision on how it will be handled, and then vote on an appropriate motion.