HOA candidate qualifications help define the requirements for the individuals who will represent the community on the board. Some HOA candidate qualifications are mandatory, such as being an active member of the community. The bylaws must be referenced, as they may contain specific candidate qualifications that must be included in this document. It is common for the bylaws to stipulate that candidates have no delinquent payments, criminal convictions or have been a homeowner in the community for less than one year. Failure to meet these qualifications can be grounds for disqualifying an HOA board member nominee. Bear in mind that certain qualifications may be voided if they are deemed too stringent. For example, one board used to mandate that candidates have no outstanding violations or litigation with the association, but these requirements were voided and deemed unfair.