Often, an HOA will hire a management company to assist with the day-to-day operations of the community. This usually includes things like the collection of fees and assessments, the hiring of contractors for landscaping, snow removal, maintenance of common elements, etc., and the enforcement of the community rules. The manager is typically selected and hired by the HOA's board. The manager is the agent of the HOA, and (depending on the terms of the contract it negotiates with the HOA) is generally obligated to do what the HOA instructs. Sometimes, the HOA gives the property manager the discretion to take certain actions or refrain from taking such action as the property manager deems appropriate. In those situations, it can feel like the property manager is telling the board what to do, and not the other way around. In rare instances, the property manager might even occupy one of the seats on the board, but that is not common. Regardless of the influence the property manager has on the HOA's board, it is still bound by the community's governing documents, and if it's not following the rules, you may be entitled to various types of relief including termination of the property manager's contract, removal of board members that are breaching their respective duties to the HOA, or other relief. If you feel that the board or its management company are not following the community rules, you may wish to consult with an attorney to understand your rights.