Vice-chair, secretary, manager: which role does what

In small communities, one person usually does everything. Knowing what each role is helps to share the load when that makes sense.

Chair (compulsory)

Legally represents the community, internally and externally (signs, contracts, sues if the meeting authorises it). It is the only indispensable role.

Vice-chair (optional)

Stands in for the chair during absences or a vacancy. Highly advisable in practice: it is the "plan B" that avoids gaps if the chair sells, falls ill or resigns.

Secretary (compulsory… but can be combined)

Draws up the minutes, keeps the documentation, certifies debts. By default the chair assumes it if nobody else is appointed — the norm in small communities.

Manager (optional)

Handles the finances and ordinary maintenance. It can be an external professional (a property manager) or any owner — under self-management, the chair takes on this function too.

The intelligent split

If two people are willing: chair plus a de facto secretary and treasurer is the perfect tandem — one represents and decides, the other keeps the accounts and the paperwork, and each keeps an eye on the other. It is all approved at the same ordinary meeting where the officers are renewed, by simple majority.