Techniques for virtual machine (VM) management function availability during management network failure in a first host computing system in a cluster are described. In one example embodiment, management network failure is identified in the first host computing system. The management network being coupled to virtual management software in a management server and used for VM and host management functions. VM and host management functions on the first host computing system are then initiated via a failover agent associated with an active host computing system that is connected to the management network in the cluster and a shared storage network.