Effective Ways to Resolve HOA Complaints

2/19/2024 (Permalink)

Transform your approach to handling HOA disputes with our detailed guide.

Living in a homeowners' association (HOA) managed community offers residents many benefits but is not without challenges. From parking issues to abandoned doggy doo in shared areas and other problems, the variety of complaints covers a lot of ground. When residents express their grievances to the HOA, each complaint warrants communication, careful consideration, and effective strategies to resolve the issues. When the HOA board focuses on how to resolve HOA complaints instead of ignoring or minimizing them, the result is a better community for everyone.

Parking Issues

In some HOA communities, street parking may be in short supply, causing complaints about the limited parking spot availability. Sometimes, people park on the streets in ways that block neighboring driveways. Residents may also park their cars in guest spots instead of their driveway or garage. They might also park an extra, rarely-used vehicle on the street and not move it for extended periods. Finally, unauthorized vehicles that don't seem to belong to residents, but take up valuable street or guest parking, also trigger complaints.

HOAs must provide clear signage to state the community’s rules for parking and enforce those rules or regulations consistently for them to have an effect. Other potential solutions include adding more parking areas designated for guests or issuing parking permits to monitor and effectively manage community parking.

Noise Problems

Neighbors can disrupt the peace by generating excessive noise, from loud music late at night to using noisy equipment in their yard or garage early in the morning. Another common complaint is continual barking from dogs who spend much time in the backyard.

When considering how to resolve HOA complaints about noise, HOAs can establish specific quiet hours for the community and encourage respectful communication between neighbors to resolve issues. Consider implementing a formal process for residents to lodge noise complaints for repeat disturbances.

Problems with Pets

The barking dog is cliché, but many other complaints also come up about neighborhood dogs. Some residents like to walk their dogs off-leash, which can endanger other pets, especially smaller breeds. Some neighbors do not pick up after their pets and leave pet feces on neighbors’ lawns or in common areas for others to deal with.

To resolve these complaints, establish pet regulations and enforce them consistently. Consider installing pet waste-bag stations with trash cans in key areas so residents can use tools to clean up after their pets. In the community newsletter, offer training resources and educational articles to inform pet owners and consider a program to require pet registration.

Neglected Maintenance

Residents may become concerned and lodge complaints if they feel the community upkeep is not up to par, such as overgrown common-area landscaping that blocks walkways, burned-out lights left unrepaired, and buildings with dirty or aged exteriors.

To resolve these issues, put maintenance on a regular schedule and include routine inspections. Promptly handle issues reported by residents and ensure that the HOA can cover maintenance costs by allocating sufficient budget dollars to the community’s upkeep.

Architectural Violations

Neighbors often complain when they see a resident changing their property without proper approval. These alterations can include unauthorized plantings in the front yard or paint colors that are not on the “approved” list. It also includes any structural modifications that have not received approval. For example, a homeowner may add a deck to their house without adhering to the HOA’s defined guidelines.

To resolve these complaints, the HOA can educate residents on the appropriate architectural guidelines for the community. It can also provide homeowners with resources and steps to get approval for home modifications. Conduct regular inspections and institute penalties for any violations to enforce compliance with the guidelines.

Misuse of Community Amenities

This common complaint usually involves reports of community amenities being abused or misused. Examples include residents having parties in common areas without getting proper approval or non-residents using pool and barbecue areas or the community clubhouse without prior permission. Some communities with locked pool areas have issues with residents making key copies for non-residents and their children to use the pool.

To resolve these complaints, the HOA must monitor the amenities regularly to enforce HOA rules. To prevent misuse and keep non-residents from accessing the amenities, consider a reservation system and access controls such as keys or key cards where possible. Use an electronic lock to track which keys are used to access the areas, and assign serial numbers to keys to prevent duplication.

Neighbor Disputes

Conflicts between neighbors can trigger complaints, such as disagreements over shared areas, property boundary disputes, and noise issues. After a disaster situation, such as a fire that involves more than one home, the HOA, and homeowners may have disputes over which insurance company should cover the fire damage and safety concerns that arise during fire restoration work, such as who covers the costs, work delays and questions about the work quality.

When resolving HOA complaints, maintaining open, clear, and transparent communication is the best way to minimize disputes and misunderstandings. The HOA can offer mediation services and other resources for neighbors with difficulties resolving a dispute amicably. Communication is also key for issues such as fire restoration involving multiple homeowners and the HOA.

Taking prompt action and coordinating between homeowners, insurance providers, restoration contractors, and the HOA board can ease many concerns and ensure residents that the damaged properties will be restored to pre-fire conditions as quickly and satisfactorily as possible.

Ensuring Harmony in the Community

In many ways, the HOA acts as a peacekeeper for the community, making it vital to proactively manage and address resident complaints. With clear communication, diligence, and a focus on fair outcomes, the HOA can offer constructive solutions to resident complaints. Enforceable regulations and other strategies can minimize conflicts while upholding the community’s collective well-being. Let SERVPRO Arcadia be part of the solution by offering high-quality, professional fire restoration and other services to HOAs to restore property values and family routines. Contact us today for more information!