7 Common HOA Complaints and How to Handle Them

Disclaimer: This guide is intended for informational purposes. For specific legal advice, consider reaching out to a legal professional with expertise in your area. 

Living in a community governed by a homeowners association (HOA) has its perks—shared amenities, consistent property values, and established rules that keep the neighborhood looking its best. But those same rules can also spark frustration among residents. When communication breaks down or rules feel unfairly enforced, complaints follow.

If you’re a landlord or property owner working with an HOA, you’re likely to encounter a range of concerns from tenants or fellow owners. And if you serve on the board or oversee HOA operations, you’ll need a plan for how to handle those complaints efficiently.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common HOA complaints and offer straightforward strategies for handling them—whether you’re responding directly or relying on a professional HOA management company to take the lead.

Why Homeowners File HOA Complaints

Most HOA complaints stem from a breakdown in communication or a perceived lack of fairness. Homeowners often reach out when they feel rules are applied inconsistently, concerns go unacknowledged, or their community standards aren’t being upheld. When these issues linger, frustration builds and formal complaints follow.

In many cases, the complaint isn’t just about the rule violation itself — it’s about how the HOA handles it. Residents want transparency, consistency, and a sense that their concerns are taken seriously. When board members fail to respond, or when communication is unclear, trust erodes quickly. This is especially true in communities without a professional HOA management company to act as a neutral and responsive third party.

By understanding the motivations behind common HOA complaints, board members and property owners can take proactive steps to avoid conflict and improve community relations.

7 Common HOA Complaints

No HOA is immune to complaints. While every community is different, the same issues tend to surface again and again. Understanding the most common HOA complaints gives board members and property managers the chance to address them head-on and prevent ongoing frustration.

1. Noise Disturbances

Loud music, barking dogs, or late-night parties often trigger noise complaints—especially in shared-wall communities like condos or townhomes. Residents expect peace and quiet, and repeated disruptions can lead to conflict if not addressed quickly.

2. Parking Conflicts

Limited parking space fuels tension in many communities. Homeowners may report cars blocking driveways, vehicles parked in unauthorized spots, or guests overstaying visitor parking. These disputes can escalate quickly without clear policies and enforcement.

3. Pet Policy Violations

Pet-related complaints range from noise and waste to leash violations and restricted breeds. When pet owners ignore rules—or when rules aren’t enforced evenly—it creates friction between neighbors and headaches for board members.

4. Landscaping and Property Maintenance Issues

Overgrown lawns, peeling paint, or cluttered porches are common targets for complaints. Homeowners want their neighborhood to look well-kept, and deferred maintenance stands out. At the same time, some residents may feel targeted by enforcement efforts.

5. Architectural Violations

HOAs often require approval for changes like fences, decks, or exterior paint colors. When a homeowner skips the process or makes unapproved changes, it can spark complaints from neighbors and action from the board.

6. Board Transparency and Conduct

Some of the most serious complaints focus not on neighbors, but on the HOA board itself. Owners may raise concerns about board decisions, lack of communication, or perceived favoritism—especially if meetings aren’t open or minutes aren’t shared.

7. HOA Fee Increases and Spending Concerns

Homeowners expect value for their HOA dues. Complaints arise when fees increase unexpectedly or when financial decisions seem unclear. Residents want to know where their money is going and why certain expenses are necessary.

How to Address HOA Complaints Effectively

When complaints come in, the way they're handled matters as much as the issue itself. A thoughtful, structured response can prevent small problems from turning into full-blown disputes—and can help maintain trust across the community.

Acknowledge Every Complaint Promptly

Even if the issue can’t be resolved right away, a quick acknowledgment shows that the HOA takes resident concerns seriously. A friendly letter, phone call, or online form response can go a long way in diffusing tension early.

Document Everything

Keep records of the complaint, including dates, details, and any back-and-forth communication. Documentation protects the HOA from liability, helps ensure consistent enforcement, and creates a paper trail if issues escalate.

Stick to the Governing Documents

The HOA’s covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) provide the roadmap for resolving disputes. Decisions should align with these rules—avoiding exceptions that can lead to accusations of favoritism or bias.

Respond Consistently and Professionally

Whether the issue involves trash bins left out too long or an unauthorized construction project, the response should follow the same process. Consistency strengthens the board’s credibility and sets clear expectations for all residents.

Know When to Bring in Help

Some complaints require more than a volunteer board can handle. If an issue becomes complex or legally sensitive—or if communication between neighbors breaks down—bringing in a professional HOA management company can help resolve the situation quickly and without drama.

How HOA Management Companies Help Resolve Complaints

HOA boards often rely on volunteers who juggle their roles with full-time jobs and personal obligations. When complaints start piling up—or when tensions rise—bringing in a professional HOA management company adds structure, neutrality, and efficiency.

Professional Communication Channels

HOA management companies provide a formal point of contact for residents to submit concerns. This cuts down on emotional face-to-face confrontations and guarantees that complaints are logged, tracked, and responded to systematically.

Consistent Rule Enforcement

One of the biggest sources of HOA conflict is perceived inconsistency. A management company removes subjectivity by applying rules evenly, regardless of personal relationships or community politics. That consistency builds trust and reduces pushback.

Neutral Third-Party Mediation

It’s tough to resolve a dispute between neighbors when one of them also sits on the board. Property managers step in as objective third parties, helping to de-escalate conflict and guide both sides toward a resolution without taking sides.

Administrative Support

From documenting every interaction to issuing notices and following up on resolutions, HOA managers handle the back-end tasks that keep the complaint process organized. This frees up the board to focus on big-picture community planning instead of chasing down every violation.

Expertise with Legal and Regulatory Issues

Some complaints come with legal implications—discrimination claims, threats of lawsuits, or safety concerns. Professional managers understand local regulations and know when to bring in legal counsel or escalate to the appropriate authorities.

When to Escalate an HOA Complaint

Not every HOA complaint can be resolved through a quick conversation or a written warning. Sometimes, issues drag on or take a serious turn—especially when communication breaks down, emotions run high, or safety becomes a concern. Knowing when to escalate can help protect both the community and the board.

The Issue Repeats or Worsens

If a homeowner continues to violate community rules after being notified, or if multiple residents raise the same complaint, it’s time to escalate. Ongoing issues should be documented and addressed through formal violation procedures.

Communication Breaks Down

When informal efforts to resolve a complaint go nowhere—or when the conversation turns hostile—the board or manager may need to escalate the matter to a hearing or legal consultation. Mediation may also be an option, especially in communities with access to a local dispute resolution center.

Legal or Safety Concerns Are Involved

If a complaint involves threats, harassment, property damage, or discrimination, it should be taken seriously from the start. Escalate immediately by contacting legal counsel or involving the proper authorities. Ignoring serious claims can expose the HOA to liability.

The Complaint Involves the Board Itself

When a resident files a complaint against a board member, the board shouldn't handle it internally. This is where having a third-party property management company helps. Their role as a neutral party adds credibility to the process and removes the risk of bias.

Escalation doesn’t mean overreacting—but it does mean taking appropriate next steps when the situation calls for it. Addressing problems before they spiral protects both the HOA and the broader community.

Creating a Better HOA Experience

Every community runs into conflict from time to time. But how those conflicts are handled sets the tone for the entire neighborhood. Proactive communication, fair enforcement, and a clear complaint process go a long way in preventing frustration and maintaining trust.

For landlords and property owners, it’s worth asking whether your current HOA has the resources to manage these challenges effectively. If complaints are piling up or board members are stretched thin, partnering with a professional HOA management company can make a measurable difference. From resolving disputes to improving communication, an experienced manager helps your community run more smoothly—and helps protect your investment.

Looking for a better way to manage your HOA? Use our free property management search tool to find qualified HOA management companies in your area.