How To File Complaint Against HOA Per State

Filing a complaint against HOA communities can be a confusing process. Many homeowners don't know where to direct their concerns, leading to unresolved issues and resentment.

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Filing a complaint against HOA communities can be a confusing process. Many homeowners don’t know where to direct their concerns, leading to unresolved issues and resentment.

 

Can You File a Complaint Against HOA?

When homeowners have a grievance against their HOA, it is best to first bring it to the attention of the HOA board or manager. More often than not, homeowners association complaints are easily resolved through communication. Homeowners can also enter dispute resolution with their association.

Sometimes, homeowners want to take their complaints to a city- or state-level agency. Unfortunately, not all states have separate agencies that oversee or regulate homeowners associations. Most governing bodies also don’t take complaints unless they are specific to their jurisdiction or have evidence to back up their claims.

If a homeowner suspects their HOA is doing something illegal, it is best to report it to local authorities. Other than that, homeowners may need to seek advice from a lawyer.

 

How to File a Complaint Against an HOA Per State

Many homeowners ask, “Where do I file a complaint against my HOA?” The answer, though, depends on where you live. Remember that only a select few states have agencies dedicated to overseeing HOAs and condominiums. Additionally, not all of the agencies listed below may accept general complaints.

 

Alabama

 

Alaska

 

Arizona

How do I file a complaint against my HOA in Arizona? Use the following resources.

 

Arkansas

 

California

Want to file a HOA complaint in California? Here are some resources that may help.

 

Colorado

Here’s how to file a complaint against a homeowners association in Colorado:

Division of Real Estate
1560 Broadway, Suite 925
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303-894-2166 | Fax: 303-894-2683
dora_realestate_website@state.co.us

 

Connecticut

 

Delaware

 

Florida

Ft. Lauderdale Office:
Office of the Condominium Ombudsman
1400 W. Commercial Boulevard, Suite 185-J
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309-3791
Phone: 954.202.3234
FAX: 954.202.3237
Spanish Inquiries: 954.202.3235

 

Georgia

 

Hawaii

 

Idaho

 

Illinois

Here’s how to file a complaint against a homeowners association in Illinois:

Indiana

 

Iowa

 

Kansas

 

Kentucky

 

Louisiana

 

Maine

 

Maryland

For complaints against HOA communities in Maryland:

 

Massachusetts

 

Michigan

 

Minnesota

 

Mississippi

 

Missouri

 

Montana

 

Nebraska

 

Nevada

 

New Hampshire

 

New Jersey

 

New Mexico

 

New York

 

North Carolina

Refer to the following resources if you wish to file a complaint against HOA communities in North Carolina:

 

North Dakota

 

Ohio

 

Oklahoma

 

Oregon

 

Pennsylvania

 

Rhode Island

 

South Carolina

 

South Dakota

 

Tennessee

 

Texas

How do I file a complaint against an HOA in Texas? You may look through the resources below.

 

Utah

 

Vermont

 

Virginia

File a complaint against HOA communities in Virginia using the following resources:

 

Washington

 

West Virginia

 

Wisconsin

 

Wyoming

 

How to File a Complaint Against HOA at the Federal Level

 

How to File a Complaint Against a Homeowners Association

Many HOA communities have internal procedures for handling homeowner complaints. Typically, these procedures involve the following steps:

  1. Homeowners will submit an HOA complaint letter or fill out a complaint form.
  2. The HOA board or manager will review the complaint and decide whether it warrants any action.
  3. With the help of a community manager and lawyer, the HOA board will decide what action to take to resolve the complaint in compliance with state laws and the association’s governing documents.
  4. The HOA board or manager will communicate the resolution to the complainant.

If a homeowner has a complaint against a neighbor, they may also submit the complaint to their HOA board or manager. Keep in mind that not all neighbor-to-neighbor disputes will require intervention from the HOA.

 

Can HOA Ignore Complaints?

Generally, the HOA is not obligated to respond to a homeowner’s complaint, especially if the complaint does not warrant any action. Some complaints are out of the HOA’s scope of authority or do not require intervention from the board.

That being said, it is good practice for the HOA board or manager to respond to a homeowner’s complaint with a standard letter acknowledging their concerns. If the complaint does not warrant any action, the letter may also reflect that.

 

What to Do If HOA Does Not Respond

It can be frustrating when your HOA does not respond to your complaints. If you find yourself in this situation, here are some tips you can implement:

  • Exhaust all communication channels. Board members and managers can be busy with mountains of work. They might not have opened your letter or seen your email. As such, make sure to exhaust all forms of communication first before taking any further action. You should also consider attending a board meeting and raising your concern there.
  • Understand your governing documents. Your bylaws and CC&Rs may contain crucial information regarding your HOA’s complaint process. Furthermore, these documents may already have the answer to your complaint or question. Homeowners should familiarize themselves with the governing documents for a smooth experience.
  • Rally other homeowners. If your complaint or concern is something that a lot of homeowners share, consider starting a petition and submitting that to the HOA board. There is strength in numbers, and this will signal to the board that the issue is worth investigating.
  • Don’t stop paying dues. You may feel tempted to stop paying your HOA dues as a form of revenge or until your complaints are resolved. This is a bad idea. Your HOA can exercise collection or enforcement actions against you for nonpayment. You may even lose your home to foreclosure.
  • Consult a lawyer. As a last form of remedy, you may want to seek legal advice.

 

How to Report HOA Abuse of Power

If you believe your HOA board is abusing its power, you may refer to the state departments listed above to file a complaint. Unfortunately, not all states have dedicated agencies that oversee homeowners associations. However, that does not mean homeowners are totally out of options.

An HOA board member who is abusing their power or acting outside the scope of their authority has breached their fiduciary duties. This board member may be held personally liable for their actions in a court of law.

Aside from taking legal action, homeowners can remove this board member from their position. Removing a board member usually requires a majority vote from the membership at a special meeting. In some cases, fellow board members can remove another with a vote. For more specific details on how to remove a board member, it is best to consult your state laws and governing documents.

 

Can You Take Legal Action Against an HOA?

The short answer is yes. Homeowners do have the option to take legal action against their HOA. However, it is best to attempt to resolve the issue internally first before taking the matter to court. After exhausting all options, homeowners may choose to file a lawsuit.

Keep in mind that lawsuits tend to be time-consuming and expensive. They can take months — even years — to conclude and cost you thousands of dollars in fees. Furthermore, if the court rules in favor of the HOA, it may order you to compensate the HOA in damages and legal fees.

Taking legal action should be considered a last resort. This is because it significantly depletes resources. Additionally, there are states that require homeowners and HOAs to go through internal or alternative dispute resolution prior to taking legal action.

 

Now You Know How to File a Complaint Against HOA

It is usual for homeowners to have grievances against their HOA. However, homeowners should seek internal resolutions before filing a complaint with state agencies or taking legal action. Board members and HOA managers are often open to resolving issues through communication and compromise.

Are you looking for an HOA management company in your area? Use our online directory to make your search process easier!

 

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