Complaints about homeowners associations are not uncommon. One particular state, though, is seeing a rising number of complaints by the year. Here are the facts about South Carolina HOA complaints.
The State of South Carolina HOA Complaints in 2024
The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) recently released a report detailing the state of HOA complaints in the Palmetto State. According to the report, South Carolina experienced a 56% increase in complaints about homeowners associations in 2024. Horry County leads the charge, responsible for approximately 24.4% of all complaints. Coming in second is Richland County at 15.3%, with Charleston County following thereafter with 10.9%.
The nature of these South Carolina HOA complaints was complex. However, a vast majority of the complaints had to do with the failure to adhere to and/or enforce covenants and bylaws, concerns regarding maintenance and repairs, and disagreements regarding HOA dues and special assessments. Shockingly, consumers raised 742 concerns, with many of them stacked in a single complaint. This is 14% more than the complaints in 2022.
Homeowners filed a total of 517 complaints with the SCDCA, though 152 of those were excluded from the report. Out of this number, the department had closed a whopping 67%, though only 3.3% of consumers considered the resolution satisfactory.
The department closed 22% of complaints with an “undetermined” status because of disputed facts. This represents a 3% increase from the previous year. Complaints that are complex or contentious under this category were closed because of the statutory limitations imposed on the department.
The department also closed less than 5% of complaints with an “unsatisfied” status. These complaints earned this status because of the business’s failure to respond. Interestingly, this statistic shows a 6% drop from the 2022 calendar year.
A Continued Increase of SC HOA Complaints from 2023
The past year saw an increase in complaints against homeowners associations in South Carolina. This continued the trend of rising South Carolina HOA complaints, as the previous year also saw an upswing. Once again, Horry County took the top spot, with 24.4% of all South Carolina HOA complaints coming from that county. Though South Carolina does not keep a log of HOAs per county, Horry County is believed to be home to the most HOAs in the state. Therefore, it makes sense for Horry County to proportionally have the most complaints.
Since 2018, though, HOA-related complaints have grown four times over. Because of this, there have been consistent calls for change, especially when it comes to legislation. More than a quarter of the state’s population lives in HOA communities, and these residents wish to see their interests represented.
While the Homeowners Association Act of 2018 does impose some regulations, many consider them too light or vague. As such, there are many officials who are pushing for reforms. Given the number of HOAs in the state and the complaints that are stacked against them, there is reason to believe that change will come soon enough.
Authority of the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs
While filing South Carolina HOA complaints can be somewhat cathartic, homeowners should know that the SCDCA does not hold any power over HOAs. The department cannot compel the association to take any action. But, that does not mean these complaints serve no purpose.
On the contrary, when consumers file these complaints against their HOAs, the report makes its way to the South Carolina Legislature. This ensures that lawmakers are made aware of the different issues surrounding homeowners associations. Therefore, residents should still file any complaints they have.
Homeowners who wish to file a complaint against their HOA can do so through the SCDCA website. There is a tab dedicated to HOA complaints. Consumers need only follow the instructions listed there. Keep in mind that the website will ask consumers to answer a questionnaire to supplement their complaints.
South Carolina HOA Complaints: Available Options for Homeowners
When homeowners file a complaint with the SCDCA, the department will attempt to resolve the issue through voluntary mediation. The department will get in touch with the association or HOA management company, inform them of the complaint, and ask for a response. Mediation does not always work, though, in which case, consumers can pursue other alternatives.
The most common option is to take legal action against the HOA or management company. This is usually the recommended route if no resolution is reached. Consumers can also take the HOA to a magistrate’s court if the dispute is of a monetary nature.
Still, the department encourages consumers to file a complaint with the SCDCA even if they are already filing a lawsuit. This will allow the department to compile the complaints and include them in the next year’s report for legislators.
The Importance of a Trusted HOA Management Company
Hiring an HOA management company seems like the obvious answer to cut down on any complaints filed against your HOA. But, it is not always a foolproof solution. According to the 2024 report, 365 complaints were filed against 298 HOAs and management companies. As such, it is not enough to simply hire a management company — you must hire a reliable one.
So, what makes an HOA management company good? A trusted and competent HOA management company should:
Have sufficient experience in the industry;- Possess the right education and training;
- Know how to pay attention to detail;
- Be effective communicators;
- Offer superb customer service;
- Be flexible; and,
- Value and practice transparency.
Finding the Right Partner in South Carolina
The rising number of South Carolina HOA complaints is certainly a cause for concern. If you want your homeowners association to cut down on complaints or remain in good standing, your first move should be to hire a reliable HOA management company.
Cedar Management Group possesses all the qualities of a good HOA management company. Call us today at (877) 252-3327 or contact us online to learn more about our services.
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