What are the Top Problems with HOA Management Companies?

Running a homeowners association is a big job, and sooner or later, even the most proactive and energetic Boards may need a little help. That’s why so many HOAs enlist professional management companies, who provide a range of support services that help Board members meet their responsibilities.

In other words, HOA management companies are meant to make life easier for Board members, while also ensuring a better experience for homeowners. Sadly, this isn’t always how things turn out. In some situations, communities may hire managers who are not equipped to handle their needs, resulting in frustration all around.

If you’re experiencing problems with your management company, it may be time to find a new partner. If your HOA is located in the Carolinas, we welcome you to contact Kuester Management Group. With decades of experience and a proven track record of excellence, our company proudly provides HOA management services in Charlotte NC, Huntersville NC, Myrtle Beach SC, and HOA management in Fort Mill SC.

Signs You Need a New HOA Manager

In the meantime, what are some of the most telling signs that you’re due for an upgrade in your HOA property management company? Consider a few of the most common issues that Boards face.

1) Poor communication

Your manager should be a steady, responsive partner, providing routine support as you deal with your various community tasks. A good HOA manager will be in contact with you regularly, filling you in on new developments and checking to see if you need any help. Additionally, you should have a management team that responds quickly to your calls and emails. If you’re only getting radio silence from your team of HOA property managers, that’s reason enough to look elsewhere for assistance.

2) Inability to complete projects

A homeowners association management company should be more than capable of carrying out basic actions and duties, whether that’s putting together a budget, procuring bids for a capital improvement project, or simply performing some routine maintenance operations. If your team isn’t getting anything done, then you need to find a company that will offer you a higher standard of performance.

3) Unexpected costs

When you first begin the process of hiring a management team, you should ask for clear, up-front pricing. A written proposal is key. Down the road, if your team slaps you with a bunch of hidden costs or unexpected fees, that’s a sure sign that you’ve picked the wrong partner. Start looking for a team that has a bit more integrity and transparency.

4) Selective enforcement

One of the main duties of the management team is to help enforce the rules and regulations of your community. Often, this is as simple as providing notices to delinquent members. However, it’s both ethically and legally essential for the rules to be enforced consistently, without a whiff of favoritism. If your team is too selective in when they choose to enforce the rules, that’s a great indicator that you need to look for a team that can offer better protocols.

5) Inadequate financial performance

Ultimately, community association managers should help you make money, and generate better value for your owners. If you’re seeing reduced profits or consistent financial losses, then obviously your management team is under-delivering. Time for the Board of Directors to find a new service provider.

6) Complaints from owners

What happens when the management team can’t keep up with maintenance issues, or demonstrates other errors and lapses in service? Simply put, your residents are going to complain. Dealing with complaints is not only bad for morale, but it also takes away the time you should be spending handling administrative tasks. As such, a high volume of complaints should serve as clear indication that your current management company is no good.

7) Bad vendors

A qualified community management company will help you source the best vendors, from lawn care to sidewalk repair. Meanwhile, bad management companies will only bring in subpar vendors, often for inflated prices. If you’re experiencing low-quality service from your vendors, that’s a perfectly good reason to look for a new manager.

Your Management Matters

The bottom line? Finding a trustworthy management team will help you experience greater quality of life and higher property values in your HOA. If that’s not your experience, start looking for a new team today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue my HOA?

You can, though it is always best to exhaust every other avenue for conflict resolution beforehand.

How do I file a complaint against my HOA?

You can typically file a complaint directly to the Board, or to your management company.

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Bryan Kuester

Bryan Kuester

Bryan is the CEO of Kuester Management Group. He has over 15 years of managing community associations throughout North and South Carolina.

His specialties include Community Association Management - maintenance, budgeting for operational and reserve funding, long-range planning, covenant enforcement, amenity management, onsite management, large scale management.