Homeowners Associations (HOAs) have various responsibilities that have diverse levels of urgency, such as responding to member complaints. Addressing and resolving these issues can be critical duties, potentially playing a part in community management. HOAs often have standards and practices when responding to complaints, but what happens if they fail to do so efficiently?
Failing to respond to these complaints can lead to grave repercussions. In these scenarios, the HOA may face the following:
- If unresponsiveness stems from an unfair board member, association members can refuse to elect them for another term or call for their removal.
- If the HOA fails by not holding meetings adequately, members can demand member meetings.
- Members can review the association’s records if there is suspicion of unethical practices.
- After exhausting all non-judicial methods to resolve issues, members can file a civil suit against the HOA.
The complainant’s course of action can vary, depending on the circumstances. Fortunately, the HOA can get ahead of these issues by responding to complaints as soon as possible and providing timely updates to members. Still, appropriate solutions can significantly hinge on the situation and the complaint’s severity. Prioritizing urgency can be helpful, but HOAs must stay careful when resolving issues brought up by their members.
Knowing what to do with complaints
Once an HOA receives a complaint, responding and processing it correctly is crucial. However, some issues can be complex, necessitating further advice to handle them properly. In these instances, seeking legal counsel to learn how to manage complaints adequately can be wise. Additionally, legal guidance can help mitigate the risks of escalating issues.