Kuester Management Group Shares Tips for Dealing with HOA Complaints

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Nov. 21, 2014 - PRLog -- The Homeowners Association exists to preserve property values and to foster a strong sense of community among neighbors—both positive goals. Nevertheless, in every HOA community, there are bound to be some homeowners who simply like to complain about the rules that have been laid out, or to gripe about the limitations being imposed on them. As a volunteer on the HOA Board, it can be difficult knowing how to respond to these complaints. In a new statement to the press, Kuester Management Group reveals a few best practices.

“Oftentimes, owners will complain about HOA rules based on perception, or perhaps on half-truth,” comments Bryan Kuester, President of Kuester Management Group. “It’s important for members of the Board to remember that not all homeowners will be as familiar with the rules and regulations as they are. If you hear a complaint that isn’t grounded in truth, or that presents just one side of the story, don’t hesitate to correct the misunderstanding. Of course, to do so, you’ll have to make sure that you know the rules and regulations from front to back!”

Sometimes, complaints about HOA rules stem from a lack of awareness about what the Association actually does. “Your Board is working hard to make the community a better place, but sometimes owners get caught up in the rules and miss out on all the progress being made,” Kuester affirms. “As such, one good way to reduce complaints is to publicize what the HOA is doing. Make sure your positive actions and achievements are noted in the community newsletter or on social media.”

Those who are dissatisfied with the rules of the HOA can always seek to change them—but taking this proactive approach will require them to join the HOA Board. “If an owner is really concerned with HOA governance, it just may be that he or she is a good candidate for Board service,” Kuester says. “Maybe it’s worthwhile trying to recruit them.”

Even if running in an HOA election is too great a commitment, Kuester adds, there are always opportunities to serve on committees. “Often, involvement is the best antidote for lethargy or for discontentedness,” he concludes.

More HOA management advice can be found at the Kuester Management Group website, www.kuester.com.

ABOUT:

Kuester Management Group, a division of Kuester Companies, works to protect property values and enhance the quality of life in each of its managed communities. Providing a full range of association management services, Kuester Management Group has worked to foster strong, resilient, and unified communities across North and South Carolina. The company is proud to offer on-site property managers, all zealous for building strong communities meant to stand the test of time. More information is available at www.kuester.com.