Fewer Than 1% of South Carolina HOA Homeowners Filed Complaints — Most Communities Are Working
/A recent article draws attention to complaints filed against homeowners associations in South Carolina, suggesting a trend of dissatisfaction. But when we look closer at the numbers, a very different picture emerges.
According to the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, 434 HOA-related complaints were filed in 2024. Meanwhile, more than 1.4 million South Carolinians live in HOA, condominium, and planned communities across the state. That means less than 0.03% of HOA residents filed a formal complaint—fewer than 1 in every 3,000 homeowners.
At Association Management Group (AMG), we take every complaint seriously. We understand that for the individuals involved, these are real concerns that deserve empathy and respectful attention. But we also believe association leaders—and readers—deserve the full picture.
Most associations are, in fact, doing a good job. National data from the Community Associations Institute (CAI) confirms this: 86% of homeowners in associations rate their experience as positive or neutral. A strong majority say their board members are serving the community’s best interests and that their management companies are helpful.
A Call for Balanced Leadership
Just because the numbers are small doesn’t mean boards should dismiss them. Quite the opposite: effective association leadership means applying empathy, discretion, and proportionality—especially when homeowners express concerns.
AMG encourages boards to maintain a structured, transparent approach to enforcement. We also recommend consulting legal counsel experienced in community association law, especially when fines or legal action are being considered. Attorneys can help ensure that the response is not only legally sound but appropriately scaled to the issue at hand.
The Bottom Line
Yes, some HOA residents face challenges—and those should be addressed thoughtfully. But the numbers show that the vast majority of homeowners are not reporting major issues. With strong leadership and a focus on fairness, boards can continue building communities where residents feel heard, protected, and at home.
Read More: Realtor
