A Step-by-Step Guide on Filing a BBB Complaint Against HOA

HOAs offer many benefits for residents. Not only do HOAs help keep communities clean and maintain facilities, but many HOAs provide some additional security measures for residents, along with coverage for damages that have occurred in common areas.

Residents typically pay a small HOA fee each month in exchange for these benefits. Additionally, there are specific rules that each resident must follow in order to ensure that the HOA can function as expected.

While HOAs have their advantages, there are some instances when residents may need to file a complaint against their HOA. For instance, you may need to file a complaint if you believe that you have been unjustly fined for a violation. Another reason why you may need to file a complaint is if the HOA is delayed in making a repair.

Here at DoNotPay, we believe that you should enjoy the benefits of your HOA without hassle. Read on to learn some common HOA violations against homeowners and what steps you can take to .

Common HOA Violations Against Homeowners

Unfortunately, some residents find themselves receiving a notice of violation from their HOA. For some residents, receiving a notice may not come as a surprise. But for many residents, receiving a notice can come as a complete shock, followed by frustration. Note that some violation notices can be subject to an appeal.

Here are a few common violations you may have to pay a fine for:

Poor Landscaping	HOAs have a responsibility to ensure that the community is maintained. As such, the board members of these HOAs must ensure that each resident has good curb appeal. You may receive a violation if your landscaping includes overgrown lawns, weeds, and a poor exterior.
Vehicles and Parking	Many HOAs have rules regarding vehicles and parking. More specifically, they typically limit how many types of vehicles you can have on the property. There also may be rules regarding designated parking areas.
Trash	Some HOAs have rules regarding what can be thrown out in the trash. For instance, boxes may need to be broken down before they can be thrown away. There also may be rules about bringing your trash out too early due to pests and the appearance of the community.

What If I Believe the Violation Was Unjust?

If you've received a notice of violation from your HOA and believe it was unjust, the first thing you should do is look over your HOA handbook, which provides the rules and regulations that residents must follow. If you've thoroughly looked through it and found that you were not in violation, you should make a complaint against the HOA.

Do I Still Have the Right to Complain If I Committed the Violation?

Even if you committed a violation, you may still have a right to make a complaint against the HOA. If you believe that the violation was unreasonable, meaning that you were fined a significant amount relative to the violation, choosing to complain is likely the best option.

How to File a BBB Complaint Against HOA

The Better Business Bureau helps people find businesses, brands, and charities that are trustworthy. With that said, BBB gives businesses and organizations ratings with the goal of providing people with transparent information to help them make informed decisions. It's important to note that these ratings are heavily based on complaints made against the business or organization by the public. Anyone can .

If you would like to file a complaint against your HOA, here are the steps you can take:

Visit the Better Business Bureau official website.
On the main page, click the blue box that says, "File a Complaint".
On the following page, you will need to choose between 4 options. Choose the one that enables you to file a complaint.
On the next page, search the name of the HOA and then enter the city, state, or zip code

If the HOA is found by the BBB, then you will be able to start the complaint process.

How to File a Complaint With DoNotPay

While filing a complaint with the BBB can be a great way to get your HOA moving on your issue, not all HOAs will be registered with the BBB. HOAs are comprised of local residents who serve on a board to help meet the needs of the community. As a result, HOAs are less likely to be accredited by the Better Business Bureau compared to a business.

Luckily, DoNotPay is here to help. Here at DoNotPay, we can help you with a variety of issues pertaining to your HOA. For instance, we can help with:

If you're having trouble finding your HOA with the bureau, you can make a complaint using DoNotPay's product without hassle. All you need to do is:

Choose and describe the nature of your complaint (neighbors, maintenance, etc).
Explain how this problem has negatively affected you and how you want the HOA to address the problem.
Tell us how long you've been a member of this HOA.
Confirm your home address so we can generate state-specific arguments on your behalf!