Understanding Pennsylvania HOA complaints

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations frequently change and may be subject to local variations. For guidance on your Pennsylvania HOA, consult qualified legal counsel and your property management partner.
 

What is an HOA complaint?

In Pennsylvania, a homeowners association (HOA) complaint is any issue raised by a homeowner regarding community rules, property maintenance, or interactions with neighbors. Whether a homeowner is seeking clarification on a policy or requesting assistance with a dispute, HOAs have established processes in their governing documents for reviewing and responding to concerns within the community. Understanding your HOA guidelines can help homeowners and boards address concerns more effectively.

In Pennsylvania, HOAs are often governed by laws like the Pennsylvania Uniform Planned Community Act (UPCA), which outline an association’s responsibilities and the rights of homeowners. Some older or special-purpose communities might follow specific or older rules that differ from current statutes. HOA board members and homeowners in Pennsylvania should consult qualified legal counsel and work closely with their property management partner before creating, modifying, or enforcing any rules or penalties.
 

Common HOA complaints in Pennsylvania

HOAs handle many aspects of community management, and from time to time, residents may have concerns about policies, maintenance, or interactions with neighbors. Here are a few examples of common HOA complaints:

• Rule Violations: Homeowners might believe that someone is not following set guidelines — maybe a neighbor has made changes to their property exterior without approval, or left vehicles in a restricted area for too long.
   
• Maintenance or repair concerns: A homeowner may express concerns about the landscaping or upkeep of shared amenities like swimming pools, fitness facilities, or common walkways.
   
• Parking and vehicles: These complaints can include residents parking in prohibited spots, blocking driveways, or storing recreational vehicles in visible areas are frequent in many communities.
   
• Excessive noise: Whether from late-night parties, dog barking, or loud home renovations, noise can be a recurring issue. In some cases, boards create guidelines (like “quiet hours”) to minimize disturbances.
   
• Neighbor conflicts: Boundary disputes, disagreements over shared spaces, or personal frictions can develop into formal HOA complaints if they involve community rules or cause significant disruptions.

How to file an HOA complaint in Pennsylvania

Filing an HOA complaint in Pennsylvania doesn’t need to be complicated. Whether you have a concern about maintenance, alleged rule breaches, or another aspect of community living, most associations will follow a straightforward procedure.

1. Review your HOA’s governing documents

   Start by reviewing your association’s Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs), bylaws, or any official rules and guidelines. These documents often outline how complaints should be submitted, the information you must provide, and any associated timelines.
    

2. Document the issue

   Gather relevant details like dates, times, and any supporting evidence. If there is a visible problem like an unapproved fence or landscaping issue, consider taking photos, but be careful to avoid violating privacy laws or HOA rules in the process. Keeping factual records helps the board or management company evaluate your concern accurately.
    

3. Submit your HOA complaint

   Follow your HOA’s guidelines for delivering the complaint — some associations may offer an online portal, while others prefer a letter or email. Be thorough when describing the issue, referencing the rule or community standard that may apply. If your HOA works with FirstService Residential, board members can create a dedicated portal through FirstService Residential Connect™ to help expedite the process.
    

4. Keep track of communication

   Once your complaint is filed, note the date you submitted it. If you speak with any board member or management representative, jot down key points from those conversations. Clear communication records can come in handy if follow-ups are necessary.
    

5. Await board review

   The board (or its committee) reviews complaints on a set schedule — some address them monthly, while others do so more frequently. Expect some time to pass before you receive an official response, especially if your HOA’s membership is large or if board meetings are only convened periodically.
    

6. Follow recommended steps

   If the board or property manager needs additional details, provide them as soon as you can. The board might investigate, inspect the alleged issue, or communicate with another party.
    

7. Check for a resolution

   You’ll typically receive written notice or email detailing the outcome. This could be a request for a homeowner to fix the violation, a friendly reminder to all residents about certain rules, or a follow-up meeting to discuss next steps.

What to do if you are experiencing a neighbor dispute

Before filing a formal complaint, consider speaking directly with your neighbor. A respectful conversation can help clarify misunderstandings. For instance, they might not realize their dog’s barking is audible at certain hours, or that a newly planted tree is encroaching on your space. By keeping the conversation friendly and focusing on solutions, you may be able to resolve the matter without further escalation.

If you’re not able to solve the problem through direct communication with your neighbor, you may consider bringing it to the board’s attention. Start by reviewing your HOA’s governing documents to understand how complaints are addressed. Try to be as specific as possible when communicating with the board, including dates, times, and examples that support your complaint. Referencing specific HOA rules and maintaining a polite, respectful tone helps everyone involved stay focused on solutions.

The board or property manager may schedule a conversation with both parties or advise further steps that apply to the community’s process. They can act as a neutral third party to help resolve the issue, referencing your community’s rules or examining relevant shared spaces if that’s part of the issue. In the case of purely personal disputes without a clear rule violation (like personality clashes or unintentional inconveniences), your board may not be able to formally intervene.
 

Who handles HOA complaints?

In many Pennsylvania HOAs, day-to-day operations and administrative tasks (including complaint tracking) are handled by a professional property management company like FirstService Residential. The property manager may be your primary contact for submitting concerns, following up on their status, or clarifying association rules.

FirstService Residential has decades of experience supporting Pennsylvania HOAs. Our team stays informed about updates to local regulations to help boards navigate compliance and apply best practices when responding to homeowner concerns. Through FirstService Residential Connect™, our secure digital platform, homeowners can contact their property manager and board members, download association documents, and submit requests for maintenance or architectural modifications. We have also provided webinars, workshops, town halls, and other resources to help board members and homeowners in Pennsylvania understand their rights and responsibilities and provide updates on their community.

For more information, contact a member of our team today.