Arizona HOA complaints: What you need to know

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. Boards should consult qualified legal counsel and work closely with their property management partner for advice specific to their Arizona HOA.
 

What are Arizona HOA complaints?

Arizona homeowners association (HOA) complaints are grievances that homeowners file against other residents or the HOA itself. Complaints can cover a wide range of issues, including disputes about community rules, alleged inconsistencies in rule enforcement, or questions about how reserve funds are used. The Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) and each association’s governing documents typically serve as the primary guidelines for reviewing HOA complaints. Local laws or municipal ordinances can vary across Arizona, so boards should consult with legal counsel and their property management company to understand any local rules that may apply in addition to state law.
 

Common HOA complaints in Arizona

Some of the most common HOA complaints in Arizona include:

• Architectural changes: Many associations in Arizona have strict architectural guidelines to preserve a consistent visual standard. Residents might file an HOA complaint if they see home modifications they believe go against these guidelines, or if they feel that approvals or denials for similar changes have been inconsistent.
   
• Parking regulations: In popular residential areas, parking can be a limited resource. Disagreements might arise if a resident or their guest parks in a restricted area, or if the HOA implements new parking rules that residents disagree with.
   
• Fee-related disagreements: Homeowners may question why assessments have increased, or how their monthly contributions are spent on services and amenities. These discussions can be productive opportunities for improved financial transparency.
   
• Animals and pets: Some residents may have complaints about noise levels, waste disposal, or certain pet breeds they believe are not permitted under the association’s rules. HOA pet policies may be subject to federal or state fair housing laws, so boards should consult with their association attorney before enforcing or revising these rules.
   
• Noise and nuisances: Noise-related disagreements are common in all types of communities. This can include loud gatherings, music, or even renovation projects in attached units.

How to handle HOA complaints

1. Listen carefully before responding

   Homeowners filing an HOA complaint want to feel heard. Whether the complaint is something small (like a neighbor’s dog barking) or something more significant (like alleged misconduct in a board decision), giving the resident space to explain their perspective is crucial. A respectful, receptive response can set the tone for the rest of the discussion.
    

2. Consult the governing documents

   The first step in responding to an HOA complaint is reviewing your association’s governing documents (such as CC&Rs, bylaws, and rules and regulations). These documents usually explain how to handle disputes, what steps are required to file a complaint, and which rules the homeowner and board must follow. When handling an HOA complaint, refer back to specific articles within the bylaws or CC&Rs. This approach can help both sides see that solutions are rooted in transparent guidelines rather than personal preferences.
    

3. Communicate updates regularly

   Effective board communication is key to keeping everyone on the same page. If the issue involves multiple residents, it might help to have a quick check-in after initial discussions. When homeowners don’t receive updates, they might assume their concerns are being ignored. Even a simple follow-up message can reassure residents that progress is being made.
    

4. Seek professional insight

   Some HOA complaints may touch on complex legal or financial issues. Boards should reach out to their association attorney and property management company to explore their options. FirstService Residential works closely with boards to support compliance with Arizona law, and our dedicated accounting teams can offer strategic advice and financial management services.

How to improve HOA complaint resolution

Many boards find it helpful to hold open forums — either during monthly meetings or in separate dedicated sessions — where homeowners can discuss potential issues or concerns before they escalate into official disputes. When residents see that their opinions are valued, they may be less inclined to file formal complaints. Instead, they feel invited to participate in the conversation from the start.

HOA complaints often stem from misunderstandings about association rules. Informing homeowners about their rights and responsibilities may sound basic, but it’s vital for a thriving community. For example, if you’ve ever wondered why someone might object to standard landscaping rules, consider that the homeowner may not realize how much time the association invests in common area upkeep. A brief newsletter, periodic email blasts, or a community intranet page can break down these details in a straightforward way.

Having a well-defined and accessible complaint process is just as important. If homeowners don’t know where to turn when they have concerns, or if they believe their complaints won’t be addressed, they may become frustrated and disengaged. A transparent process with clear steps for submitting concerns and an estimated response timeline reassures residents that their complaints are being taken seriously.

Even small communities can be overwhelmed if the process for tracking complaints, follow-ups, and resolutions is unstructured. If your HOA works with FirstService Residential, board members can create a dedicated portal through FirstService Residential Connect™ to help expedite the process.
 

Who handles your HOA complaints?

In many Arizona 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 Arizona 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. Our team regularly offers webinars, workshops, town halls, and other resources to help board members and homeowners in Arizona understand their rights and responsibilities and provide updates on their community.

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