--- title: How Would You Encourage Someone Complaining About HOA Rules? description: As a board member in your homeowners association, you probably hear complaints about the HOA rules. Get tips for how to respond. image: https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/517048149-resized-600-2.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-would-you-encourage-someone-complaining-about-hoa-rules#main-content) [OWNER PORTAL](https://www.hignellhoa.com/owner-portal)|[CALL (530) 419‑6032](tel:5304196032)[![GET A FREE HOA ANALYSIS](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/47820439/5c25c044-6299-494a-9ee9-03dd5dfc13a5.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/47820439/5c25c044-6299-494a-9ee9-03dd5dfc13a5)[![PURCHASE CONSULTING HOURS](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/47820439/3958a588-baae-4ff9-bd9d-021be597a7be.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/47820439/3958a588-baae-4ff9-bd9d-021be597a7be) Close ** Click to close ![How Would You Encourage Someone Complaining About HOA Rules?](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/517048149-resized-600-2.jpg) [HOA BoardHOA Board](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/tag/hoa-board), [HOA Rules and RegulationsHOA Rules and Regulations](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/tag/hoa-rules-and-regulations), [Living in an HOALiving in an HOA](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/tag/living-in-an-hoa) --- # How Would You Encourage Someone Complaining About HOA Rules? By  [ HOA Manager Written by HOA Manager ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/author/hoa-manager)    |    May 4, 2021 12:00:00 AM Share this Blog [![Share on facebook](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/facebook-icon.svg) ](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-would-you-encourage-someone-complaining-about-hoa-rules&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [![Share on twitter](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/twitter-icon.svg) ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-would-you-encourage-someone-complaining-about-hoa-rules&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-would-you-encourage-someone-complaining-about-hoa-rules&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on instagram](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/instagram-icon.svg) ](http://www.instagram.com/share.php?u=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-would-you-encourage-someone-complaining-about-hoa-rules&utm_medium=social&utm_source=instagram) [![Share on linkedin](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/linkedin-icon.svg) ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-would-you-encourage-someone-complaining-about-hoa-rules&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [![Share on whatsapp](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/whatsapp-icon.svg) ](https://web.whatsapp.com) ![complaining about HOA rules](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/517048149-resized-600-1.jpg)As a board member in your homeowners association, you probably hear your fair share of complaints against the rules in your Association. Not only that, but you also have to be a part of enforcing them for the good of the community. Even though you know they are there for a reason, more often then not, the homeowner doesn’t realize the purpose of the rule or isn’t informed on the actions they can take to have it changed if they feel it’s unfair. So what do you do when you come face to face with a homeowner who doesn’t like the rules, and insists they are invasive, unfair and just plain silly? Read the ideas below so you’re prepared to encourage the next member in your homeowners association who confronts you because they don’t like the rules. ### Posted by: [houselogic](http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/home-thoughts/hoas-what-you-need-to-know-about-rules/#.) ## HOAs: What You Need to Know About Rules **Become the Rule-Maker** If you don’t like the rules, the best way to change them is to become part of the process.   1.  Know your CC&Rs, annual budget, and employee contracts. Do you see areas where expenses can be cut? Are service providers doing their jobs?  2.  Volunteer for a committee or task. If the board needs to enforce parking rules, for instance, you can volunteer to gather license plate numbers of residents’ vehicles. In addition, put your professional expertise to work: Assist the board with data entry, accounting, or website design.  3.  Stand for election to the board. When a position becomes open, the board notifies the members, and you can put your name forward. New board members are elected at the annual meeting by member majority vote. Many boards are three to nine members large, with terms of one to two years.   **Involvement Drawbacks** As a board member, be prepared to spend two to four hours a month: Accept that you might become less popular if homeowners don’t like your decisions. In the worst case, you could be sued, along with the rest of the association.  **Involvement Benefits** But there are rewards. You’ll feel more in control of your community’s fate. You may find that some rules you didn’t support have merit after all. But most of all, you’ll know you’re doing all you can to protect your quality of life and your home’s value. ### [Read full article: [HOAs: What You Need to Know About Rules](http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/home-thoughts/hoas-what-you-need-to-know-about-rules/#.)]   Being an HOA board member is no easy task, but it is a rewarding one. It’s not always easy to keep your emotions uninvolved either – especially if the homeowner complaining is a close neighbor – but it’s crucial you remain objective. Remember that your main responsibilities are to [protect](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/4-ways-an-hoa-board-protects-the-association), [maintain and enhance](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-an-hoa-board-maintains-and-enhances-the-association) the Association by making reasonable business decisions. While it’s impossible to make everyone in the homeowners association happy, you no doubt can make it a better place by getting involved, representing the good of the community, and even investing in the expertise of an HOA management company. Share this Blog [![Share on facebook](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/facebook-icon.svg) ](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-would-you-encourage-someone-complaining-about-hoa-rules&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [![Share on twitter](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/twitter-icon.svg) ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-would-you-encourage-someone-complaining-about-hoa-rules&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-would-you-encourage-someone-complaining-about-hoa-rules&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on instagram](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/instagram-icon.svg) ](http://www.instagram.com/share.php?u=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-would-you-encourage-someone-complaining-about-hoa-rules&utm_medium=social&utm_source=instagram) [![Share on linkedin](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/linkedin-icon.svg) ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-would-you-encourage-someone-complaining-about-hoa-rules&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [![Share on whatsapp](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/whatsapp-icon.svg) ](https://web.whatsapp.com) [** Previous Post Previous Post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/what-to-consider-before-moving-into-a-homeowners-association) [** View all posts ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/) [Next Post ** Next Post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/tips-for-saving-water-in-your-homeowners-association) ## Recent Posts [![Can an HOA Board Make Important Decisions without Homeowners?-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/HOA%20Board%20Meeting%20-640178088-1.jpg) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/can-an-hoa-board-make-important-decisions-without-homeowners) ### [Can an HOA Board Make Important Decisions without Homeowners? Click to view Can an HOA Board Make Important Decisions without Homeowners?](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/can-an-hoa-board-make-important-decisions-without-homeowners) Can an HOA board make decisions without homeowner approval? In many cases, yes. HOA board members are elected... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/can-an-hoa-board-make-important-decisions-without-homeowners) [![HOA Management vs. HOA Consulting: Which Does Your California Board Need?-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/HOA%20Management%20vs.%20HOA%20Consulting%20Which%20Does%20Your%20Board%20Need.webp) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-management-vs-hoa-consulting) ### [HOA Management vs. HOA Consulting: Which Does Your California Board Need? Click to view HOA Management vs. HOA Consulting: Which Does Your California Board Need?](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-management-vs-hoa-consulting) Some HOA boards need consistent support managing day-to-day responsibilities, while others need expert... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-management-vs-hoa-consulting) [![HOA Rule Enforcement: Best Practices to Stay Fair, Legal, and Effective-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/HOA%20Rule%20Enforcement%20Best%20Practices%20to%20Stay%20Fair%20Legal%20and%20Effective.jpg) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-rule-enforcement-best-practices) ### [HOA Rule Enforcement: Best Practices to Stay Fair, Legal, and Effective Click to view HOA Rule Enforcement: Best Practices to Stay Fair, Legal, and Effective](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-rule-enforcement-best-practices) HOA rule enforcement plays a key role in maintaining a well-managed, high-functioning community. When rules... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-rule-enforcement-best-practices) [![The Role of an HOA Manager: What Boards Should Expect Before, During, and After the Working Relationship Begins-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/The%20Role%20of%20an%20HOA%20Manager_What%20Boards%20Should%20Expect%20Before%2c%20During%2c%20and%20After%20the%20Working%20Relationship%20Begins.jpg) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/the-role-of-an-hoa-manager-what-boards-should-expect) ### [The Role of an HOA Manager: What Boards Should Expect Before, During, and After the Working Relationship Begins Click to view The Role of an HOA Manager: What Boards Should Expect Before, During, and After the Working Relationship Begins](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/the-role-of-an-hoa-manager-what-boards-should-expect) Many HOA board members know when their community needs additional support, but it isn’t always clear what... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/the-role-of-an-hoa-manager-what-boards-should-expect) [![Budgeting for Major HOA Projects: How Boards Can Plan Without Special Assessments-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Budgeting%20for%20Major%20HOA%20Projects%20How%20Boards%20Can%20Plan%20Without%20Special%20Assessments.webp) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-budgeting-planning-major-projects-without-special-assessments) ### [Budgeting for Major HOA Projects: How Boards Can Plan Without Special Assessments Click to view Budgeting for Major HOA Projects: How Boards Can Plan Without Special Assessments](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-budgeting-planning-major-projects-without-special-assessments) Effective HOA budgeting plays a critical role in helping communities prepare for large repair and improvement... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-budgeting-planning-major-projects-without-special-assessments) [![HOA Insurance Explained: What Every Board Member Needs to Know in 2026-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/HOA%20Insurance%20Explained%20What%20Every%20Board%20Member%20Needs%20to%20Know%20in%202026.webp) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-insurance-explained-what-every-board-member-needs-to-know-in-2026) ### [HOA Insurance Explained: What Every Board Member Needs to Know in 2026 Click to view HOA Insurance Explained: What Every Board Member Needs to Know in 2026](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-insurance-explained-what-every-board-member-needs-to-know-in-2026) HOA insurance is one of the most important responsibilities an association board oversees. It protects the... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-insurance-explained-what-every-board-member-needs-to-know-in-2026) [![Understanding California HOA Laws in 2026: Key Updates for Boards-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Understanding%20California%20HOA%20Laws%20in%202026%20Key%20Updates%20for%20Boards.webp) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/understanding-california-hoa-laws-in-2026-key-updates-for-boards) ### [Understanding California HOA Laws in 2026: Key Updates for Boards Click to view Understanding California HOA Laws in 2026: Key Updates for Boards](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/understanding-california-hoa-laws-in-2026-key-updates-for-boards) California HOA laws continue to evolve year after year, and 2026 is no exception. New legislation, regulatory... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/understanding-california-hoa-laws-in-2026-key-updates-for-boards) [![How to Run Effective HOA Board Meetings (and Avoid Common Pitfalls)-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/senior-beautiful-woman-sitting-at-a-table-outside-2026-01-09-07-46-51-utc%20(2).jpg) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-to-run-hoa-meetings) ### [How to Run Effective HOA Board Meetings (and Avoid Common Pitfalls) Click to view How to Run Effective HOA Board Meetings (and Avoid Common Pitfalls)](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-to-run-hoa-meetings) HOA board meetings are essential to the health of a community, but they can easily become stressful,... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-to-run-hoa-meetings) [![Self-Managed HOA vs. Professional Management: A Cost-Benefit Guide-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Self-Managed%20vs%20Professional%20HOA%20Management%20A%20Cost-Benefit%20Guide%20for%20Boards.jpg) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/self-managed-hoa-vs-professional-management) ### [Self-Managed HOA vs. Professional Management: A Cost-Benefit Guide Click to view Self-Managed HOA vs. Professional Management: A Cost-Benefit Guide](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/self-managed-hoa-vs-professional-management) Many HOA boards start out self-managed because it seems like the most cost-effective approach. Without... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/self-managed-hoa-vs-professional-management) [![The Essential HOA Board Responsibilities That Guide Every Community-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/An%20HOA%20board%20meeting%20at%20an%20outdoor%20table%20with%20laptops.jpg) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/10-fundamental-principles-of-a-homeowners-association) ### [The Essential HOA Board Responsibilities That Guide Every Community Click to view The Essential HOA Board Responsibilities That Guide Every Community](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/10-fundamental-principles-of-a-homeowners-association) Homeowners associations play a big role in keeping neighborhoods well-maintained, financially healthy, and... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/10-fundamental-principles-of-a-homeowners-association) ** Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of [website accessibility](https://userway.org) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "HOA Manager", "url" : "https://blog.hignellhoa.com/author/hoa-manager" }, "dateModified" : "2024-12-16T23:56:30.229Z", "datePublished" : "2021-05-04T04:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "How Would You Encourage Someone Complaining About HOA Rules?", "image" : [ "https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/517048149-resized-600-2.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-would-you-encourage-someone-complaining-about-hoa-rules", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Hignell-Property-Management/Hignell-logo-2023.svg" } } } ```