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NC’s urgent need for HOA reform and oversight



Chuck Williams

North Carolina is renowned for its vibrant communities and strong civic engagement. Homeowners’ associations have played a pivotal role in shaping and maintaining these neighborhoods, ensuring harmony and preserving property values. However, the time has come for us, the citizens of North Carolina, to address the growing concerns surrounding HOAs and advocate for comprehensive reform and oversight. 

The establishment of NC Citizens for HOA Reform is a crucial step toward creating a fair, transparent and accountable system that benefits all homeowners.



Issue 1: Lack of transparency and accountability

One of the fundamental issues plaguing HOAs in North Carolina is the lack of transparency and accountability. Homeowners often find themselves subjected to arbitrary rules, hefty fines and opaque decision-making processes. 

The absence of clear guidelines and avenues for redress erodes trust and creates a sense of powerlessness among residents. It is high time we demand transparency in financial matters, decision-making processes and the enforcement of rules within HOAs.

Issue 2: Unreasonable restrictions and infringement of property rights

While HOAs have the noble intention of maintaining neighborhood aesthetics and standards, many residents feel burdened by unreasonable restrictions that infringe upon their property rights. Often, these restrictions are outdated or overly subjective, stifling individuality and impeding homeowners’ ability to fully enjoy and personalize their properties. We need a more balanced approach that respects property rights while upholding community standards.

Issue 3: Arbitrary enforcement and excessive fines

The arbitrary enforcement of HOA rules, coupled with the imposition of excessive fines, has become a growing concern for homeowners. Residents find themselves subject to uneven enforcement, with some infractions overlooked while others lead to disproportionate penalties. These punitive measures can have severe financial implications for homeowners, leading to undue stress and even foreclosure in some cases. 

Fair and consistent enforcement, along with reasonable fines, should be the cornerstone of any reformed HOA system.

Solution: NC Citizens for HOA Reform and Oversight

To address these pressing issues, concerned citizens of North Carolina have united under the banner of NC Citizens for HOA Reform. This grassroots movement aims to advocate for meaningful change, pushing for legislation that ensures the fair treatment of homeowners and fosters transparency and accountability within HOAs.

• Comprehensive legislation: We urge state lawmakers to introduce comprehensive legislation that establishes clear guidelines for HOAs, ensuring transparent governance, fair enforcement and reasonable fines. Such legislation should also provide avenues for homeowners to voice their concerns and seek resolution through impartial mediation or arbitration processes.

• Oversight and regulation: NC Citizens for HOA Reform and Oversight calls for the creation of an independent regulatory body responsible for overseeing HOAs. This body should have the authority to investigate complaints, enforce compliance and provide a mechanism for appeals.

• Education and awareness: The movement also emphasizes the need for homeowner education and awareness regarding rights and responsibilities within HOAs. Providing easily accessible information and resources will empower residents to navigate the complex world of HOAs and actively participate in community decision-making processes.

It is time for North Carolina to lead the way in HOA reform and oversight, ensuring that homeowners’ associations are fair, transparent and accountable. The establishment of NC Citizens for HOA Reform marks a crucial turning point, giving voice to the concerns of citizens and demanding change. 

Let us work together to create a future where HOAs enhance our communities while respecting the rights and aspirations of homeowners. Join us in this movement and let our collective voice echo through the halls of the legislature, advocating for a stronger, more equitable North Carolina.

Chuck Williams is founder and CEO of Citizens for HOA Reform LLC in North Carolina. This column originally appeared in the Carolina Journal.