Welcome to the Resident Evil HOA Lectures, LLC Detailed Survey!
Your input and perspectives are incredibly valuable for bettering our collective understanding of the HOA environment in the U.S. This will allow homeowner advocates, research institutions, lawmakers, and industry affiliates to address issues, promote benefits, and hopefully solve the problems that can often run rampant through HOAS. We appreciate your time and assistance!
HOA Survey Information Disclosure
Before completing the survey, please be sure to read the Resident Evil HOA Lectures, LLC HOA Survey Information and Disclosure (below and found on our website). You will be asked to confirm that you have read, understand, and consent to the information contained therein before you can continue with the survey. PLEASE SUBMIT ONLY ONE SURVEY PER HOUSEHOLD.
Information and Disclosure
By participating in this survey, you are consenting to offer anonymous information and responses for the purposes of data collection by Resident Evil HOA Lectures, LLC (REHL). This data will be used for a number of purposes, including but not limited to Resident Evil HOA Lectures, LLC presentation information and publications; Lawmakers in the state of Georgia and nationwide to inform homeowner association reform legislation; Other academic researchers, homeowner advocates, industry advocates, and media; The general public for educational and consumer awareness purposes; Provision of survey data and report to residents of participating neighborhoods and HOA Boards (upon request from boards for a nominal fee); Education of homeowners for the purposes of forming homeowner advocacy groups.
Disclaimer
REHL and its affiliates are NOT attorneys, nor do we purport to be. No information gained from REHL or its resources should be taken or shared as legal advice. We are independent researchers, educators, and homeowner advocates, and we should be identified as such. We have no affiliation with any university system or formal research institution within its home state of Georgia or nationwide.
Description of Project
Homeowner Associations (HOAs, CICs, COAs, RAs, etc.) are a social system of self-governance invented by the housing industry in the United States in the early 20th century. In recent decades, there has been an increasing number of instances in which homeowner residents subject to HOAs are experiencing abuse, harassment, selective enforcement, fee escalation, exclusion from governance, and foreclosure from their HOAs. This survey attempts to collect data as to the perspectives and issues that homeowners in specific neighborhoods may or may not be experiencing in order to create a more comprehensive data set of conditions within HOA-governed neighborhoods on the specific, local, regional, state, and national level.
Explanation of Procedures
If you agree to participate in this study, you will complete the following anonymous survey hosted by JotForm. Participation is voluntary. You can refuse to take part or stop at any time. You may also skip questions that you are not comfortable answering aside from required NON-IDENTIFYING demographic information at the beginning of the survey.
Risks or Discomforts
This is a voluntary, anonymous survey, with no identifying personal data captured. The only specific information requested is identification of the neighborhood or HOA itself. There are minimal risks or discomforts to participants anticipated.
Benefits
Participation in this study will help REHL researchers and other interested parties understand the actual conditions that homeowner residents experience in their respective HOA neighborhoods. Participants will benefit from knowledge gained by the survey as to the condition of their own neighborhood as well as the HOA system at large. It is intended that this information will also benefit HOA boards, state and federal legislators, and the housing industry and its affiliates.
Compensation
Participation in this survey is uncompensated.
Confidentiality
We will take steps to protect your privacy. To reduce risk of identification, the survey is anonymous. We will NOT request information that could identify you. The survey metadata contains no personally identifying data from participants. If personal identification information is provided, it is entirely voluntary on the part of the participant, and all possible measures will be made to keep voluntarily offered personal information private. Quotes from survey responses may be used in publication, etc., however any identifying information will be redacted to the best ability of REHL and its affiliates.
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Take The Survey!
REHL HOA Detailed Survey
The following survey contains approximately 50 questions divided into four sections, most of which only require a single click to answer. Answer to the best of your ability. Please note questions that offer the ability to select multiple answers. There is an open field at the end of the survey in which you have unlimited ability to add any information, thoughts, concerns, compliments, etc. that you wish REHL's researchers and audience to know about.
Definitions
“Home” can refer to a single family resident or any multi-family residence (condo, apt. etc.). “Association”means homeowner members of the board of directors of a homeowner association(HOA), property owner association (POA), condo owner association (COA), or other self-governing neighborhood entity. "Board" refers to the Board (Directors and non-Director) members of any neighborhood association. "Property Management Company" refers to an outside company which handles HOA matters for an HOA board comprised of homeowners for a neighborhood.
Location
This information will NOT and cannot be used to identify individuals who answer this survey; this is asked only for data collection and analysis purposes. *Required
State
*
County
*
City
*
Neighborhood Name
*
Name of Neighborhood Association (excluding Property Management Company)
*
Basic Information
1. How many years have you lived in your neighborhood?
1-2
3-5
5-10
10-20
25+
2. Was your association formed at the same time as the neighborhood?
Yes
No
I don't Know
3. Who initiated the formation of your neighborhood association?
Developer
Neighbors
I Don't Know
Other
5. How satisfied are you with having ANY homeowner association IN GENERAL?
Very Dissatisfied
1
2
3
4
Very Satisfied
5
1 is Very Dissatisfied, 5 is Very Satisfied
6. How satisfied are you with your CURRENT association?
Very Dissatisfied
1
2
3
4
Very Satisfied
5
1 is Very Dissatisfied, 5 is Very Satisfied
7. What services or amenities does your neighborhood have? (Check all that apply).
Recreational Amenities (pool, tennis,basketball, playground, clubhouse, etc.),
Common Area Management
Events and Social Gatherings
Individual Property Maintenance and Upkeep
Aesthetic Appeal Upkeep
Security
Utilities
Municipal Services (street lighting, plowing,transportation services, etc.),
Other
8. Is Your Association
Mandatory (all homes are members and pay into the HOA)
Non-Mandatory (exists but homeowners can opt in and out of amenities at will)
Other
9. How often do you use the recreational amenities (pool,tennis, basketball, playground, clubhouse, etc.) offered by your association?
Never
1
2
3
4
Quite Often
5
1 is Never, 5 is Quite Often
10. Did you buy into your neighborhood because of the HOA itself (not amenities)?
Yes
No
11. Did you buy into your neighborhood because of the amenities (not necessarily an HOA)?
Yes
No
12. Would you buy into an HOA neighborhood again because of the amenities?
Yes
No
I don't know
Other
13. Would you ever buy into a neighborhood with a non-mandatory association (this type of association grants access to amenities on an opt-in/opt-out basis but has no control over individuals' properties)?
Yes
No
I don't know
Other
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Next
Association Operations
In this section and for applicable questions, if you have a Property Management Company which is responsible for administration of named procedures, you may still answer questions that refer to HOAs or HOA boards.
1. When did you receive copies of the association's governing documents (Articles of Incorporation, Declaration, Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, etc.)?
Before Closing
At Closing
Automatically Provided after Closing
Had to Request after Closing
Have Never Received
Other
2. How much do you agree with the conditions of the association as set forth in the governing documents?
Completely Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neither Agree or Disagree
Somewhat Disagree
Completely Disagree
I don't understand the governing documents
I never received or have seen the governing documents
Other
3. How comfortable are you in contacting your board about questions, issues, problems, etc.?
Never do/Very Uncomfortable
1
2
3
4
Anytime/Very Comfortable
5
1 is Never do/Very Uncomfortable, 5 is Anytime/Very Comfortable
4. If you do ask a question or make a case for change, how likely is it that you feel you will be heard (not necessarily that changes will be made, but that you will be fairly heard and responded to fairly and logically)?
Not Likely at All
1
2
3
4
Very Likely
5
1 is Not Likely at All, 5 is Very Likely
5. Does your board follow parliamentary procedure and Robert’s Rules of Order (or a similar official procedure) during meetings?
Yes
No
Sometimes
I don't know
Other
6. How well does your board communicate about the association's budget?
Little or Not at All
1
2
3
4
Clear, Consistent Transparency
5
1 is Little or Not at All, 5 is Clear, Consistent Transparency
7. How confident are you in your board’s handling of the budget?
Not at All Confident
1
2
3
4
Absolutely Confident
5
1 is Not at All Confident, 5 is Absolutely Confident
8. Does your association have a reserve fund that can cover major expenses, such as a clubhouse rebuild,resurfacing of tennis courts, or reroofing a complex?
Yes
No
I don't Know
9. How much, if anything, have you paid in special assessments during your time in your current home (that is,when a major expense is incurred and the cost is passed on in a lump sum to the association members)?
None
Up to $10,000
$10,000 - $25,000
$25,000 - $50,000
$50,000 - $75,000
$75,000 - $100,000
$100,000 or more
I don't recall or know
10. Are you aware that if you have unpaid fees, dues, fines, assessments, or other charges, justified or not, that an association can put a lien on your home?
Yes
No
11. Are you aware that in most states, if you have unpaid fees, dues, fines, assessments, or other charges (e.g.$2,000 or more in Georgia), justified or not, that an association can foreclose on your home, even if your mortgage and insurance are up to date?
Yes
No
12. Has your association ever enacted any of the following against you? (check all that apply):
Fines
Lien
Foreclosure
Unjustified fees
Attorney Costs
None
Other
13. Following are some common issues that homeowners can experience in an HOA. Have you or someone you know from your neighborhood ever experienced any of the following in your current neighborhood (check all that apply)?
Unjust or Illegitimate Fines
Increased or Added Fees without Homeowner Input or Vote
Retaliation/Harassment/Verbal or Physical Abuse/Stalking
Changes to Bylaws, Rules, or Practices and Conditions without Resident Notice or Vote
Silencing In Person or on Social Media / Cyberbullying
Targeting (Charged Fees or Fines as a means of retaliation or control)
Pyramid Fees (In Which Homeowner Accounts Are Never Paid Off for Fines/Fees/Etc. as Any Communication Incurs Legal Fees Which Are Charged Additionally to the Homeowner)
Unclear Instructions or Procedure for Paying Dues/Fees
Lack of Procedure and Clear Communication with Regard to Fine/Fee Appeals
Lack of Communication Overall
Failure to Notify Residents of Fines, Fees, Liens, or Foreclosure against Them before Such Action is Taken
Failure of Board to Adhere to Governing Documents or Rules
Overbearing or Oppressive Enforcement
Closed/Fraudulent Elections or Votes
Surveillance/Monitoring
Incomplete or Outdated Governing Documents
Fraud
Extortion / Coercion
Collusion (When the HOA Works with a Contractor or Service, such as a Landscaper, Whom They Know Personally in Order to Benefit Themselves and/or Their Acquaintance)
Selective Enforcement ( (Charged Fees or Fines When Others Are Not for Same or Similar Violations)
None of These
Other
14. Have you ever had to pay legal fees (your own and/or the HOAs) to settle a dispute or other issue with your HOA and if so, what range?
None
Up to $5,000
$5,000 - $10,000
$10,000 - $20,000
$20,000 - $30,000
$30,000 - $40,000
$40,000 - $50,000
$50,000 or more
15. Is your association's operations run by or assisted by a Property Management Company?
Yes
No
I don't know
If yes, what is the name of your neighborhood association's Property Management Company?
What rating would you give your neighborhood's current Property Management Company?
1
2
3
4
5
If yes, how satisfied are you with the inclusion of a Property Management Company in neighborhood administration IN GENERAL? (You are encouraged to provide details in the open response section at the end of this survey.)
Highly Dissatisfied
1
2
3
4
Highly Satisfied
5
1 is Highly Dissatisfied, 5 is Highly Satisfied
16. How would you rate your HOA board's legal counsel/attorney?
1
2
3
4
5
What is the name of the firm and/or attorney that represents your neighborhood association?
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Next
Association Elections
1. How well do you understand the Association's elections process based on communications from your board when elections are upcoming?
Not at All
1
2
3
4
Understand Completely
5
1 is Not at All, 5 is Understand Completely
2. How often does your association hold board member elections?
Annually
Every Two Years
Inconsistently
Never
3. Does your association meet quorum during elections?
Yes
No
I don't know
4. How are election ballots collected? (Select all that apply.)
In-person paper
Mail-in or drop-off paper
Digitally by board-controlled system
Digitally by third-party voting system
Ballots are not collected / Show of Hands
Other
5. How are election results announced?
Special e-mail just for announcing results
Newsletter or general mailing
At the general/election meeting, votes counted and results announced at the time
Physical/paper post or similar in common area(s)
Residents have to ask for results
Results are not announced or shared, even when asked
Other
6. How soon after elections are the results announced?
At the time ballots are counted / at meeting
Within a week
Within a month
After a month, but no more than three months
Inconsistent
Results are not announced
Other
7. Are you aware that any resident member of an HOA neighborhood can run for the association's board?
Yes
No
8. Have you ever run for or served on the HOA board of your current neighborhood?
Yes
No
9. How confident are you in an honest tally and recording of association elections?
Not at All Confident
1
2
3
4
Completely Confident
5
1 is Not at All Confident, 5 is Completely Confident
10. To the best of your knowledge, what percentage of your neighborhood participate in elections?
All or Almost All
Most
Roughly Half
Less than Half
Very Few
None
I Don't Know
11. How often do the principal officers of your association change (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, member-at-large ?
Every Year
1-3 years with term limits
1-3 years without term limits
Five or less with or without term limits
Five or more with or without term limits
Inconsistent
Infrequently
They change rarely or not at all to your knowledge
Other
12. Is there a term limit to board member positions?
Yes
No
I don't know
If yes, are term limits adhered to by the board?
Yes
No
I don't know
13. Has anyone on the board served consecutively (in one position or multiple) for more than three years?
Yes
No
I don't know
14. Overall, how engaged are the resident members in the board activities, meetings, elections, etc. of the association?
Highly
Somewhat Highly
Averagely
Somewhat Low
Low
Very Low
Few to None
I don't know
15. Check which factors you feel are the reason(s) residents in your neighborhood have for non-engagement.
Neighbor Apathy/Lack of Interest
Lack of Understanding by Neighbors as To What An HOA Is and Does,
People Are Too Busy
People Are Happy and Confident in the Board and Let Them Manage as They Will
People Are Unhappy with the Board and Aren’t Listened to When They Have Valid Concerns
Fear of Retaliation/Harassment If They Speak Up
Other
16. Does any one individual or company own more than one property in your neighborhood, thereby allowing themselves to hold more than one vote in association votes and elections?
Yes
No
I don't know
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Next
Resident Perspectives
1. What is your perspective of your neighborhood’s opinion of your association?
Not Satisfied at All
1
2
3
4
Highly Satisfied
5
1 is Not Satisfied at All, 5 is Highly Satisfied
2. How much do you agree with this statement? “I feel that my HOA board and its resident members have an equal, open, respectful partnership that is a benefit to our neighborhood.”
Do Not Agree At All
1
2
3
4
Highly Agree
5
1 is Do Not Agree At All, 5 is Highly Agree
3. If you had an equal choice of housing (price, location, size, etc.), would you prefer a home with or without an HOA?
With an HOA
Without an HOA
Either
Not Sure
4. Are you aware that in most cases, HOAs are not required to exist by law and that they are formed by neighborhood members and/or developers?
Yes
No
5. Are you aware that resident members are able to suggest amendments and changes to the HOA’s bylaws, the adoption of which is decided upon by a vote by the members?
Yes
No
6. Is there a clause in your HOA’s governing documents which allows for the dissolution of the HOA?
Yes
No
I don't know
7. If your state enacted laws to reform or change HOA laws, what changes would you be supportive of? (Check all that apply.)
None Needed
Higher Foreclosure Thresholds
Fee Restrictions
Limitations to Property Management Company Powers
Forbid the use of Property Management Companies
Oversight and Accountability to the State Attorney General, the Secretary of State, Municipal Government, or Another Government Entity
HOA Power Extends Only to Common Areas and Amenities with No Powers over Residents’ Homes
HOAs Required to Coordinate with County or City Code Offices to Administer Liens or Violation Notices
Eradication of HOAs Entirely
Other
8. What compliments do you have about your neighborhood association?
Management Style
Transparent Communication
Activities/Events
Upkeep and Maintenance
Cost Awareness and Fiscal Responsibility
Inclusion of Resident Members in Association Business Choices
Approachable
Promotion of Neighborhood Morale
Fairness
Willingness to Help Others in Need
None
Other
9. If you could make suggestions for improvement in your current HOA, what would you suggest?
10. Do you feel that your neighborhood would benefit from a neighborhood homeowner advocacy group,comprised of non-board residents, which would act as a liaison between homeowners and the board of directors of the association?
Yes
No
Not Sure
Other
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Next
Overall Grade for your Current HOA
Your rating will be averaged with other respondent's answers to give your HOA an overall grade.
What grade would you give your HOA (excluding your property management company, if you have one)?
A - Fantastic: healthy, supportive, responsible, transparent, exemplary, no changes needed.
B - Very good: but may need to improve a few things
C - Average: Needs some work to be fully beneficial, but you feel it is possible
D - Not Good: It runs in a basic manner but there is need for a lot of improvement
F - Failing: Toxic, harassing, abusive, completely negligent, suspicion of illegality, does not listen to residents, suppressive or intimidation behavior, suspicious activities, stalking/monitoring, other highly alarming behavior
Thank You for Your Time and Feedback. Your input is incredibly valuable to our research and efforts. If there is anything you wish to add, explain, or express, you may do so here. We would like to know more about the good and/or the bad to your particular situation, suggestions for HOA reform, and anything not covered here in the survey that you feel is important for us to know. IF YOU HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED ABUSE FROM YOUR HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATION, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO REACH OUT TO US VIA EMAIL.
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