interesting article on complainers

Started by SheliaH • 2 replies • 61 views

💬 Join us to post & get advice from 50,000 HOA & Condo leaders.

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,961

Posted:

Many of the conversations on this website discuss the best ways to deal with complainers (the ones who don't do much else) and they're not always homeowners. This article breaks down five types of such people and you can probably come up with your own categories. Read and ponder!

https://leadershipfreak.blog/2026/05/06/5-kinds-of-complainers/

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

MrTexaS1 (Texas)
Posts: 25

Posted:

This is a great article. I saved it.

I am constantly complaining about my HOA. And I view myself a builder. So here is my position.

- I attend all meetings available
- I am prepared to serve on the board and have campaigned to. I have experience serving on a previous board
- I found two other people who would be great board members and convinced them to be willing to serve and they are
- At the meetings I ask questions relevant to all owners (Where is our audit? Why did our association start doing major structural repairs without a permit?)
- Before I ask hard questions in public, I wrote them to the board and invited them to reply in private. I told them if they addressed my concerns privately I would not go public. I did not ask the hard questions in public until they ignored my questions and retaliated against me
- I formed a group of concerned owners and educated them on their rights
- I contacted HOA professionals who would love to win our business and asked for their opinions and advice

I can compromise on many issues, but I cannot compromise on life/safety issues. The association must get permits for all structural repairs, and engineering sign of when the permit requires it. I also cannot compromise on financial transparency. The law says they must be transparent this not optional. I can compromise on maintenance schedule, rules, procedures, basic management and many other things.

What else can/should I do? Where am I wrong?

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,961

Posted:

You're not doing anything wrong - so far, you have the makings of a good board member! Just be careful about some of the things you said you can compromise on - better to watch and see what unfolds so you can make informed decisions on what needs to be done, like maintenance schedules. Think about the stuff in your own home - better to spend a little money now than ignore an issue and then find it'll take a lot more money and time to fix. Likewise, in your community, some portions of the common areas may get more use than others, so it may be helpful to consider your options. Stuff with more durable materials can give the community more time before replacement is necessary - meaning you could get more time to build reserves.

You have a small group of homeowners who feel as you do, so i hope they're also attending meetings and taking note of what they see and hear. Someone may pick up on issues or ask questions you didn't think about, so all of you can learn from each other. Encourage others to attend - yes, you'll find some don't care, but dont let that discourage you. Slowly, you'll get more people - it does take time, but people often get interested when they no longer have a choice (much like other things in life). Others may ignore itvto the bitter end, but by then,myou may have enough support that you dont need them. Even so, they're still your neighbors and you need to be willing to do the same for them if things were reversed. Good luck!

PS. If you liked that article, you'll love this one - tips on dealing with chronic complainers

https://leadershipfreak.blog/2021/09/13/7-truths-about-chronic-complainers-every-leader-needs-today/ Enjoy!

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

🎯 You've read this entire discussion

Join the conversation with 50,000 HOA & Condo Leaders:

✓ Ask follow-up questions
✓ Share your experience
✓ Get expert advice
✓ Access 350,000 discussions

Create Free Account →

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in here