The results of Community Associations Institute's 2018 Homeowner Satisfaction Survey are in, and for the seventh time in 13 years, Americans living in homeowners associations and condominiums say they're overwhelmingly satisfied in their communities.
Below are some highlights from the survey:
85% of residents rate their overall community association experience as positive (63%) or neutral (22%).
81% say they are on friendly terms with their association board.
84% say members of their elected governing board "absolutely" or "for the most part" serve the best interests of their communities.
73% say their community managers provide value and support to residents and their associations.
81% of residents who had direct contact with their community manager say it was a positive experience.
60% say their association assessments are "just the right amount" or "too little."
71% of people insist that every homeowner pay assessments, involving attorneys only if delinquent accounts are not brought up to date after sufficient notification.
80% of residents prefer either no change or less government control within their association.
90% say their association's rules protect and enhance property values (62%) or have a neutral effect (28%); only 4% say the rules harm property values.
The best aspects of living in a community association:
- 23% Maintenance-free neighborhood
- 15% Clean/attracting neighborhood
- 13% Safe neighborhood
- 7% Everybody knows the rules
- 6% Responsible neighbors
- 4% Property values
- 4% Quiet neighborhood
- 4% Amenities like swimming pools and tennis courts
- 2% You have a say in the rules
- 8% Nothing good
- 14% Other/not sure
The worst aspects of living in a community association:
- 15% Restrictions on exterior home improvements
- 15% Paying dues
- 11% The rules
- 4% Restrictions on parking
- 4% Dissatisfaction with board
- 2% Restrictions on landscaping
- 2% Meetings
- 2% Dealing with neighbors/members
- 25% Nothing bad
- 20% Other/not sure
Read the full report here.