Horry County, February 11, 2026
Horry County has led South Carolina in homeowners association complaints for the seventh consecutive year, reflecting the challenges of rapid community growth. This trend highlights the need for improved communication, transparent operations, and active participation among homeowners to foster harmonious neighborhoods. Understanding and addressing these issues is critical for the well-being of the community and for maintaining property values amidst the ongoing expansion of Myrtle Beach.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What is the main issue concerning HOAs in Horry County?
Horry County consistently leads South Carolina in homeowners association (HOA) complaints, marking its seventh consecutive year at the top, which highlights challenges in community management amid rapid development.
Why does Horry County have such a high volume of HOA complaints?
Attribute the high volume of complaints to the region’s significant economic growth and population boom, leading to a rapid expansion of planned communities and, subsequently, more HOAs and potential disputes.
What types of issues commonly lead to HOA complaints?
Common complaints frequently involve disputes over architectural guidelines, maintenance responsibilities for common areas, interpretation and enforcement of community rules, and financial transparency of the association’s operations.
How can communities address and reduce HOA-related disputes?
Address these challenges by encouraging active homeowner participation in board elections and meetings, ensuring transparent financial practices, and developing clear, fair, and consistently applied community guidelines.
Who is responsible for tracking HOA complaints in South Carolina?
The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) is tasked with collecting and compiling data on homeowners association complaints across the state into an annual report.
Myrtle Beach
Horry County Tops Statewide HOA Complaints: What It Means for Our Community
Horry County has once again found itself at the forefront of a statewide trend, leading South Carolina in the number of homeowners association (HOA) complaints filed last year. This recurring pattern highlights the complexities of rapid growth and community management in our thriving coastal region, prompting a closer look at how local engagement and efficient self-governance can foster stronger neighborhoods.
The continuous expansion of the Grand Strand, fueled by the entrepreneurial spirit of South Carolina entrepreneurs and robust economic growth, brings with it a burgeoning number of planned communities. While HOAs play a crucial role in maintaining property values and community standards, the increase in reported issues underscores the importance of clear communication, transparent operations, and active homeowner participation to ensure these bodies serve their intended purpose effectively. Addressing these challenges is vital for the sustained well-being of our residents and the long-term prosperity of Myrtle Beach SC business.
Understanding the Scope of HOA Complaints
According to the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA), Horry County recorded the highest number of homeowners association complaints across the state last year. This marks a continuing trend, as Horry County has led the state in HOA complaints for the seventh consecutive year. In 2025 alone, 586 complaints were filed against HOA communities throughout the Palmetto State, indicating a rise in such issues statewide. The SCDCA is tasked with collecting and compiling this data into an annual report, providing valuable insights into the state of community associations.
Why Horry County Leads the State
The high volume of complaints in Horry County can be attributed, in part, to the significant economic growth and population boom experienced in the region. As more individuals and families choose to make Myrtle Beach their home, the number of planned communities and HOAs naturally expands. This rapid development, while a testament to the area’s attractiveness for Myrtle Beach small business and residents alike, can also present challenges in establishing and maintaining effective governance structures within these associations. The sheer scale of development means more interactions, more rules, and inevitably, more opportunities for disagreements if communication and processes are not optimally managed.
Common Challenges Faced by HOAs and Homeowners
While the specific details of individual complaints vary, common themes often emerge. These frequently involve disputes over architectural guidelines, maintenance responsibilities for common areas, interpretation and enforcement of community rules, and financial transparency of the association’s operations. Such issues, if left unaddressed, can lead to frustration among homeowners and detract from the communal harmony that HOAs are designed to foster. The complexity of managing shared resources and diverse homeowner expectations requires diligence and a proactive approach from all parties involved.
Fostering Resilience Through Self-Governance
Homeowners associations are a form of private governance, allowing communities to set standards and manage shared amenities to protect property values and enhance quality of life. From a perspective valuing local solutions and individual responsibility, strengthening these self-governing bodies is paramount. This means encouraging active participation from homeowners in board elections and meetings, ensuring transparent financial practices, and developing clear, fair, and consistently applied community guidelines. Empowering homeowners and board members with the knowledge and tools for effective governance can significantly reduce disputes and build more resilient neighborhoods, benefiting the entire Myrtle Beach SC business landscape.
Key Features of HOA Complaints in South Carolina
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Entity Tracking Complaints | South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) | State-level |
| Horry County Ranking | Tops annual statewide HOA complaints | State-level |
| Years Horry County Led | 7th consecutive year | State-level |
| Total SC Complaints (2025) | 586 | State-level |
| Trend in SC Complaints (2025) | Rose | State-level |
A Path Forward: Engagement and Education
Addressing the persistent challenge of HOA complaints in Horry County requires a multi-faceted approach centered on engagement and education rather than solely on increased top-down regulation. For HOAs, this means adopting best practices in governance, financial management, and communication. For homeowners, it involves understanding their rights and responsibilities, actively participating in their association, and working constructively to resolve issues. When communities are empowered to manage themselves effectively, it not only improves residential life but also contributes to an environment where South Carolina entrepreneurs and Myrtle Beach small business can continue to thrive, knowing that their employees and customers reside in well-managed, stable communities.
Conclusion
Horry County’s leading position in statewide HOA complaints serves as a timely reminder of the dynamics accompanying rapid development and the importance of robust community governance. By focusing on principles of transparency, active homeowner involvement, and efficient dispute resolution, our local communities can transform these challenges into opportunities for stronger, more vibrant neighborhoods. We encourage all residents to stay engaged with their HOAs, support local initiatives for better community management, and contribute to the continued economic and social vitality of Myrtle Beach.
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
