Horry County South Carolina Leads in HOA Complaints for 2024

In 2024, Horry County accounted for more than 25% of all homeowners association (HOA) complaints in South Carolina, making it the most complaint-heavy county in the state. According to data from the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA), the county led in grievances related to HOA governance, maintenance, and transparency.

Understanding the Surge in Complaints

The SCDCA reported a total of 617 HOA-related complaints in 2024. After removing duplicates and cases that did not meet specific criteria, 434 complaints were officially analyzed, affecting 325 HOAs and property management companies. Horry County led the list with 27% of complaints, followed by Richland County (13.4%) and Charleston County (7.8%) (South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, 2025).

Key Issues Raised by Homeowners

Homeowners in Horry County reported three primary concerns:

• Failure to Adhere to or Enforce Covenants and Bylaws (17.3%): Many residents claimed that their HOA boards inconsistently applied or ignored their governing rules.
• Maintenance and Repair Issues (15.1%): There were numerous complaints about the lack of upkeep for common areas, affecting neighborhood appeal and property values.
• Ignored Requests for Information or Document Access (9.3%): Many homeowners struggled to obtain important HOA records, such as financial statements and meeting minutes.

Implications for Horry County Residents

For homeowners in Horry County, this data highlights the importance of staying engaged in HOA governance. Attending HOA meetings, reviewing governing documents, and actively participating in community discussions can help improve transparency and accountability.

Steps Forward

The SCDCA encourages both homeowners and HOA boards to educate themselves on their rights and responsibilities. Resources are available to help residents understand HOA regulations and ensure fair practices (South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, 2025).

While the high volume of complaints in Horry County is concerning, it also presents an opportunity for communities to collaborate on solutions and strengthen neighborhood relations.

References

South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs. (2025, February 4). Horry County accounted for over 25% of all 2024 HOA complaints, SC data shows. WMBF News. Retrieved from https://www.wmbfnews.com/2025/02/04/horry-county-accounted-over-25-all-2024-hoa-complaints-sc-data-shows/