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Murrells Inlet Today
By the People, for the People
Homeowners Associations Face Rising Complaints, Lack of Enforcement
South Carolina sees surge in HOA disputes, with little recourse for residents
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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Complaints to the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs about homeowners associations (HOAs) on the Waccamaw Neck hit a high last year, with nine reviewed by the state agency. One complaint led to a lawsuit by homeowners in Pawleys Plantation over the HOA's failure to enforce design guidelines. Across the state, HOA-related complaints have more than doubled since a 2018 law required associations to file governing documents, but the state agency has limited ability to intervene.
Why it matters
The rise in HOA complaints highlights growing tensions between residents and the associations that govern their communities. With little oversight or enforcement power, the state consumer affairs agency has struggled to resolve disputes, leaving homeowners to pursue costly legal action as their only recourse. This issue reflects broader concerns about the autonomy and accountability of HOAs, which play a significant role in many neighborhoods.
The details
In 2022, there were 452 HOA-related complaints filed with the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, more than double the number in previous years. The 2018 Homeowners Association Act, which required associations to file their governing documents, also tasked the consumer affairs agency with collecting data on complaints. While Horry County had the most complaints, Georgetown County ranked second in complaints per capita. The leading cause of complaints was failure to adhere to or enforce deed restrictions, which led to a lawsuit against the Pawleys Plantation Property Owners Association over the construction of a new home. The plaintiffs claim the association and its management company failed to properly review and approve the project, violating community guidelines.
- In 2018, South Carolina adopted the Homeowners Association Act, requiring HOAs to file governing documents.
- In 2022, there were 452 HOA-related complaints filed with the state Department of Consumer Affairs, a new high.
- In February 2026, homeowners in Pawleys Plantation filed a lawsuit against their HOA over the construction of a new home.
The players
South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs
The state agency tasked with collecting data on HOA complaints and overseeing the Homeowners Association Act.
Pawleys Plantation Property Owners Association
The HOA governing the Pawleys Plantation community, which is at the center of a lawsuit over enforcing design guidelines.
Scott and Sally Tutton
Homeowners in Pawleys Plantation who filed a lawsuit against the HOA and its management company.
Rick and Wendy Peters
Homeowners in Pawleys Plantation who filed a lawsuit against the HOA and its management company.
Tom Winslow
The attorney representing the plaintiffs in the Pawleys Plantation lawsuit.
What they’re saying
“I've never once seen Consumer Affairs take any action. It's something I encourage people to do just so it can be documented.”
— Tom Winslow, Attorney (coastalobserver.com)
“The ARB hasn't done anything about it. Litigation should be the last thing.”
— Tom Winslow, Attorney (coastalobserver.com)
“I thought that they would help with it. The department marked my complaints 'satisfied' after receiving a response from the HOA, but I was far from satisfied.”
— Elizabeth Gregg, Homeowner (coastalobserver.com)
What’s next
A bill introduced in the South Carolina House last year would require HOA boards and committees to conduct open meetings and provide notice to members. Advocates hope the bill, if passed, would increase transparency and accountability for HOAs.
The takeaway
The surge in HOA complaints in South Carolina highlights the need for stronger oversight and enforcement mechanisms to protect homeowners' rights and ensure associations adhere to their own governing documents. With the state consumer affairs agency limited in its ability to intervene, residents are often left with costly legal action as their only recourse, underscoring the imbalance of power between HOAs and the communities they serve.
