What is an HOA resident survey?
An HOA resident survey collects feedback from owners and residents about the community: how well common areas are kept, how the board communicates, and what should be improved next.
Surveys give the board real data instead of the loudest opinions. They’re especially useful before setting a budget, planning a project, or changing a rule.
What to include
- A short introduction and return deadline
- Owner or renter, and how long they’ve lived there
- Ratings for key services and areas
- Top priorities for the coming year
- Preferred ways to receive communication
- Open-ended feedback
- An invitation to volunteer
Template preview
Fill in the [highlighted] fieldsThe Board wants to hear from you. Your answers will help us plan the [year] budget and decide what to improve next.
- ☐ Owner
- ☐ Renter
- Landscaping and common areas: ☐1 ☐2 ☐3 ☐4 ☐5
- Pool and amenities: ☐1 ☐2 ☐3 ☐4 ☐5
- Communication from the Board: ☐1 ☐2 ☐3 ☐4 ☐5
- Rule enforcement and fairness: ☐1 ☐2 ☐3 ☐4 ☐5
- Value for your assessment: ☐1 ☐2 ☐3 ☐4 ☐5
- ☐ Landscaping improvements
- ☐ Road or parking repairs
- ☐ Pool or amenity upgrades
- ☐ Security and lighting
- ☐ Keeping assessments stable
- ☐ More community events
- ☐ Other: [describe]
- ☐ Text message
- ☐ Printed mail
- ☐ Resident portal
- ☐ I’m interested in joining a committee or volunteering
Tips for using this template
Ten to fifteen questions is plenty. Longer surveys get fewer responses.
People share more honest feedback when they don’t have to sign their name.
Summarize what you learned in the next newsletter and what the board will do about it.
The same questions each year show whether things are improving.
Frequently asked questions
How often should an HOA survey residents?
Once a year is common, often before budget planning. Short pulse surveys can also help before a major project or rule change.
Should HOA surveys be anonymous?
For satisfaction surveys, yes. You can ask an optional question at the end if residents want a follow-up.
Is a survey the same as a vote?
No. A survey gathers opinions and isn’t binding. Decisions that require owner approval need a formal vote under your governing documents.