Are associations and persons who manage them required to be licensed?

Are associations and persons who manage them required to be licensed?

Not unless they engage in acts classified as real estate brokerage (sales or rental of real estate for others) or time share development.  If they do, they must be licensed by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission and act in accordance with Commission rules.  Although the Commission cannot referee disputes between an association and its members, it has disciplined its licensees for failing to deliver the Subdivision Street Disclosure Statement, selling lots in unapproved subdivisions, misrepresenting material facts in a transaction, mishandling funds, and other violations of the Real Estate License Law.  The Consumer Protection Division of the North Carolina Attorney General's Office also has power to act against legal entities engaged in certain unlawful practices - but can not assist you with Homeowners Association Matters with your Board members.

If you are in a dispute with your homeowners association, you may wish to consider mediation.  Please see the FAQ regarding Mediation in North Carolina.

South Carolina does not have a consumer protection division or mediation options available to Homeowners Associations.