Multigenerational Households: A Growing Trend in Self-managed HOAs

Key Takeaways

• Economic and social factors have triggered a rise in multigenerational families living in the same household over the past several decades. 
• Multigenerational households give HOAs the opportunity to adapt to unique challenges. 
• The multigenerational structure offers several invaluable benefits to a managed community. 
• Homeowners association management techniques must evolve to support large families living under one roof. 

Neighborhoods governed by homeowners associations aren’t only for single individuals, couples, or retirees. It’s becoming more common for large families to reside in self-managed HOA communities,

A gradual lifestyle shift has occurred in American households over the last several decades. From 1971 to 2021, the number of individuals living in multigenerational homes quadrupled to almost 60 million people. Factors such as economic hardships, higher living costs, and an aging population are driving this trend. 

Multigenerational households include two or more generations of the same family living under one roof. This lifestyle has a much different dynamic than the traditional single family and comes with benefits and challenges. 

If you’re an HOA volunteer or board member, you play an important role in supporting multigenerational households and your homeowners association management process must adapt to this evolving structure. 

Understanding the Multigenerational Living Trend

Strong family values and cultural norms make multigenerational living commonplace in many countries outside the US. For many, multi-generational living is the only way of life they know. In cultures such as China and Japan, living with and caring for aging family members is an old tradition. This results in households with three or four generations living under a single roof. 

American families are beginning to adopt this practice. However, there are factors beyond tradition driving the trend: 

• The rising cost of living and increasing home prices make multigenerational living more economically logical. 
• The country’s aging population results in many families caring for elders at home. 
• Student loan debt makes it difficult for younger generations to live independently after college. 

Regardless of why a family chooses a multigenerational lifestyle, the structure is much different than that of a single-family household. Tighter space limitations and varying schedules require families to use their homes differently. Your self-managed HOA may need to take a different approach to meet the needs of these households. 

Challenges and Adaptations for Homeowners Association Management 

HOA policies establish order and set the standard for resident behavior, the appearance of the community, and communication. However, your policy may not consider multigenerational living. 

Let’s examine some potential problem areas and how your HOA board can meet families in the middle. 

Rules and regulations 

Everyone in your community deserves fair treatment when enforcing rules that define occupancy limits, parking spaces, and the use of amenities. Multigenerational families may require additional consideration in forming these rules due to more having people under one roof. 

It’s up to your HOA board to ensure large families understand the community rules so they know what’s expected of them. You should also be open to defining certain conditions that meet the unique needs of families. 

Conflict resolution 

The diverse age groups and differing ways of life within multigenerational families make conflicts more likely. A neighbor may have a problem with a family’s schedule or dislike the increased use of shared spaces. 

Effective homeowners association management involves a well-defined conflict resolution strategy and healthy communication. This allows you to get to the root of the problem quickly and find an amicable solution. 

Privacy and noise concerns 

The more people living in a residence, the noisier. This may be fine in a single-family home, but it leads to privacy issues in condos or townhomes with shared walls. 

Maintaining harmony in your community is one of the HOA’s primary jobs. Addressing noise complaints involving a multigenerational family with both firmness and diplomacy is your quickest path to a happy ending. 

Accessibility modifications 

Older family members in multigenerational households often require accessibility features like handrails or ramps. Your HOA may need to update regulations to allow these renovations and consider installing these features in common areas like pools or clubhouses. 

Responsible homeowners association management involves examining your property to determine where you need safety modifications. Work with your board to plan for the proper renovations. 

How Multigenerational Households Benefit the Community

Multigenerational families bring a level of richness to their neighborhoods that a single-family household can’t. Varying age groups and differing ways of life add tremendous value to managed communities. 

Diversity and enrichment 

The residents of a community directly impact its wider culture. Multigenerational households bring a wide range of ages, experiences, and perspectives, enriching the lives of those around them.

This is a chance for older and younger generations in the community to form close bonds and learn from each other. It’s also an opportunity for residents to broaden their perspectives through friendships with people from different backgrounds. 

Healthy support networks 

HOA communities containing multigenerational households benefit from a level of family-oriented support other communities don’t have. This support may extend to other residents and the entire neighborhood. 

For example, young residents may volunteer to help with community initiatives like event planning. Older residents may offer advice and life experience. This type of support reduces the reliance on HOA resources. 

Strong community bonds

Communities that are connected are far healthier than isolated ones. When residents have tight relationships, the entire neighborhood thrives. 

Multigenerational households foster strong bonds as residents of all ages come together to engage in community events. This shapes a harmonious lifestyle where residents feel safe, secure, and accepted. 

Stability 

Large families living together are more stable than single individuals or couples. Once they find a home that suits their lifestyle, they’re likely to stay. 

This reduces turnover rates in a self-managed HOA. It also adds continuity to the community. 

Supporting Multi-Generational Living: HOA Best Practices

While multigenerational households provide unique benefits to managed communities, they often require additional support from the HOA. This is your chance to expand on your homeowners association management skills and find new ways of improving your community. 

Make open communication a priority 

Addressing and anticipating the needs of multigenerational households requires open dialogue. Develop a communication plan with the HOA board to ensure consistency. 

Decide which communication channels work best for your residents. Make it clear which channels the HOA plans on using for specific tasks like invoicing, event reminders, and maintenance requests. 

Be flexible 

Keeping an open mind is crucial when supporting large households. Your board must remain fair and even flexible on policies that are harder for multigenerational families to adhere to. 

If you put unique rules in writing, make sure all parties have copies to avoid confusion. This cuts down on conflict and prevents residents from resenting the HOA. Consider how to regulate spaces like carriage houses, “granny flats,” and other outbuildings converted to living spaces to accommodate larger families.  

Community-building activities 

Events are a fun way to bring residents together. However, it’s important to cater to all age groups so your HOA doesn’t leave anyone out. 

Block parties help adults get to know each other and form lasting relationships. Family-friendly events like movie nights and holiday celebrations get children and parents involved. Arts and crafts, exercise classes, and walking groups are perfect for older residents who want to stay active. 

Education and resources 

Knowing as much as you can about multigenerational families helps your HOA and other residents provide the best support possible. Expand your knowledge with resources and workshops on intergenerational communication. It also helps to research shared living dynamics within families so you get a better sense of the lifestyle. 

Embrace Multigenerational Living in Your Community 

The support your self-managed HOA provides multigenerational families fosters a better quality of life for all residents. Cultural diversity, stronger personal bonds, and stability all work to strengthen the health of your community. 

If your homeowners association management process needs an overhaul so you can provide the level of support your residents deserve, PayHOA can help. 

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