#United States #Duluth #CINC Systems #HOA Management #Community Associations

CINC Systems' 2026 State of the Industry Report

CINC Systems, a leading AI-based platform for community association management, has recently released its 2026 State of the Industry Report. This pivotal document reflects the complex realities faced by community associations today. With rising dues, increased resident expectations, managerial burnout, staffing shortages, and concerns regarding AI trust, the industry is at a turning point.

Positive Resident Sentiment

Despite these challenges, the report highlights that residents generally view their Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and Community Associations (COAs) positively. Interestingly, 64% of residents surveyed expressed being somewhat or very positive about their associations, while 66% indicated they would likely choose to live in one again. This contrast with the pressures faced in the sector underlines a fascinating dynamic: residents appreciate the value of community living yet are increasingly concerned about escalating costs.

External data complements these findings, as Realtor.com indicates the median HOA fee rose to $135 in 2025, a stark increase from $125 in 2024 and $108 in 2019. Furthermore, a LendingTree survey revealed that a staggering 82% of current HOA residents experienced fee increases in the past three years, with nearly half reporting significant hikes.

The Capacity Challenge for Management Companies

For community association management companies, the report identifies a growing difficulty in handling the increasing workload. While 71% of CAM executives expressed optimism about the industry's future, half of them reported struggling to fill open positions. Additionally, over half noted that community manager burnout is a significant concern. Among the community managers surveyed, 53% rated their own level of burnout as high.

Ryan Davis, CEO of CINC Systems, articulated the crux of the issue: “The future of community association management will hinge on the industry’s ability to demonstrate value.” He emphasized that while residents still value professionally managed communities, they seek clear insights into pricing. “Management companies need a scalable growth approach,” he stated.

Technology Use and AI Adoption

As the industry grapples with these challenges, there is a notable desire among residents for digital solutions. The report indicated that 71% of residents are willing to use a secure digital assistant for addressing community inquiries or tasks. However, concerns about AI accuracy, data security, and privacy were highlighted by CAM executives as crucial.

This vulnerability outlines a pathway for CINC’s strategy, which aims to integrate processes like accounting, operations, resident engagement, and AI support within a seamless platform. Cephai, CINC's AI-driven intelligence system, is integral to this ecosystem, streamlining operations and enhancing customer service by reducing mundane tasks.

CINC's approach emphasizes that AI should not merely act as an add-on feature but should be woven into the existing workflows to maximize efficiency in community management. Duri Chitayat, CINC’s CTO, noted, “AI can be most beneficial when it operates on a comprehensive unified data model, understanding context for better service delivery.”

Industry Insights and Future Outlook

The report includes insights from key industry figures, such as Melissa Ramsey of Mosaic Community Consulting and Tyler Hawes of Sliceo, who provide their perspectives on the evolving landscape of community management. The significance of community value, capacity challenges, and the embrace of technology are central themes transversing through their comments.

Key findings identified in the report suggest:

• - 64% of residents feel positively about HOAs/COAs
• - Dues are rising faster than incomes, with protection of home values being paramount for residents
• - 51% of CAM executives have unfilled positions that are challenging to manage
• - 56% of CAM executives reported high levels of manager burnout
• - 71% of residents favor utilizing secure digital assistants for community-related inquiries

In summary, the 2026 State of the Industry Report from CINC Systems reveals a nuanced picture of community association management where value articulation, technology adoption, and addressing burnout are pivotal. The transformation of management practices in the sector will rely heavily on adapting to these insights, meeting resident expectations, and fostering a more sustainable operational model.

For further information, the full report is accessible for download at CINC Systems.