Gen Z’s Survival Guide for Renting in an HOA
Renting your first place is already a big step, but doing it in a community with a Homeowners Association unlocks a whole new level of adulting. If you’re Gen Z, chances are you’re navigating leases, roommates, and rising rents for the first time without anyone really explaining what HOA rules mean for renters.
Suddenly, you’re being told where to park, what color of curtains to use, or how loud your music can be on a Friday night. It’s important to understand how to navigate an HOA as a renter; it can help you avoid drama, save money, and enjoy your new space. Read along as this article breaks down everything you need to know in plain language on how to survive renting in an HOA.
What is an HOA?
A Homeowners Association, or HOA, is really just a group that governs an entire neighborhood, apartment complex, or housing community. An HOA is usually governed by the homeowners and professionals who set rules, charges, and collect dues, while managing the common areas like parking lots, swimming pools, landscaping, and other property.
If you are renting in an HOA area, you are accountable to your landlord and are also subject to the HOA’s rules, even though you didn’t really sign up for these rules, so to speak. Homeowners association property management enforces community rules fairly, which allows young renters a measure of peace of mind. These rules, which can be called “CC&Rs” (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions), can deal with everything from noise, what kind of car you can park, to how much fees are involved and what sort of decorations you can have on your front porch. The reason this matters is that if you violate the HOA’s rules, it can cost you money for a fine or worse, you can get kicked out with an eviction notice.
While your HOA is responsible for maintaining neatness and peace, it also imposes values and expectations. Understanding what an HOA is and how it can impact renters is worth your time to avoid a lot of potential drama, especially if this is your first rental in an HOA.
Why Should Renters Care about HOA Regulations?
When you’re renting within an HOA, the declared policies apply to you and your landlord. HOA prohibitions can affect how you live daily. You might not have signed an HOA agreement, but the HOA assumes you will abide by it. If you do not abide by the HOA policies, your landlord could end up getting fined, and possibly charged to pay the bill.
Some HOAs have a looser style of policies, others have strict policies. Either way, knowing the rules in advance can help you avoid awkward encounters or potential eviction. Before you sign your lease, know what you are signing up for by making sure to ask questions about the HOA policies. A little forethought can mean the difference between living in a stress-free home and a stressful home.
Key Things to Look for in a Rental in an HOA
Pet Policies
If you have a pet or plan to get one, then you shouldn’t skip the pet policy when renting in an HOA community. Just because your landlord says pets are allowed doesn’t mean the HOA agrees. Some HOAs have their own pet laws, such as breed limitations, weight limits, leash rules, and even the number of pets allowed.
Additionally, some HOAs require additional deposits, registration, or even pet interviews, so it’s not just ownership. You could end up having to decide between your pet and your home if you skip this. Therefore, it’s essential to check the lease and HOA documents. At the time, it doesn’t seem like it’s worth the trouble, but you might save yourself a lot of anxiety later by asking the right questions and making sure to get everything in writing.
Parking Rules
Parking may not seem like a big deal right now, until you receive a warning for parking in the wrong area’s premiere a guest’s car is towed at eleven o’clock at night. HOA communities can be detailed in their parking rules and regulations. Some prohibit parking on the street, some only allow a homeowner to park in their garage, and many require a visitor’s pass.
Before signing the lease, you can inquire about any rules on where you can park and what your guests can do. You can also ask if they have assigned spots, and if your spot gets used by someone else when you are not there.
It is also useful to find out if there are restrictions on the number of vehicles allowed per unit, and special rules around motorcyclists or commercial vehicles. It may feel like a little much, but knowing the parking rules in advance can help you avoid penalties, issues, and your car being towed at 11 p.m. Nothing like a cozy Friday evening ruined by realizing your car is not where you parked it.
Amenity Access
Having access to common facilities, such as clubhouses, gyms, walking trails, and swimming pools, is one advantage of renting in a homeowner association (HOA) community. The caveat is that, as a renter, you may not always be able to utilize such advantages just because they are available.
Some HOAs limit access to owners only, or they require landlords to formally pass the rights to their tenants. In other cases, you might need to carry an access card or pay a separate fee so it’s best to ask how things go before signing that lease.
Conclusion
If you know what to look for, renting in a homeowners association community doesn’t have to be that difficult. Understanding the HOA’s rules can help you avoid a lot of needless worry, from parking regulations and pet laws to noise limitations and access to amenities. It’s important to preserve your peace of mind and enjoy your environment without being surprised all the time. Therefore, before you sign that lease, don’t be scared to speak up, read the fine print, and ask questions. Although renting in an HOA isn’t always simple, with the right information, you can handle things properly.
