Renters vs Homeowners

The majority of our community (only 53 townhomes) are rentals. In fact, one homeowner rents seven units. The problem is that the neighborhood is going downhill fast and I am sad to research that this trend doesn't usually have any quick fixes if at all.

When it comes to community participation, there are some renters who would like to attend meetings to voice their concerns and are frequently told not to come by the management company. They are told that their opinions do not matter and that they only exist to serve homeowners. Meeting participation is very LOW and the same management company is not concerned. Absentee homeowners never show up and seem to only want to collect rent from their tenants.

Renters are also not answered by the management company when it comes to community concerns or questions. It's management's job to answer all calls, is it not?

Question: How do you include renters since they make up the majority of the neighborhood and why shouldn't they be entitled to the same service as residents? I am a homeowner myself, and a Board member. And, as an active Board member who is in touch with my residents, I am stumped on how to support those who live in my community. I want their input and attendance at meetings, as well as their questions concerning their homes (that they rent) to be answered when they inquire and not be blown off.

Unfortunately, it seems that the homeowners or so-called investment property owners are not interested in an HOA. They live either out-of-state or over an hour away - clearly removed from the life of the community. The seem to exist only to get a rent check and most of us are baffled as to why they allow their properties to become destroyed by the many irresponsible tenants who shuffle in and out.

The management company as well as HOA president seem to consistenly disregard the complaints of the homeowner and renter alike. In my opinion, this is only fostering the malcontent and bad behavior. Maybe if renters were given a chance to be present in the few way that they can, most would take more pride in where they live and be better residents.

Other than replacing both of the aforementioned parties, what ideas could you recommend that would potentially revitalize the neighborhood and help everyone to get along?

Hi Samantha:

You are in a somewhat unique situation. Here's what I would suggest:
1) Either have the board set up a special night for a "renters' forum," or consider inviting the renters to the open forum time of the board meetings for every meeting. Let the Board hear what the renters have to say, it may be valuable!
2) Instruct the management company to answer any and all calls from renters.
3) Pass a resolution that requires all rental owners to provide either the association documents, or an abbreviated set of rules, to the renters; have the renter sign a form that acknowledges that they have received the rules and will live by them, and require the rental owner to return this to the management company.
4) If you have a renter's forum or invite renters to the open forum at board meetings, have the management company print up some abbreviated rules and have them available for purchase by the renters, at the association's cost for printing.
5) If you have problem renters, aggresively deal with any covenant or rules violations by dealing with the owner directly by letter, with a copy to the tenant and (if there is one) to the rental management company.
6) When a unit goes up for rent, look for the contact information for whoever is handling the rental, and call them. Make friends with any rental managers - they can be a valuable asset.
7) Pass a resolution or propose an amendment change (consult your lawyer to see which is needed) requiring rental owners to put a clause in any future leases or renewals, that violation of the covenants, or rules and regulations, is a default in the lease contract (this gives the owner/rental manager the power to terminate the lease to problem tenants).
8) Invite good renters whom you like, who follow the rules, to consider purchasing in the community when a lot/unit goes up for sale. These would be people who like living there and already follow the rules - just the kind of owners you would want.

Remember that the owners of the rentals are members of the association, not the renters - but that any cooperation you can get from renters in making things better will be appreciated by all!

J. Patrick Moore, CMCA