Renters going to committee meetings

Started by ConnieS1 • 8 replies • 1928 views

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ConnieS1 (Washington)
Posts: 10

Posted:

We have a debate in our community regarding renters....Should renters be allowed on our committees since they do not own in here. Our bylaws read that committees shall be solicited and appointed from the membership of the Association and we would have to change the bylaws....are other HOA's allowing renters to be in their committees?

SusannaM (Florida)
Posts: 366

Posted:

I'd say only if renter has a POA from landlord/homeowner.

DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671

Posted:

Connie, according to your posted bylaw section, renters are not allowed to serve as committee members--

--"committees shall be solicited and appointed from the membership of the Association " I can understand why a renter might want to attend meetings of the members and committees , especially if they are really interested in the workings of the association but most are not that way. They pay rent and want little to no involvement in the wrokings of the association so I wonder if you have some in your place who want to be involved or is this just for general knowledge?

SusanW1 (Michigan)
Posts: 5,202

Posted:

I wonder if the owner of the property signed over a proxy for a renter to act in his stead, if that could include all rights of the Member. H-m-m.

DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671

Posted:

Don't proxies work only for a specific use or are they just wide open?

SusannaM (Florida)
Posts: 366

Posted:

Susan and Donna, in this case renter needs a POA not a proxy. He's not voting in behalf of HO. He wants to be in a committee.

SusanW1 (Michigan)
Posts: 5,202

Posted:

One can "act as a proxy" in many cases.

It is not limited to voting. Geez - there can even be a proxy borrower at a library (other people can sign out materials in your name)

Assigning a proxy to someone refers to power of attorney, according to Roberts Rules.

MikeS1
Posts: 668

Posted:

Our bylaws state that the renters may represent the owners at meetings if they retain a letter of authorization from the owner, but we try to encourage the renters to come and comment if they wish. If they gain a better understanding of the processes and rules, then it just benefits everyone. Since we're having a real tough time getting residents to volunteer, I'll take on any renters that wish to participate in committee functions. Why turn them down? Some of our renters have become owners and good neighbors.

SusannaM (Florida)
Posts: 366

Posted:

MikeS, I agree, there is always a shortage in volunteers so why not welcome good renters. A POA or "letter of authorization" should be OK with any board in need of volunteers for a Committee that has voting rights. There are also committees that have no vote power and merely gather info and advise the board. Social committees should not require membership.

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