I've rented in a HOA community before (Las Vegas Country Club) and I've now been an owner in one (Laguna Palms) and I don't see any difference. I've been cited for violations in both, once for speeding in the LVCC and once in Laguna Palms for having unauthorized stuff (trash can) on my patio. In both cases I didn't freak out, I just modified my behavior so I wouldn't be cited again (I slowed down and I moved the trash can). Was I pleased about the violations, no, but it really wasn't a big deal. In both cases I was glad there was a HOA enforcing the rules. I think the HOA is doing a good job because two years ago crime was a much bigger problem, there was dog crap and cigarette butts everywhere. Now the Pools are well maintaind and the grounds look great. I'm not sure if it is because of better enforcement or just better staff but I'm happy.

There is a belief that because renters don't think they'll be at a location for very long they won't take care of the common grounds. Perhaps this is true, but I've had a long history of renting, in California, Ohio and Nevada and I've never had problems because I'm clean and curtious to my neighbors. Regardless of whether you are a renter or owner, if you don't pick up after your dog, if you throw your cigarette butts down out side your patio so they pile up, if you leave your trash out by your front door when the trash cans are 10 yards away, you are going to get cited. If that is a problem for you I'm sure there are apartment complexes that have concern for cleanliness. That is the great thing about a free market, the market will provide a variety of products/environments for a variety of people. This property wants to provide a safe, clean, and quite living environment. Perhaps not everyone wants this. That is there right.

I do understand why people are annoyed by not having formal representation by the HOA, but that is how it is for all HOA (as for as I've researched). But renters are invited to meetings (most owners never show up) and your landlord has the same voting rights as anyone and can move or vote for policy changes that people (renters or owners) feel are unfair.

My wife owns a house (and rents it) in an HOA across from Sam Boyd Stadium and boy are they strick. We've been fined numerous times but we have to admit the HOA has mad that community much better. They set up a curfew and crack down on trash cans being left out and uncared for grounds and the place has become a much better place to live and it has been much easier to rent out the property. Although there will be some vocal people who hate HOAs, but most people prefer them because they help maintain properties far better than local authorities (who will only respond to gun shots).

User Responses
From: compustrat	Date: 09/04/2008
This is a very nice lecture on accepting that old cliche... you can't please all the people all the time. And you certainly make some valid points. But our experience is different. We own and rent one condo and live in a rented condo. We've never been cited for anything, but that's really neither here nor there. What we don't like is the inconsistent treatment of people. While most of the ranting here is renter vs tenant treatment, I think it's inconsistent across the board. Also, even though renters can attend HOA meetings, they cannot vote. If the owner never shows up, then it's more of a torture session for the renter, who becomes more of a lobbyist. Ultimately that brings us full circle. Few people (who do not like HOA's) wish to politicize their lives. Thus, in the case of Laguna Palms, if you want to be treated fairly...you have no choice but to do so. And finally, I fail to see how fining you for a trash can on your balcony, or (as in Laguna Palms) a wet towel hanging over a balcony to dry, or a 'can' of beer along side you by the pool (in Las Vegas, no less) is serving to make the community a better place? We all know how to follow rules. Yes, many people don't. But make rules that are purposeful to that end. Beautification is useful, but keep rules reasonable (e.g. nothing broken and visible, consistent paint and architecture, human and pet safety, etc).

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