Is your home in Fort Myers, FL, part of a homeowner's association (HOA)? If so, you're not alone.
As CNBC News points out, 75.5 million Americans live in communities with HOAs, and nearly 67% of Florida homes, translating to about 4 million, belong to an HOA.
As an HOA property owner, you know that your association has numerous rules outlined in its covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). And now that you want to rent your home out, you may have wondered if your HOA's rights include conducting rental property inspections.
The experts at our Fort Myers property management firm, MyTown Communities, have shared insights into that question in this guide, so please read on.
Rental Property Inspections: A Necessary Precaution HOAs Conduct
HOAs create and enforce rules governing the properties and residents within the community association. The primary goal is to ensure a pleasing aesthetic throughout the community and maintain or enhance property values. In Fort Myers, HOAs play massive roles in:
- Managing common areas
- Coordinating maintenance
- Addressing community concerns
So, even when an HOA homeowner rents their property out, the HOA often retains oversight. Their rental inspection guidelines help ensure the property complies with the community's rules and regulations. They can also protect residents, fostering a harmonious community living environment.
HOA Inspection Rules and Rights of HOAs Regarding Rentals
Typically, HOAs have the authority to conduct inspections of rental properties to ensure compliance with community standards. They conduct these assessments to ensure and address the following:
- Property maintenance and upkeep
- Compliance with zoning laws and community regulations
- Noise and nuisance complaints
- General safety and security checks
While it might seem intrusive, these inspections are and should typically be for the interests of all residents.
After all, poorly maintained properties can detract from the community's overall appeal. Therefore, they can potentially affect everyone's property values.
Understanding the Regulations in Fort Myers
In Fort Myers, state laws and the community's governing documents influence the rules governing rental property inspections by HOAs. For instance, bylaws and CC&Rs outline the extent of the HOA's power regarding inspections.
Upon purchasing a property, homeowners must generally abide by their HOA's rules. So, they (and their renters) should familiarize themselves with such guidelines. Failure to comply can result in fines or other penalties.
HOA homeowners should also stay abreast of HOA laws, which sometimes change. For instance, the Florida government recently enacted new laws concerning HOAs, specifically HB 983, as reported by ABC Action News. The new bill gives property owners more rights and requires more accountability from HOAs.
HOA Rental Inspections Benefit Everyone
HOAs and HOA managers don't conduct rental property inspections to be intrusive. Instead, they perform these assessments to ensure the safety of the community and everyone who lives in it. So, if you're an HOA homeowner who wishes to rent your property, remember that your HOA has the right to inspect your property but should do so without violating tenant rights in Fort Myers, FL.
If you need help managing your HOA property, our full-service property management firm, MyTown Communities, is ready to assist. Throughout our 15+ years of service, we've delivered high-quality solutions to our clients consisting of residential, association, and commercial property owners. We'll do the same for you and your Fort Myers HOA rentals.
Speak with us today for a consultation!