Welcome to your new home! Getting started with your association as a new tenant is important for a smooth transition. Here's a friendly guide to help you understand your role and responsibilities.

Community associations can go by many names depending on their composition: homeowner’s association (HOA), property owner’s association (POA), condo owner’s association (COA). One thing most have in common is the term “owner”. That’s because the members who comprise the Association are owners within it.

Property Owner/Member's Role

Being the owner/member usually grants you certain privileges, such as the ability to vote on association matters, be a part of the Association’s board of directors, and access the web portal account assigned to that property address, which contains association documents, the property’s current balance, the calendar of events, and more. Being a member also comes with a lot of responsibilities, like paying any dues or fees, submitting requests for modifications, and ensuring the property and its residents remain in compliance with the governing documents.

Tenant's Role

As a tenant, you get to enjoy living in the Association and its amenities. The property owner that you are leasing from may also have you cover the association assessments/dues or any fees and require you to abide by the rules and regulations of the Association to avoid encountering a compliance issue, among your other responsibilities as a tenant. But ultimately, if there is an issue at the property, the owner is held responsible from the Association and management company’s end, not the tenant.

Example Comparison

A comparison that could be made is similar to if the property owner is a parent and the tenant was their child. The child wants to go swimming at the pool, but the parent is the one who makes arrangements for the household’s key from the Association to be picked up. The parent might have the child mow their grass, but the parent is the one ultimately responsible if that work isn’t done.

Read the Governing Documents

If you weren’t provided a copy upon signing the lease, ask the property owner for one.

Understand Expectations

Make sure you understand the expectations of the property owner regarding what you’re responsible for.

Get Registered with the Association

Ask the property owner if there’s anything they need from you to get you registered with the Association. While tenants do not have access to a property owner account for the property, their contact information can and should be included on the property owner’s account. This ensures the tenant receives any important correspondence from the Association and management company.

Receive any Necessary Access Items

Work with the property owner to ensure you have any keys or devices to access the Association's amenities, entrance gate, or mailbox, as needed. Please note that mailbox keys are managed by the postal service, and not the Association.

Explore the Community

Walk around the community and get familiar with the common areas and amenities.

Participate in Community Events

Look for any emails or signage around the community that may indicate an upcoming event.

Contact the Property Owner for Assistance

If you need any assistance regarding the Association, contact the property owner. Only property owners are members within the Association. This means they’re ultimately responsible for obtaining access to the amenities, correcting compliance issues, and paying any assessments or fines.

• Stay Informed: Regularly check for updates and communications from the Association.

• Be Proactive: Address any issues or questions with the property owner promptly.

• Get Involved: Participate in community events to get to know your neighbors and feel more connected.