Welcome to your new home! If you’re leasing a property in a community association, understanding how the association works (and your role within it) will help ensure a smooth and positive experience. This guide explains what to expect as a tenant and how to get settled.

Owning vs. Leasing: What’s the Difference?

Community associations can have different names, such as:

  • HOA (Homeowners Association)
  • POA (Property Owners Association)
  • COA (Condominium Owners Association)

What they have in common is that association membership belongs to the property owner, not the tenant.

The Property Owner’s Role

The property owner is the official member of the association.

This means they:

  • Have voting rights on association matters
  • Can serve on the board of directors
  • Have full access to the property’s web portal account
  • Are responsible for:
    • Paying association dues and fees
    • Submitting architectural or modification requests
    • Ensuring the property complies with community rules

The Tenant’s Role

As a tenant, you get to enjoy living in the community and using its amenities, but you do so through the property owner.

You may be responsible (per your lease) for:

  • Covering association dues assessed to the property
  • Following all community rules and regulations
  • Properly using amenities
  • Maintaining assigned areas of the property

Important: While tenants can be asked to handle certain tasks, the property owner is ultimately responsible to the association if an issue arises.

A Helpful Comparison

Think of it like a parent and child relationship:

  • The child wants to swim at the pool, but the parent picks up the pool key.
  • The child mows the lawn, but the parent is responsible if it doesn’t happen.

In HOA terms:

  • You enjoy the community.
  • The owner remains accountable to the association.

Things to Do After Moving In

1. Read the Governing Documents

If you didn’t receive them with your lease, ask the property owner for:

  • CC&Rs
  • Rules and regulations
  • Amenity policies

These outline expectations you must follow while living in the community.

2. Understand Owner Expectations

Clarify with the property owner:

  • What you’re responsible for maintaining
  • Whether you’re expected to cover dues or fines
  • How compliance issues should be handled

3. Get Registered With the Association

While tenants do not receive full portal access:

  • Your contact information should be added to the owner’s account.
    • This allows you to receive important emails (such as amenity closures or community alerts).

Work with the property owner to ensure your information is submitted.

4. Receive Necessary Access Items

Coordinate with the property owner to obtain:

  • Pool keys or access devices
  • Gate remotes or codes
  • Amenity credentials

Note: Mailbox keys are handled by the U.S. Postal Service, not the association.

5. Explore the Community

Take time to:

  • Walk common areas
  • Locate amenities
  • Review posted signage and rules

6. Participate in Community Events

Look for:

  • Emails
  • Community signage
  • Announcements from the association

Events are a great way to meet neighbors and get involved.

7. Contact the Property Owner for Assistance

If an issue arises, always contact the property owner or leasing company first. Only owners can:

  • Request amenity access
  • Resolve compliance issues
  • Communicate formally with the association on the home’s behalf

FAQ: Living in an HOA as a Tenant

Am I a member of the association?

No. Only property owners are association members. Tenants live in the community but are not members.

Can I contact the HOA or management company directly?

For general questions, yes, but for account‑specific or compliance matters, communication must go through the property owner.

Do HOA rules apply to tenants?

Yes. All residents (including tenants) must follow the community’s rules and regulations.

Can tenants attend HOA meetings?

Attendance is typically reserved for owners, but some associations allow observers. Ask the property owner.

Can I get amenity access directly from the HOA?

No. Amenity access must be requested and managed by the property owner.

Will I receive HOA emails or notices?

If your contact information is added to the owner’s account, you may receive general community notifications.

What should I do if I receive a compliance notice?

Notify the property owner immediately so they can resolve the issue with the association.