dealing with homeowner associations

[BettyLou0]

I have been hosting in a small condo.  In fact I was renting it via Craigslist before airbnb existed.   The HOA is getting increasingly demanding about short term rentals because of others violating the 7 day minimum rental and renting when not on the approved rental list.  Those things aren't an issue for me.  What is becoming an issue is their demand to have a copy of the "lease".  When I used Craigslist I had a lease then I realized they really only cared about the occupancy form so I stopped copying it for them.  Now using airbnb I really don't create a lease and I'm wondering what to do.  Clearly an eight page form will annoy my guests so I'm toying with a few lines on a single sheet.  Anyone else?

[Paul4]

My HOA does not have an issue with owners renting.  I do use a "Short Term Rental Agreement".  I believe it is important to do so even with Airbnb.  I agree an 8 page document is over the top.  Mine is just 2 pages, includes room for the names of all guests, and I have not had a problem getting it signed and emailed back to me with a scan of their ID as well.  For Airbnb I tell them the name and address on the profile, the agreement, the CC and the ID must all match.

By the way, if you have a HOA you should pay very close attention to their activities.  If possible you should serve on the board of directors.  It's the best way to find out what is really going on...

[Navaid0]

Thank you for your post Paul. I will really appreciate if these questions can be answered:

How does the back and forth works with lease agreement? Is it through email or AirBnB messenger or any other method? Did you write the agreement yourself or there is good souce to draft it from or you have get a lawyer? It will be great if someone can send me a draft.

 Thank you.

[Sheila29]

Hi your post is really helpful

would you be willing to share your agreement with me?

[Kathleen153]

Sheila, I'm just wondering if you ever ended up using an agreement?  I'm in a sticky spot with my Associaiton now.  Thank you!

[Jean505]

Below is a message I got from my HOA. They want me to take down my listing. How do I deal with them? 

Hi Jean, I am the Vice President and Compliance Officer for Kingsgate 5. You are in violation of the Kingsgate 5 Covenants and By-Laws by listing this. This is a single family dwelling. I will give you 48 hours to take this advertisement down before we contact our attorney and the city of Kirkland. If you have any questions, you can contact me through here or our website, (Website hidden by Airbnb)

[Pete28]

I would shut down :

STR not legal in Kirkland. 

HOA building insurance will not cover STR

Very few HOA will allow STR, increased liability, security etc.