amenities same as owners. And,
some renters end up becoming
homeowners in the associations
they live in. Therefore, it is
important that managers open
a dialogue with their board of
directors and explore finding
an agreeable process to better
integrate the rental population
into the community, so that they
too are invested in the success
of the community.
In some condominium
high rise buildings, it is not
uncommon that rentals
comprise 50% of the occupancy
rate or higher. In fact, more
condominium associations now
allow and encourage renter
attendance at meetings and even
participation on committees.
Some go further and allow for
open meeting participation.
Typically, renter participation is
rejected on a wholesale scale
under the guise that they are
less invested. If you involve
renters in association affairs,
they will better integrate into the
community and become a more
active part of the community
thus enriching the landscape of
the community attitude. Allowing
more participation can stimulate
more pride and investment into
the community at large.
There is a balance
that should be struck in a
homeowner’s association
between owner interests and
renter interests. The balance is
that the management company,
on behalf of the board of
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SPRING 2020
directors, communicates the actions of the board to the membership in
a friendly and inclusive manner. This may include writing a newsletter,
even a brief one, and sending an occasional e-blast about upcoming
projects and work in the community. Further, owners and renters have
more in common than not in common such that it makes sense to loop
renters into the requirements of membership including the request for
voluntary compliance with rules. Making these efforts will engender a
sense of community and mutual respect rather than perpetuating the
“us versus them” feeling that can exist in a community. It might sound
simple, but mutual respect goes a long way. Circling back around to
the rental population in the community, the same concept applies.
Including renters in an e-blast for upcoming work does not infringe
on any legal requirements. Creating a welcome packet for the rental
population can also promote a sense of inclusion, rather than exclusion.
The packet should include information about what is non-landlord type
communications that can be directed to the community manager.
One of the concerns about allowing renters to attend meetings
or participate in community events is that there will be a lack of
cooperation or incivility or that the renter will hear information about
the community that previously is believed to be exclusive for only