That type of arrangement is rare because it gives the tenant some of the owner's legal rights. If the tenant is a relative of the owner, misunderstanding may arise about voting rights. However, the confusion is only superficial because a family relationship is largely irrelevant. The owner retains his or her rights, and the relative is treated like any other tenant. Tenants may or may not be welcome at HOA and board meetings.
Some tenants attend the board of directors meetings every month to observe.
Some HOAs also allow tenants to speak at these meetings on their own behalf, even though they aren't allowed to vote. And those fines can be levied even if a tenant was responsible for the violation. The Rules of Renting a Condo - Part II Marcie Geffner has been covering real estate issues for more than eight years, formerly as senior editor of California Real Estate magazine and now on a freelance basis. Her articles have appeared in the Los Angeles Times and San Diego Union Tribune Sunday real estate sections as well as various real estate association magazines. All rights reserved.