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Can an HOA restrict visitors?

I live in a condo and recently got a new downstairs neighbor. She confronted me in the parking lot yesterday to complain about all my friends who visit. She says there’s “too much coming and going” and now she’s threatening to go to the HOA board. I’m upset. Can an HOA restrict visitors?

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Rachel Rigolino · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Sorry that you’re having trouble with the new neighbor. No, HOAs can’t restrict the number of guests you entertain at your house, particularly if you’re on the premises. However, if they lived in your condo and you were never home, that situation might flout HOA rules.
So, when can an HOA regulate visitors?
  • If you’re planning to advertise your condo as a short term rental (ex. Airbnb), be careful. Hosting overnight guests like this is likely against HOA rules.
  • If you plan to invite ten friends (not relatives) to live in your 900-sq. foot condo, this may violate your HOA by-laws. While HOAs cannot prohibit parents with 8 children from living together, some communities may restrict the number of non-relatives who can live in a unit.
  • If your guests destroy property or create a disturbance, not only is a neighbor within their right to contact the HOA, they may decide to call the police and file a complaint.
Once you (and she) have calmed down, try to find out what your new neighbor is so concerned about. Do your friends regularly make a lot of noise past a certain hour? Is someone smoking near her door? Perhaps the matter can be addressed easily. If not, don’t worry. Having guests is well within your rights.
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