I'm stuck: HOA has a waitlist for rentals and how to get out

[Elisa Sacchetti]

I bought my condo in July 2023 as my first property with the intention to rent it out in 2 years (June 2025). I called the HOA before I first bought the property to inquire about their rental restrictions. They said there is no restriction as long as they don't meet their cap and at the time there was no waitlist and no cap for renting, so I wasn't worried. Knowing I didn't want to rent it out for at least 2 years, I didn't put my name on the renting list which I now know was a bad move.

I am now about 6 months away when I want to move out of my condo and go live in a new househack, but I found out I am now 10th in line to rent out my condo. There are two condos in my neighborhood that are trying to sell, but have been on the market for 100+ days.

In total, I won't be able to rent out my unit when I need to and I won't be able to sell unless I take on a heavy loss.

Does anyone have any advice regarding how to maneuver the HOA to bypass the restrictions? How do I manage feeling stuck in a place I don't want to live? It is restricting my freedom and ability to buy more properties.