How to be sure an HOA will allow me to be a STR

[Matthew Egan]

Hi there!

I'm getting excited to purchase my first STR property. I've identified a nice little 3bd 2ba in a local summer destination that I may want to move in on. The property is also on a resort/golf course neighborhood which is a nice feature, but comes with a decent monthly HOA payment. The neighborhood is not gated, but looking through the HOA documentation it isn't explicitly clear if STR is allowed. The home listing does say "would be great for Airbnb" and there is at least one (maybe two) other home in the neighborhood that are listed on Airbnb.

However, the HOA documentation says "not to be used for any commercial use, except the owner can rent their home from time to time". Also says that owners must do due diligence when picking renters, and renters must be registered and provided with the rules. That seems to mean it will be allowed, however "time to time" isn't a very technical definition and I'm worried about a picky HOA for my first property. Because of the other homes in the neighborhood posted I'm not overly concerned, but want to see if there's a good way that I can find out ahead of making an offer?

I was thinking about potentially proactively reaching out to the HOA, or reaching out to the host on Airbnb that is already in the neighborhood. Is this worth it, or do I just make sure I am within the HOA rules and the local laws and move forward?

Thanks!