HOA fees (owner or tenant)

[Karen Kasjaniuk]

We are considering purchasing a condo with a $240 monthly HOA fee that covers exterior maintenance, pest control, water, cable and sewer. Usually I pay annual HOA fees, but I've never had one with a hefty monthly fee. Is it common to pass the HOA fee on to the tenant or is that risky? I was just thinking of streamlining the process as much as possible. If I pay (I have no problem with this, just trying to learn best practice) then can I deduct the entire amount on tax return ... even the water, cable, sewer portion??