STR with HOA "renters" fee

[Jonathan Ruths]

Looking to purchase my first STR and found a property I like, but it's in an HOA and I just learned the HOA has a policy that requires either $2600/year for unlimited short term rental bookings, or $35 per booking... is the $35 fee something that's reasonable to pass-through to the guest similar to a cleaning fee?

[John Underwood]

No, it's NOT a pass through like a cleaning fee. It is part of your expenses for buying an HOA property.

You need to have your rates set to accommodate all your expenses.

You're not going to charge an extra fee for electricity, water or internet.