Guest Policies: What You Should Know About Visitors, Overnight Guests, and Rules

Homeowners’ association (HOA) rules, including guest policies, are part of community living. Not to discourage or prohibit, but rather to maintain order and harmony, HOA guest policies are essential to a thriving community. When inviting friends, family, and other guests over for a visit, familiarize yourself with your community’s guest rules to ensure a warm and enjoyable experience. Keep reading for details on what a typical HOA guest policy entails and tips for planning your next guest visit.

What Are Guest Policies?

A guest policy, or visitor policy, is a formal document that establishes the appropriate conduct for individuals temporarily staying in the community. Listing a set of rules, these policies will vary by association, but they may address short-term visits, overnight stays, and long-term visits.

Why Communities Need Guest Policies

Guest policies are meant to keep residents and visitors safe and preserve community well-being. Without a guest policy, associations may be liable for property damage caused by guests or face legal action for guest injuries on community property. Guest policies also:

• Protect association property. By holding guests and hosts liable for damage, HOAs help people be more mindful of their conduct.

• Prevent overcrowding and overuse of amenities. Amenities, like pools and fitness centers, can become busy, making it difficult for members to use them as intended. By limiting visitor access, associations allow residents to have priority use of the facilities.

• Decrease conflicts. An influx of visitors can exacerbate noise and parking issues. When followed, rules can minimize conflicts.

• Hold residents accountable. Residents are responsible for ensuring their guests are well-behaved. Rules set expectations and consequences for not meeting community standards.

• Mitigate insurance risks. Insurance policies may include provisions that raise rates based on homeowner/renter ratios and long-term guests.

LEARN MORE: “HOA Insurance Coverage Breakdown”

The Most Common HOA Guest Rules

Every community is unique, and visitor rules may vary from one community to the next. However, three common guest rules apply to many associations. Here are guest restrictions to be mindful of:

Parking

Visitor parking regulations are designed to maintain aesthetics, promote safety, and keep property values high. Focusing on vehicles, parking, and traffic, common guest parking rules include:

• Parking area. Visitors may have designated parking spaces within the community.

• Parking pass or registration. Residents may have to register their guests’ vehicles with the HOA.

• Parking duration. The length of time a guest parks in a particular spot may be regulated.

• Type of vehicle. From golf carts to work trucks, the type of vehicle brought into the community may be restricted.

Amenities

Amenities are a highlight of association living. To maintain an enjoyable atmosphere, there are often restrictions on guest access in these common areas. Some tenant and guest responsibilities for amenity use might include:

• Registration. Guests may need to register to use amenities. In many cases, a guest may not use the amenities without their host present.

• Conduct. Visitors may be subject to the same rules as residents, such as no running near a pool.

• Age. Just like the children who reside in the community, younger guests may not meet the age limit to use amenities. In active adult communities, similar rules may apply, only allowing guests above the age of 55 to have access.

Noise/Behavior

Inviting guests to your home shouldn’t disrupt the harmony of your community. Always honor your association’s rules on:

• Loud parties or gatherings. Notify neighbors and community leaders of any events you’re hosting that could pose an issue. Noise complaints may lead to violations.

• Pet sitting. Pets can be guests, too! Ensure you won’t get fined for excessive barking, and consider your HOA pet rules and animal behavior before signing up to pet sit.

• Quiet hours. Communities may enforce quiet hours during certain times of day, and policies may limit music at parties, disruptive conversations, and outdoor entertainment.

Overnight Stays: What You Need to Know

Whether you're inviting a group of friends over for a sleepover or welcoming out-of-town family during the holidays, households often host overnight guests. If you live in an HOA, there may be rules for overnight guests, including:

• The number of people staying. Associations may limit the number of guests you can have in your home at one time.

• The length of the stay. A guest may stay overnight for a specific amount of time before the resident is required to notify the HOA of an extended stay.

• Consecutive nights. Similar to the length of stay, guests may only be allowed to sleep in a homeowner’s residence for a certain number of consecutive nights before they must leave the association, resetting the time limit put in place.

• Overnight stays. HOAs have rules and regulations that can limit how homeowners rent out their property for overnight visitors.

Consequences of Violating an HOA Guest Policy

The governing documents typically outline the HOA’s enforcement of guest policies. In some cases, a visitor rules violation may directly impact the visitor themself. For example, a parking violation could result in a ticket or the towing of the vehicle. In other instances, the resident may face consequences for violations. The homeowner may be fined for property damage caused by their guests, consistent noise complaints, and other infractions.

READ MORE: “Top Frequently Asked Questions About HOA Violations”

How to Plan a Guest Visit to Your HOA

As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to make sure that your visitors understand expectations and conduct themselves appropriately. For a rewarding guest experience, remember to:

• Read your governing documents. This is where you’ll find HOA guest policies and violation details.

• Inform your guests of the rules. Your visitors can’t follow the rules if they don’t know them. Consider sharing your community’s visitor rules with guests before their arrival or reminding them of relevant policies, such as parking locations and stay duration.

• Stick to community policies and procedures. If your HOA rules require you to register guests at the front office or park in designated guest parking zones, comply with them. By not complying, you risk incurring fines or more severe consequences.

Guest Policies and Other HOA Rules

A guest policy is just one part of an association's rules and regulations. To learn more about all the different HOA policies, read our “HOA Rules Guidebook.” It has everything residents need to know about common HOA rules, including architectural controls, home occupancy limits, short-term rental restrictions, and more.

Guest Policy FAQs

Can HOAs restrict guests?

Yes, homeowners’ associations can enforce guest policies, but they must do so within existing legal boundaries. For example, HOA guest policies must be nondiscriminatory and reasonable enough to be followed and enforced.

What are the rules for guest parking in an HOA?

Specific rules on guest parking will vary from association to association, but HOAs typically will regulate where and how long guests can park. Parking will also usually require registration.

What happens if my guest’s car is towed?

Revisit the area where the guest parked, and look for towing signage. Towing signs usually include the name of the towing company, its address, and a phone number to contact when a car is towed. 

What are the most common and complained-about HOA violations?

HOA violations related to property damage, parking, noise complaints, and illegal short-term leases are among the issues that cause the most conflict in community associations.