http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?c...>1=35000

I don't like gov't intrusion. Making HOA rules have the force of law has got to be unconstitutional.

HOA's know that the final authority is the question put to the finder of facts. Those 12 people in a jury room are homeowners and renters themselves, so HOA's will be hard pressed to find a jury that will rule for the HOA. They only have to lose a few cases before most all their authority will wane. They will only be able to bring the most extreme cases. (or be in the 9th Circuit jurisdiction).

I live on a lake and am surrounded by about half full-time residents and half weekenders. The subdivision has rules against renting. My neighbors rent their place frequently and I am aware of it. My deal is that as long as the renters behave, I'd rather have somebody be there than have it vacant. My neighbors on the other side are full-timers, and they feel exactly the same way.

I've had three incidents in six years.

I got a knock on the back door one day. The renters were complaining because they were using my outdoor shower to rise off from the lake, and the water was too cold. I told them in no uncertain terms what to do about that.

My mom was visiting and was home by herself. The renters had availed themselves of my jet ski lift without asking. She told them what to do in what I'm sure were equally colorful terms, and by the time I got home she had made and mounted a very clear "No Trespassing" sign on the lift.

A large group rented the place for a party. They got very drunk and about 2 am were diving off the neighbors' boat dock. The water is about 4 feet deep. I could see a broken neck very easily, so I called the police. Two minutes later they were explaining their actions to Montgomery County's finest.

I can live with those. Plus a get a very nice bottle of wine and some other goodies from the neighbors every Christmas.