Condo Q&A

How do condo associations typically handle long term guests?

Written by stephen polinsky | Fri, Aug 10, 2012 @ 02:16 PM

I live in a 150 unit complex in FL. Our complex requires a criminal background check for guests staying in the complex for more than 30 days, for which they charge the owner $50. Our docs are somewhat vague on the topic, but they seem to imply the check is required only if the owner is not present, and the guest stays for more than 30 consecutive days. Our association enforces the rule regardless of the owners presence. Recently, they've been demanding a check if someone is a guest for 30 days within an entire calendar year. They enforce the rule quite vigorously; and at times their behavior seems border on harassment and certainly compromises residents privacy. I'm concerned about security, but I'm also concerned with my right as an owner to have guests. We have many elderly owners who occasionally require family members or friends to stay and care for them; I hate to see charges applied in these situations. I would like to know how most complexes deal with long term guests. Is the policy in my complex typical or excessive?