HOA VRBO AirBNB

                          HOA               VRBO                        AirBNB

Thinking about selling your house, or looking to buy? Thought I’d pass on some info that might come in handy.

1. Various businesses are buying up property to use as an Air BnB or Vrbo. Some owners have also jumped on the band wagon to make extra money. Nothing wrong with wanting to make money. However, if the house is in a deed restricted (HOA) subdivision, there are issues to resolve before signing contracts.

2. Most HOAs are established as single family residential properties. Each has its own version of a Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (DCC&R). Most do not specifically mention these specific short term rental options as they didn’t exist at the time the HOAs governing documents were written. What can usually be found is language stating no short term rentals, home businesses that involve increased traffic with the subdivision must be approved by the HOA board, and some home businesses require coordination with neighbors that would be impacted by the business.

3. Operating a short term rental without following guidelines in the DCC&R can result in a covenant violation, just like not mowing, parking on grass, visible garbage cans. Several HOAs are increasing the fines for short term rentals because breaking the rules is more profitable than paying the fine.

4. Cities across Texas are now getting involved as these short term rentals are cutting into the tax base normally received from hotels. And many cities require home businesses be registered before starting a business. Again, fines could be involved for not following city ordinances.


5. This is a not just a state issue, but a hot topic across the country, mostly because of the loss of tax revenue. There is an open case in front of the Texas Supreme Court that many city officials and HOA attorneys are waiting for the ruling to know how to proceed.

6. If your HOA has verbiage in the governing documents and find a home operating a short term rental business, a violation would probably be issued.

7. If you’re trying to sell your home, and prospective buyers find out there’s a short term rental next door and walk away, you have just been harmed by this type of rental (and yes I have seen this happen).

8. I already know some will comment they don’t care, and can do what they want (their property) regardless of city/HOA rules. I already know some will comment that making money is more important than harming/disturbing their neighborhood. This post is about awareness of an issue affecting almost every community across the country and with Schertz’ proximity to SA and NB attractions we’re definitely in the crosshairs.

​9. If you really care, one way or the other, talk with your city officials and HOA boards (if applicable) to make your voice heard. This forum won’t do that. I believe there can be a middle ground solution to protect homeowners and allow others to still make money. I’d love to see cities appoint a special committee made up of homeowners, HoA officers, real estate agents and a city rep. If discussion gets too far off track or nasty, I’ll close it to further comment but let the post be available for information purposes.