TheSTRsite North America - USA Regions Mid-Atlantic A Short Term Rental (STR) Forum Community

[cavitron]

Hi All,

The wife and I are interested in purchasing a property to rent on airbnb and stay at a few weeks a year as we are frequent visitors to the area anyways. Any investors / hosts here have guidance on how to determine if an HOA will allow airbnb or tips when dealing with them? We will look for an agent who is familiar with these details as well but figured we'd reach out to fellow hosts.

[flyupfront]

I would be highly apprehensive of considering one of the HOA communities in the Poconos as an STR investment. The rules can change quickly. Even if you buy something now and they allow short term rentals the board could always decide to change it at the next meeting. Not only will you not be allowed to rent it out but the value in a vacation area like that will drop.

[PicturePerfect]

This link has a pretty comprehensive rundown of the different communities in the Poconos and their status regarding STR's.

https://poconovacationhomesales.com/blog...ommunities

[Congarde]

I've considered buying vacation rentals before and understand the concern about HOAs. A friend bought a property in a gated community, thinking they'd rent it out, only for the HOA to ban short-term rentals a year later. It caused a lot of headaches, so I recommend focusing on non-HOA properties or communities with stable rules. When unpredictable, the risk isn't just the potential inability to rent and the resale value taking a hit.

As for something unique, we once stayed at a Western-style resort that offered RV options and rustic lodgings. It gave us ideas for blending personal use and rental appeal in a family-friendly property. See it here to explore how creative lodging can draw consistent renters.