CLUBHOUSE RENTAL/POOL USE

EXCLUSIVE USE OF COMMON AREA

BY: ERIC ZARR, CMCA, AMS, FIRSTSERVICE RESIDENTIAL, AAMC

Many Associations have pools and most larger Associations have clubhouses as well. While both are great amenities for the membership how does a Board balance the use of these amenities by the membership at large as well as the desire for private parties?

When setting up rules for renting a room in a clubhouse, whether a large ballroom or a smaller meeting room, make sure to work with your Association’s legal counsel prior to sending out rules. A new rule regarding rentals or a change would require the twenty-eight (28) day homeowner comment process as required by Civil Code. If you already have rules and fees associated with different rooms it is good to review the fees every few years. While the ability to rent a space is an amenity and benefit for owners, most fees were set to be much less than a regular venue. However the cost for upkeep and reserves is going up so reviewing the Association fees is appropriate.

While renting a room in a clubhouse is standard for many Associations, renting the pool can be fraught with complications. Most pools do not have lifeguards on duty but might require that for a private event at the pool. That charge and the charge for a security guard that might be required by the Association’s rules could both be factored in to the rental fee. Exclusive use of the pool could cause tempers to flare during summer months when other members want to use the shared amenity.

Clubhouse rentals can be an enhancement to the amenity to owners but owners renting the pool area could be too much for the membership. Make sure to work with your manager and legal counsel and take feedback from the community whichever way you go.

Eric Zarr, CMCA, AMS, is a General Manager with FirstService Residential and holds both the CMCA and AMS designations. Eric has worked onsite at the K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Beaumont Community Association, Inc a 55+ community with 1,853 homes. for 8 years, first as the Assistant General Manager and now as the General Manager for the past 5 years. Prior to being onsite he managed a portfolio of accounts for over 3 years including single family homes, condominiums and town homes. He served for three years on the Board of Directors for the CAI-GRIE where he was Secretary for 2 years and currently volunteers on the CAI-GRIE Communications Committee.