Common Areas & Structures available access to all?

I am curious to know if it is appropriate for an HOA Board to selectively give keys to a clubhouse that belongs to the HOA as a whole? I would think that a clubhouse could be made accesible to all those that reside in the neighborhood on a daily basis. The way it works now: a resident can rent the clubhouse for an event for $50 for half day $100 for a whole day. The clubhouse is not elaborate, does not have staff other than a cleaning crew that comes in bi-monthly. Yet it is only available at a price. We pay HOA fees annually for it's upkeep, maintenance, etc. so why do we need to be charged for it's use? also the resident Board Member who is in control of the scheduling for the facility has at times given a key to those he deems should have one. I would like to be able to use the facilty, if it is not in use to sit and read a book, relax maybe spend time with a friend over coffee. Some of the chosen ones get to use it in the mornings to exercise, so my question is how can it be for some and not all? And if we all pay HOA fees for the amenities shouldn't we all have a key?

One of the residents who overturned the board last year wanted to charge a fee to rent the 'clubhouse'. Granted, it is only one room with nothing in it but a folding table and some chairs, she felt the association should charge a fee to use it.

I am back on the board and my reasoning was why should we charge people a fee to use something that they already pay for (via annual assessment).

What we are doing this year is allowing those interested to reserve the room with a $25 cleaning deposit. If the room is not left in the condition it was found, the deposit is not returned and used for the cleaning service. Otherwise, the check is returned. The key to the pool works on our restrooms and clubhouse room but there is a separate deadbolt that only the board members have. We unlock the deadbolt the day of the event so the homeowner can have access to the room. Security measures are needed to prevent vandalism and abuse of property and this is one way that we can help manage and reduce those risks.

Andrea:

If the clubhouse is paid for by dues then all homeowners should have equal access during all reasonable hours during the day. However, I do not think it is unreasonable to charge someone for rent if they want to have a private function with more than 2 outside individuals. The intended use of the clubhouse is for the enjoyment of the homeowners, not for the homeowners to entertain numerous guests from outside the community.

If there isn't a policy in place I think you should push to have one established. Dues pay for normal maintenance, wear and tear and cleaning. However, I think entertaining 10+ outside guests falls outside of the scope of normal wear and tear, maintenance and cleaning and should be subject to a use fee.

Just my two cents

This is how we handle it. HOs are charged a $100 cleaning deposit. The check is held till after the event and the Clubhouse Coordinator - another homeowner - sees that the place is clean, trash removed, HVAC off, etc. The key is given to the user and they are responsible for the time they have the key, so if they "forget" to lock up while setting up - it doesn't cost the HOA for damage. Our cleaning crew comes in weekly. We have tables, chairs, meeting table, dining area and kitchenette. ONLY Board members and the Coordinator have keys.

While it might be nice to be able to sit in there and read - it isn't an option for us, due to security concerns on our part. We did last year do away with the rental fee of $25, since it was just a piddly amount for WHAT? The HOs pay already, so they shouldn't have to "rent" their own facility. It would make as much sense as charging them to use the pool or tennis courts. At least that was our reasoning.