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CherylC (Florida)
Posts: 10
Posted:
We have renters in our community and they want to be part of some committee (i.e. Neighborhood watch) what are the thoughts on this? They don't have voting rights. this is a two sided situation.

JulieS (Georgia)
Posts: 412
Posted:
Volunteers are hard to come by and I would be willing to accept their help with any committee. Many times, renters feel like outsiders so I think it would be a good idea to include them in the sense of community that the neighborhood tries to establish. I would gladly accept their help!
MistiH (Texas)
Posts: 52
Posted:
We NEVER have enough volunteers. I'd take 'em up on it in a New York minute!

However, I do not wish for renters to serve as officers of committees. Those should be owner only, IMO.

Loving Life in Texas!
Misti
CherylC (Florida)
Posts: 10
Posted:
Thank you both for your replies.

I feel the same but, part of me says if you give an inch they take a mile. I guess we will have to see.

Thanks.
C
RogerB (Colorado)
Posts: 5,067
Posted:
Cheryl, I am all for any volunteers BUT suggest you either get confirmation from the Insurance Company that the volunteer renter is covered by the HOA insurance or you may need a signed waiver.
CherylC (Florida)
Posts: 10
Posted:
Thanks RogerB!!

I will look into that.
MistiH (Texas)
Posts: 52
Posted:
Posted By RogerB on 07/28/2006 6:32 PM

Cheryl, I am all for any volunteers BUT suggest you either get confirmation from the Insurance Company that the volunteer renter is covered by the HOA insurance or you may need a signed waiver.


You know, I never considered the insurance aspect. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.


Loving Life in Texas!
Misti
JulieS (Georgia)
Posts: 412
Posted:
I would not think that the insurance would be an issue as they are not on the board of directors. General liabilty should cover them as they do everyone else on common property, etc. But can't hurt to check.
RogerB (Colorado)
Posts: 5,067
Posted:
Julie, think about a case where the renter is doing volunteer work for the HOA and accidently hurts someone, e.g., lawnmower kicks up a rock and puts out an eye of someone out walking. The HOA may not be covered by insurance and may have to pay from the HOA funds. The HOA should insure members providing services for the HOA but may not have thought about, or may not be able to get, coverage for the non-member renter.
MistiH (Texas)
Posts: 52
Posted:
Well, I asked my MC this renter volunteer insurance question. Here is her answer.

"I just spoke with Diana for confirmation and as long as they can be on a committee then they are covered.

Thanks
Sandy B...
Manager
P... Community Association

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Misti Howell
Sent: Wednesday, August 02, 2006 10:44 AM
To: 'Sandy B...'
Subject: Insurance question

Hey ya Sandy, someone asked me a question regarding the insurance that covers the committee volunteers.

Does our HOA insurance cover any volunteer, or just home owners? Some renters are wishing to volunteer in various committees. I think we need to know if they are covered, and if they aren’t does that leave the HOA in an indefensible liability position? Of course, if they are covered; we never have enough volunteers, come on in!

Please advice when you have a few?

Thanks,

Misti"

I guess that sounds like double-talk to me. I was asking if they can be a volunteer on a committee in the first place.. LOL

So, I still don't know the answer.

Loving Life in Texas!
Misti
CharlesW1 (Georgia)
Posts: 826
Posted:
RogerB- Good scenario! I would have never thought of that.

Chuck W.

Charles E. Wafer Jr.
JulieS (Georgia)
Posts: 412
Posted:
Roger, when Misti said 'volunteer for a committee' I took this as volunteering to organize and help with projects (i.e., pool committee volunteers to price pool furniture, collect bids on services, etc., or social committee where they plan parties and such).

Our board's position on having anyone do physical work for the association is that we prefer they not do things that can lead to a liability. That is one reason why we hire someone to do the landscaping maintenance, painting and other things (the other is lack of active and reliable volunteers who will be around for more than a week). We prefer to hire someone who is qualified and has all insurance coverages so that the HOA is protected.

We do not have any committees in our neighborhood. In the past, we have had short lived ACC, newsletter, and social committees. I would love to have someone who rents in our neighborhood offer to spearhead or help with any committee. Right now, the board does these things and I am pretty much the person doing it all. I suggested a community cookout and the other board members didn't want to do it. I asked if if it would be a problem I did it without them and they said "no, knock yourself out". It wasn't anything difficult to plan and do, and when I asked a couple of people for help I got it.

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