Documents

SCA Survey, August 2022

In August of 2022, the Board surveyed the community.  By 57% to 8%, we voted to ban Airbnb/VRBO short term rentals, and AGAINST Grandfathering.  This despite the fact that respondents were required to choose and rank all 4 choices, of which 3 were Pro-Airbnb, and as a result, a number of Cliffers who are opposed to Airbnb refused to participate.  Task Force Survey Results Sept 2022

Petition to the
SCA Board of
Directors

The Petition results were a resounding rejection of grandfathering Airbnb/VRBO in the community.  There were 122 members who supported the Petition, and 14 who did not.  (This is a solid rate of participation; barely 100 members typically vote on the annual budget.).  Thanks to all who want to see the following added to our covenants: “Short-term internet platform rentals of properties within Scientists’ Cliffs (e.g. Airbnb/VBRO), subject to Maryland State tax pursuant to the Maryland Code – Tax General Article, are hereby prohibited effective February 1, 2024.”   See the Petition here.

Proposed Rule 12: Ban + Grandfathering

Proposed Rule 12:  At its December meeting, the Board of Directors voted to enact, on a temporary basis, a revised Rule 12, and to present it to the community for ratification.  This rule would give formal approval to five Airbnb/VRBO rental operations – a step which would be difficult and costly to reverse and to monitor.  A step which would create two classes of membership in our community.  Despite the rule’s promise of a ban on further such operations, we believe that this would actually open the door to them by voiding our covenants for the first time.  Finally, it would violate our covenants’ mutual promise to one another not to monetize our properties for personal profit, at the expense of everyone else in the community.

Information from other HOAs

Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) are in a unique position to limit and even prohibit internet platform rentals.  Here are a few examples from Maryland, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania.


(from their official rules and covenants)

Harbour Square (Washington, DC)    House Rules 70 Short Term Rentals 

 1. Short-term or vacation rental that generates income from all or part of a unit, through a booking service (such as Airbnb, VRBO, and similar platforms or through other organizations, businesses, or individuals that provide similar service), whether or not an individual authorized by the Corporation to be in the unit is also present in the unit, is prohibited.  

From Sherwood Forest’s rules.  1.6  Limits on House Rentals:  The concept of having continuous rental properties within the community can be contrary to the close family lifestyle and atmosphere that is Sherwood Forest.  Of concern would be transient occupants, disrespect of the rules, adverse impact on immediate neighbors, deterioration of the physical property and attitudes inconsistent with the strong ideals and community traditions of Sherwood.  Cottage rental availability cannot be advertised via social media, third party services (e.g. Air Bnb, VRBO) in newspapers, or the like. 

Cottages may not be rented in any two successive years without Board approval.

Keswicke Point (Pennsylvania HOA) Second Amendment to the Declaration of Protective Covenants and Easements

Article 6.2 No Short Term Rental.  The Community is for residential use only.  Short Term Rental is classified as a commercial use under this Declaration.  Lot Owners may not utilize any residence of Townhouse for commercial rental purposes on a Short Term Rental basis either directly or through an agent, lessee or licensee.  Short Term Rental shall refer to any rental of a residence or Townhouse for a period of less than six (6) consecutive months by a single tenant.