Managing Short-Term Rentals Without Crossing Legal Lines

Short-term rentals can disrupt community harmony, but in North Carolina the right to rent is strongly protected, making outright bans or renter-specific rules difficult for HOAs to enforce. Courts generally allow STRs unless municipal regulations or the community’s original Declaration clearly restricts them, and new or selective restrictions often fail legal scrutiny. Always consult your attorney for details. 

Instead, HOAs can more effectively manage STR impacts by using legally sound tools such as minimum lease terms, HOA-approved lease forms, holding owners accountable for tenant behavior, and applying rules equally to all residents and guests. With careful drafting, consistent enforcement, and legal guidance, HOAs can balance neighborhood character with owners’ property rights.

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