Renting out a condo or townhome in an HOA means two sets of rules apply: your lease and the association's. A few steps that help before you lease:

1. Read the CC&Rs. Look for minimum lease terms, rental rules and any limits on how the unit can be rented. California limits how far an HOA can restrict rentals, but associations can still set rules like a minimum lease term.

2. Tell the HOA. Send any lease notice, tenant contact info or registration the association asks for, and keep a copy.

3. Hand over the rules. Give the tenant the HOA rules in writing at move-in: parking, pool, trash, noise and pets.

4. Plan for violations. Spell out in the lease how HOA violation notices are handled and who is responsible for what.

General information, not legal advice.

For those renting in HOAs, what rule caught you off guard?