Question: I live in an HOA that has rental restrictions. I recently got transferred and am unable to sell my unit because of market conditions. I need to rent it but am afraid of violating the rules.

Answer: You are not alone in your predicament. I suggest that you request an exception to the rental restriction due to the circumstances you describe for a period of, say, one year, to allow time for the real estate market to recover. If circumstances have not changed in a year, ask for another year extension. By requesting a temporary exception, you aren’t opening the door to everyone else unless they are caught in the same bind. The board could say no but if your inability to sell or rent causes you to lose the unit to foreclosure, the HOA will likely lose fee revenue. It’s in the best interest of the board to compromise when circumstances dictate.