Question

Which of the following most likely explains why Homeowners' Associations do not tend to support short-term rentals?

• A. Homeowners' Associations see short-term rentals as being competition for the market of vacationers.
• B. Homeowners' Associations, as a general policy, have always looked down upon short-term rentals because they are unsanitary.
• C. Short-term rentals, due to the transitory nature of their inhabitants, can make the members of a community feel uncomfortable, thereby negatively impacting the Homeowners' Association.
• D. Short-term rentals do not confer a benefit on the Homeowners' Association that is comparable to that conferred on the proprietor of a short-term rental.
• E. Short-term rentals directly confer extra fees on Homeowners' Associations.

Hint:

When a question asks for a specific reason mentioned in the text, go back to the relevant paragraph and base your answer only on the information provided. Avoid making assumptions or choosing answers that seem plausible but are not supported by the passage.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question asks for the reason behind the opposition of Homeowners' Associations (HOAs) to short-term rentals, based on the information provided in the passage.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
We must locate the part of the passage that discusses HOAs. Paragraph 3 states: "In recent news, there have been incredible scandals in which short-term renters have abused the property loaned to them, causing thousands of dollars' worth of property damage. Other accusations include disturbing the peace and the commission of criminal acts. Homeowners' Associations (HOAs) have been up in arms, and the legal backlash has been significant."
The reasons given are negative behaviors that disrupt the community: property damage, noise, and crime. These issues arise from renters who are temporary ("transitory") and may not feel a sense of responsibility towards the community. This disruption would naturally make permanent residents and members of the community ("members of a community") feel uncomfortable and concerned for their safety and quality of life.
Let's analyze the options:
- (A) and (E) are not mentioned in the passage.
- (B) The passage mentions specific issues like property damage, not general unsanitary conditions, and it doesn't say HOAs have "always" felt this way.
- (D) While this might be true, the passage focuses on the negative impacts (costs), not the lack of benefits, as the reason for opposition.
- (C) This option provides the best summary of the problem. The "transitory nature" of renters leads to behaviors ("disturbing the peace," etc.) that make community members "uncomfortable" and prompt the HOA to act. This directly connects the cause (temporary renters) to the effect (negative community impact).

Step 3: Final Answer:
The passage explains that HOA opposition stems from renters disturbing the peace and causing property damage. Option (C) correctly identifies the root cause as the temporary nature of the renters, which leads to behavior that negatively affects the community.