WaterSound Beach new "Amenity Fee"

[dawg09]

Any of you who own or live in WaterSound Beach have any insight into the new Amenity Fee? Specifically, it's a fee on those who rent. I'm trying to understand what the justification is behind such a fee. I'm awaiting response from the HOA.

I've read through some of the meeting minutes but, cannot find the justification.

Thanks in advance.

 

[passin thru]

If it's a situation parallel to that which evolved at WaterColor, it's an effort by St. Joe & Noble House to strongarm those owners, who wish to rent, into renting through their management company instead of anyone else's.

 

[gmarc]

how much is the new fee? in many ways i can agree with the fee as renters are much much harder on the amenities than owners.

 

[dawg09]

Passin Thru - Plausible argument. I didn't think about that but, and I don't know all details of the fee yet, will they give those who rent thru SJ/Noble a break on the fee/tax. Good point though that I'll explore.

Ray - The fee is $500 per year. Renters already have to pay for bikes, beach chairs, etc. The WS Beach Club already has it's own fee structure. Everything except a community pool/bathroom cost extra now ... what and how is it that renters are "harder on"?

 

[gmarc]

dawg i guess what i meant is an owned non rented place will use the facilities much less thus not near as much wear and tear. watersound is a bit different but in many neighbrohoods with less security and watching eyes renters are hard on unguarded pools,tennis courts,workout areas and general areas.i can also see your pt on view as you already pay huge dues

 

[Douglas the Intrepid]

Tourists are a raw, unnatural force of pure, poorly dressed destruction.

 

[Beauty hunter]

Tourists are a raw, unnatural force of pure, poorly dressed destruction.

you misspelled tourists- its terrorists

 

[bluecat]

Seems tourists are no longer needed or wanted after oil is not an issue.

 

[Koa]

That is not the case, bluecat. We love renters. St Joe/NobleHouse wants more rental business in their own developments, and this is their way of discouraging VRBO and other management companies from having rentals in "their" territory.

 

[tsutcli]

That is not the case, bluecat. We love renters. St Joe/NobleHouse wants more rental business in their own developments, and this is their way of discouraging VRBO and other management companies from having rentals in "their" territory.

This is a rational, business decision. The amenities affected are those that use Joe/Nobel House employees and are not owned by the HOA. The employees, maintenance, etc are expenses supported by the rental fees charged to guests staying through the resort. If you choose to rent your place through other channels then either your guests can't use certain amenities or you pay a fee. I think this is only fair. The increasing popularity of Watercolor, etc has put additional stresses on these facilities which need to be supported. No free rides anymore.