More and more Americans are discovering the joys and pains of being a landlord as they "buy up" to single-family homes without selling their "starter home" in a condominium, cooperative or townhome association. Whether you collect the rent or live in a community association with a high percentage of rental homes, non-compliant renters and owner/tenant disputes are likely a challenging problem, according to the Community Associations Institute. CAI's book, Dealing With Renters, offers help for the landlord, the neighbors and the community association.

"Accidental landlords" may not have the information and skills necessary to effectively manage a property, and renters may feel alientated from community events and confused by association rules. Dealing With Renters offers advice on how to avoid owner/tenant disagreements through effective communication and renter involvement in association activities. CAI's book provides lists of owner obligations and tenant rights; sample leases, documents and welcome letters; and an analysis of state laws and agency regulations, federal anti-discrimination statutes and relevant legal decisions.

For more information or to order a copy of Dealing With Renters (CAI member price, $7.95; non-members, $12.95), call CAI at 703/548-8600 or visit the Institute's web site.

The Community Associations Institute is a nonprofit association created in 1973 to educate and represent the nation's 205,000 community associations—condominium associations, homeowner associations and cooperatives. CAI members include homeowners, associations and related professionals and service providers.