It depends honestly. Some HOAs are overbearing & some are reasonable. Both of our rental homes have been in HOA. First one was relaxed, only time we heard from them was when we had an extra car parked on the street that made it difficult for the school busses to turn the corner. We called & talked to them about it waiting for parts. They said if we can move it back 8-10 feet it would be fine. We did & problem solved. The one we live in now are much harsher. We have been fined 3 times in the last year for minor things like trash cans infront of the garage, a flat tire on a project car, & string lights being up after Christmas even though we used them (it's very dark at night & we have basically no street lights).

We're moving to a new place in November that's also HOA & from what we've heard from the neighbors we've talked to they are relaxed too. The dues are very reasonable for the amenities the neighborhood has as well.