Clubhouse Rental Fees Seem Unfair

L.K. from Hartford County, Connecticut writes:

Dear Mister Condo,

Our rules state two things:  1) The clubhouse is for the use of the unit owners and guests; and 2) To rent the clubhouse, there will be a fee of $xxx; the unit owner renting the clubhouse must be present while guests are present. Do we as condo owners have the right to use our clubhouse, which is an amenity to the property we own, not for a scheduled event requiring rent but a right to general use and so long as a security deposit is made but without a rental fee?  Thank you.

Mister Condo replies:

L.K., the clubhouse is owned by the association; not the individual unit owners. As a condo owner you are a member of the association, and, therefore, entitled to the privilege of renting the clubhouse as outlined in your documents. You are not entitled to free use of the amenity, with or without a security deposit, from what you have told me. Of course, I am not an attorney. From what you have outlined in your question my answer would be that any use of the clubhouse requires a rental fee. You may wish to ask your Board to consider a reduced fee for unscheduled use of the clubhouse, although there may very well be a reason for the current cost structure as to actual costs of operating the clubhouse. Good luck!