Yes, and this is why I put a clause in my lease saying “tenant is responsible for HOA fines incurred due to violations of CC&R’s (see attached pamphlet).” If the fine is for something reasonable, I’d pay and pass it on to the tenant.

If it’s for something UNreasonable, hell yes I’d fight it. The defendant’s costs will be split among ALL the tenants, not just me, so I’d be screwing all of my co-owners over. A good incentive for them not to elect HOA board members that levy unreasonable fines, don’cha think?