An Amelia Island condominium owner is lobbying state legislators to redress an unfair change of rules that has limited his right to make best use of his property.

We respect the rights of homeowners' associations to set rules that restrict common behavior. We appreciate why year-round condo residents would not wish to live in a complex that allows short-term rentals. But we think the Piper Dunes North condo association was too strict in applying its new rules.

Steve and Judy Comley and another condo owner had the only two of 28 units that were being rented short-term. No evidence has been presented that short-term renters in either of those units was causing problems at Piper Dunes.

But rather than grandfather their units, as the Comleys requested, the association has been adamant. That jeopardizes the Comleys' ability to retain their condo. Planning to move here permanently after retirement, they live on the island seven months a year and rent their condo the other five.

But Comley is an ardent adversary, and he has taken his case to a state legislature that seems inclined - given the number of condo owners complaining about their associations - to enact reforms that make those associations more democratic.

Amelia Island Plantation, where Piper Dunes is located, supports Comley's position, as do many other local residents and business who judge this an issue of fairness.

We believe the legislature ultimately will agree.