What regulation might prevent Marta and Kim from renting out their home while studying abroad?

Homeowner regulations can indeed limit or dictate how a property owner can use their home, especially when it comes to renting it out. Many homeowners associations (HOAs) or community governing bodies have rules that restrict short-term rentals or require owners to follow specific procedures before renting out their properties. These regulations typically aim to maintain the character of the neighborhood, manage noise levels, and ensure safety compliance.

If Marta and Kim are part of a community that has such homeowner regulations in place, these could effectively prevent them from renting out their home while they are studying abroad. It's essential for homeowners to be aware of these rules, as non-compliance could result in fines or other legal repercussions.

In the context of the other choices, state laws can vary widely and may not specifically address the issue of renting out a home, while lease agreements pertain more to tenant obligations or landlord rights if renting out was even an option. Community guidelines may overlap with homeowner regulations but are not always as formalized or enforceable. Hence, homeowner regulations provide the most direct answer regarding restrictions on renting out the property.