Homeowners associations and holiday decorations: what you need to know

Many homeowners associations have detailed rules governing how the outside of your home, yard and common areas can be decorated.

Here is what you need to know about your HOA and holiday décor.

Read your contract before you purchase decorations

Check to see if holiday decorations are explicitly mentioned in your HOA contract. If not, go over outdoor décor and common space rules in general, and then try to apply them to the holidays.

Ask for clarification from the board

Is there something that you don’t understand as written or do you feel that holiday decorations are not covered properly? Ask the board of your HOA to clarify. In fact, it might be best if they issue a special bulletin that specifically covers rules regarding seasonal décor.

Pay close attention to deadlines

Some HOAs may be concerned about the type or amount of decorations used at a single home. Others may only care about how long you have them up—or they may be sticklers about both. People aren’t always fond of long-term holiday décor, so look into the exact deadlines established by your community.

Check for restricted hours

Much like deadlines, there could be restricted hours that determine how late into the night you can keep your lighted decorations on. Because bright décor can make it difficult for neighbors to sleep at night, many HOAs will establish restricted hours, during which no lighted decorations can be turned on.

Do not be afraid to challenge the rules

Do you feel that the established rules are unfair in some manner? It could be that they restrict decorations too heavily, or that they seem to favor one religion or celebration over others. Whatever the reason you feel them to be unfair, do not be afraid to challenge the rules. As long as you are respectful, you are well within your rights to do so.