With the holiday season around the corner, HOA Christmas decorations are bound to make an appearance. When it comes to decor, homeowners must understand the rules of their community. Similarly, board members must enforce these rules fairly to ensure a festive holiday.
Are HOA Christmas Decorations Allowed?
With Halloween and Thanksgiving over, homeowners are swapping out their spooky decor and pumpkin-themed ornaments with more festive trimmings. But it is often tricky to know how to decorate for the holidays in an HOA.
Homeowners associations are known for enforcing strict rules, even when it comes to decorations. Most communities allow Christmas decor, but with some restrictions. The governing documents typically outline these restrictions.
To ensure compliance, homeowners should check their bylaws and CC&Rs. These documents should tell them which decorations are allowed and which aren’t. Board members must also familiarize themselves with these restrictions so that they can enforce them consistently.
Decoration rules can feel too confining, especially for owners who want to go all-out for the holidays. But these rules do serve an important purpose. They aim to maintain harmony and curb appeal, ensuring residents stay happy and property values remain high.
Typical Rules on Christmas Decor in HOAs
No two associations are exactly alike, so rules that might work for one community may not necessarily work for another. Board members and homeowners should refer to their governing documents for specific restrictions.
That said, some rules on HOA Christmas decorations are more common than others. In general, holiday decor rules involve the following:
1. Timeframe
Most communities indicate when homeowners can start putting up Christmas decorations. The timing can vary by community, but the vast majority allow decorations to begin on December 1 or after Thanksgiving.
Moreover, many associations also say when homeowners must take down these decorations. The timeframe usually sits between one and two weeks after the holiday season. If homeowners leave their decorations up past the deadline, they can face a penalty.
Speaking of timing, some associations also require owners to turn off their outdoor lighting displays at specific hours. This is to avoid disturbing neighbors with bright lights.
2. Placement
It is normal for associations to dictate the location of holiday decorations. Generally, homeowners can only decorate their private properties, staying within the boundaries of their lots. That means no decorating common areas.
In condo communities, it is common to prohibit decorating rooftops and fences. The unit owners typically share these elements, so they are not exclusive to a single resident.
3. Size
Many associations prohibit oversized decorations, such as 20-foot singing Santas or giant inflatables. These decorations tend to disrupt the community’s aesthetic harmony and may be considered eyesores.
Holiday displays that obstruct views or pose a safety risk can also be banned. For large decorations that may topple over or blow away, associations usually require homeowners to anchor them.
4. Type of Decoration
Some communities restrict the types of displays homeowners can use. For example, an HOA may allow lights and plastic decor but prohibit inflatables. It all depends on the community’s rules, so homeowners should check them before buying anything for the holidays.
That said, boards should be careful when it comes to rules concerning religious items. In Texas, Section 202.018 prohibits associations from banning the display of religious items on private property, with a few exceptions.
5. Offensive or Vulgar Content
Most rules prohibit decorations that may be deemed offensive, vulgar, or generally inappropriate. Associations expect homeowners to behave respectfully, and that extends to holiday displays as well. After all, board members want to limit disputes or complaints.
6. Noisy or Loud Decor
Rules often limit decorations that produce loud sounds, as neighbors might find them disruptive to the community’s peace. Most associations also prohibit blindingly bright lights.
7. Interior Decor
While most communities allow owners to decorate the interiors of their homes however they want, there are some exceptions. Condo associations, for instance, may restrict residents from using real Christmas trees. This is due to the fire and safety hazards they pose.
How to Enforce HOA Christmas Decor Rules
When homeowners violate the rules, board members must be ready to respond. Ignoring violations might encourage others to follow suit and can even render the rules void.
Here are the steps the board can take to enforce rules on HOA Christmas decorations.
1. Refresh Residents on Rules
While the rules apply every year, board members shouldn’t be surprised when some residents forget them. To limit violations, boards should send out reminders ahead of the holiday season.
Post the rules on the community website, in newsletters, and even on physical bulletin boards. This will help residents stay within the bounds of the restrictions. Fewer violations means less work for board members, too.
2. Inspect Outdoor Decorations
Rules may exist, but they don’t mean anything if board members don’t enforce them. A surefire way to identify any violations is to conduct routine inspections. Board members can do this themselves or delegate it to the Architectural Review Committee or the community manager.
After spotting a violation, it is important to document it. Take photos and notes. This will strengthen the association’s case against the owner if the owner decides to challenge the claim.
3. Establish a Complaint System
Sometimes, the board is too busy preparing for winter to do inspection rounds. This is when the board should rely on homeowners to file reports.
Associations should establish a system that allows owners to submit complaints for violations of the HOA Christmas decorations rules. These complaints must follow a standard format and come with supporting documentation. Homeowners should also have the option to file complaints anonymously.
Upon receipt of the complaint, the board should inspect and verify it. Don’t blindly trust every complaint, as that can expose the association to liability.
4. Follow Enforcement Procedures
After confirming that a violation has occurred, the board must follow the enforcement procedures outlined in state laws and the governing documents. Generally, associations must provide notice and an opportunity to be heard before imposing any penalties. Additionally, the governing documents must outline the penalties an HOA can implement.
A Balancing Act
Navigating HOA Christmas decorations can be confusing and frustrating, especially for volunteer boards. While state laws and the governing documents provide some guidance, professional help is often necessary to interpret them.
PAMco offers exceptional HOA management services to communities in Central Texas. Call us today at 512-918-8100 or contact us online to learn more!
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