Can You Decorate for the Holidays in an HOA? Important Tips for Homeowners

Decorating for the holidays is a time-honored tradition for many people, including those who live in a homeowners’ association (HOA). While HOA rules may impose some limitations on Christmas decorations, outfitting your home with festive cheer is usually still possible. To get a better understanding of why HOAs have holiday decoration rules, what those rules are, and fines for decorating, read on.

Why Do HOAs Have Holiday Decoration Rules?

HOAs establish rules for holiday decorating to maintain visual consistency and keep the neighborhood functioning at its best throughout the season. These guidelines are designed to:

• Prioritize safety. Because holiday lights cause an estimated 150 fires per year in the U.S, it’s important for HOAs to address light displays. Hanging lights can cause fire hazards, electrical issues, and tripping risks.

• Promote harmony. HOA rules help mitigate issues over decorations that might be considered excessive or offensive.

• Maintain aesthetics. To preserve property values, HOAs must ensure seasonal décor matches architectural standards. A cluttered or chaotic scene may detract from the community’s desirability.

RELATED: “What is an Architectural Review Board?”

7 Common HOA Rules for Holiday Decorations

Every community is different, and not all HOAs have the same rules. Several factors, like the type of community, its location, and its size, all influence restrictions. A community’s governing documents will outline specific rules for its association. Still, all HOAs share a unifying vision to protect the community and its residents. Generally, these seven holiday decoration guidelines may be enforced in managed communities:

1. Time frame for installation and removal.

Many HOAs only allow displays from the beginning of the season until soon after the new year.

“However, homeowners may not be able to physically remove the decorations within the specified timeframe [due to weather conditions]. The homeowner doesn’t intend to disregard the rules, so a board may wish to allow homeowners a grace period until weather conditions warm up (with permission).”  - Community Association Manager, Associa Chicagoland

2. Time of day to operate lights and music.

To keep the peace between nighttime and daylight hours, lights and music must be turned down by a specific time.

3. Size of displays and decorations.

Oversized displays can limit walkways or views, breaking community guidelines.

4. Placement of decorations.

Items cannot block sidewalks, driveways, or common areas. Additionally, some HOAs regulate the proximity of decorations to the street.

5. Limits on brightness.

Excessively bright or flashing lights may disrupt neighbors and violate light display restrictions.

6. Noise restrictions.

Musical or animated decorations must remain at reasonable volume levels.

7. Decorating shared areas.

Common areas often require prior approval to prevent disputes and safety risks.

Holiday Decorations Allowed in an HOA

Community holiday decor standards generally allow tasteful decorations that enhance curb appeal and brighten spirits. Examples of commonly approved items include the following.

• Holiday lights. LED or low-voltage lights are often preferred for safety and energy efficiency.

• Wreaths. Hanging door or wall wreaths are usually acceptable.

• Banners. Small banners are typically permitted.

• Minimal yard displays. Simple, non-inflatable displays can add charm without overwhelming the space.

It’s always best to check your governing documents for guidance on what’s allowed in your neighborhood.

Holiday Decorations Restricted in an HOA

Some decorations are often prohibited due to safety, noise, or visual impact. Homeowner association decoration regulations might prohibit:

• Inflatables. Large, blow-up figures can obstruct views or sidewalks and become hazardous in high winds.

• Large lawn figures and statues. Oversized items may violate aesthetic rules and create unsafe conditions.

• Noisy decorations. Moving or musical decorations can disturb neighbors, especially late at night.

• Flashing lights and strobe lights. These lights can cause discomfort or visual impairment for drivers and pedestrians.

Shocking Fact: While strobe lights can cause visual fatigue and headaches for some people, they can trigger seizures for those with photosensitive epilepsy. Many with photosensitive epilepsy don’t know they have it until they have a seizure.

Are Religious Holiday Decorations Allowed in an HOA?

If a community association permits secular decorations for holidays like St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween, and Valentine’s Day, it must also allow religious displays for holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. The Fair Housing Act provides protections for religious holiday decorations.

“Many homeowners have strong emotional connections to religious holidays, so we always want to be mindful and precise to avoid any unnecessary conflict.”- Community Association Manager, Associa Chicagoland

Allowing secular displays but not religious ones may be seen as discrimination. Furthermore, enforcing rules for one religious display but not another demonstrates favoritism and violates a board’s fiduciary duty. This may lead to allegations of selective enforcement and potential lawsuits.

RELATED: “5 HOA Holiday Best Practices for a Very Merry Season”

What Happens if You Violate Holiday Decoration Rules?

As a member of the community, it’s your duty to be informed about your community’s seasonal décor policy. HOA enforcement varies depending on the association and severity of the breach. If you break holiday decorating rules, you might receive a:

• Friendly reminder. Minor infractions are often addressed with a friendly reminder of the rules.

• Courtesy letter. A polite notice might request that you adjust or remove your decorations.

• Formal warning. Continued non-compliance can lead to an official warning documented in HOA records.

• Charge for decorations. Persistent violations could result in financial penalties.

“Nobody wants to be considered a Grinch, but it’s the responsibility of the board and management to follow the CC&Rs. I suggest the board be reasonable and find a compromise.”- Community Association Manager, Associa Chicagoland

How to Avoid Breaking Holiday Decorating Rules

Before decking your halls, make sure you understand your HOA’s outdoor decorations policy. To reduce the risk of penalties and keep your neighborhood festive:

• Review your governing documents. The rulebook of the community, governing documents detail what’s allowed and what’s not. Look for specifics on lighting, placement, and removal times.

• Reach out to a community manager or board member. Clarify vague rules and ask about unique decorations. Associa recommends contacting management before installing large displays.

• Follow the rules. Ensure your display aligns with homeowner association decoration regulations. This protects you from potential problems and neighbor disagreements.

Everything HOA Homeowners Need to Know about Rules

Holiday decorating in an HOA is possible when homeowners understand the rules and respect the standards. By following HOA holiday lighting rules, seasonal décor policy, and common guidelines, homeowners can enjoy festive displays safely and harmoniously. For a more detailed guide to HOA rules, decorations, and community best practices, download the HOA Rules Guidebook, Everything A Tenant Needs to Know.