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Flag Etiquette: How to Correctly Hang the American Flag in Your HOA

Three American flags posted on white picket fence outside of a brick house's front yard.

During national holidays, many American citizens honor the country by hanging a U.S. flag outside their front door. For those living in homeowners’ associations (HOAs), there’s often the question of not only whether it’s permitted to hang an American flag, but also how to properly display the flag. Read on to learn about an HOA’s authority on regulating flags, HOA flag rules, HOA flag etiquette tips, and much more.

Can an HOA Regulate Flag Displays?

While many states have enacted specific laws preventing HOAs from prohibiting flag displays, as private organizations, community associations usually still have the legal right to control the display of flags on homeowner property. Limitations might include:

  • Where flags are displayed
  • When flags can be displayed
  • The number of flags displayed
  • How high off the ground a flag may be displayed
  • The type and height of flagpoles allowed
  • The size and condition of the flag
  • The type and number of lights used to illuminate the flag

Flag rules and regulations are usually found in a community’s governing documents. Available to all association members, the governing documents are included in the packet you should’ve received at closing. Reach out to a community manager or board member, or visit your community’s website to locate yours. 

Related: “FAQs: HOAs & Politics”

Why Do HOAs Have Flag Rules?

Even though flags might have special meaning to an owner, they may not align with a community’s architectural standards. Architectural standards are used to preserve the aesthetics of an area, protect home values, maintain the association’s property, and help keep the neighborhood looking and functioning at its best. 

The types of flags that are often regulated in a community association include:

  • Holiday flags
  • Religious flags
  • Sports flags
  • International flags
  • Military flags
  • Political flags
  • National flags
  • State flags

Hanging the American Flag in an HOA

Local, state, and federal laws rank higher in authority than HOA regulations, and a community’s governing documents must abide by these laws. The Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005 is a federal law that permits owners to display a U.S. flag on their property. Although HOA residents are allowed to hang an American flag, the association—not the community management company—may limit how it’s displayed.

To understand what American flag rules apply in your community, refer to your community’s governing documents or seek guidance from a board member, community manager, or HOA attorney.

A row of three suburban homes with American flags hanging on their porches.

The Right Way to Display the American Flag

The American flag is a patriotic symbol of freedom that should be handled with respect. Emphasizing this code of conduct, the United States Flag Code acts as the official advisory on the appearance and display of the American flag. 

According to the Flag Code, the rules are to:

  • Ensure that the American flag is accurately designed with 13 horizontal stripes, alternating red and white, and a union of 50 white stars on a field of blue.
  • Position the union at the peak of a flagpole.
  • Have unions facing the left-hand side of the main observers.

Note that your community may have additional guidance on the proper way to display the American flag.

American Flag Etiquette Tips

Whether it’s flag etiquette on the Fourth of July or a different holiday, American flag etiquette is more than just a courtesy—it’s the law. Within the U.S. Flag Code are also etiquette tips, which advise to: 

  • Never dip a flag to any person or thing.
  • Never fly flags that are ripped, stained, or unpresentable in any way.
  • Never write or make marks on a flag.
  • Never let flags touch the ground.
  • Only fly flags that are kink and fold-free.
  • Only fly flags from sunrise to sunset unless they’re well-lit in the dark.

Community associations may also have similar flag etiquette rules in their governing documents.

Flag Rule Violations

Failing to comply with the rules of your community may result in a violation. If you’ve received an official request from your HOA to take down a flag, you should comply. If you disagree with the request, work closely with your board and community manager to resolve the issue calmly and respectfully. Otherwise, you may receive a fine or additional penalties.

Learn More: “Top Frequently Asked Questions About HOA Violations”

HOA Rules Guidebook: Everything Residents Need to Know

There’s a right way—and a wrong way—to hang the American flag. It’s important to follow proper flag etiquette and your community’s flag rules to ensure respect for this iconic symbol of freedom. 

Beyond flag appreciation, HOA rules are essential to a thriving community, intended to protect homeowners’ investments and provide a common framework for neighborhood harmony. Read “HOA Rules Guidebook: Everything Residents Need to Know,” to learn everything you need to know about HOA rules.