It is time to put up holiday decorations!! I love this time of year! The week of Christmas, my family and I go out and look at all of the holiday decorations and lights. But, what about the HOA? Some HOAs, that have the budget for decorations, might put up lights and bows in the HOA common area. Most HOAs hire someone to put and take down décor. I am sure a lot of people wish they could hire someone for their own personal decorations. No one wants to get that dreaded letter from the HOA stating that they need to take down decorations. No HOA wants to be considered a scrooge at the holidays either. I read an article from 2019 where a Texas HOA asked a couple to take down their holiday decorations because they were installed too early. The mother was pregnant with their third child and they needed to put the decorations up early because she was due to have her baby a month later. Oops! I think that whole situation could have been avoided if both parties communicated with each other. Here are some tips regarding how to avoid those uncomfortable situations. Draft guidelines if the declarations allow for it. In those guidelines, the HOA can set a timeline for when decorations can be put up and when they need to be taken down (be reasonable!). The guidelines can also address any nuisance concerns (such as lights and other noisy or distracting decorations that can cause issues). Don’t limit the types of decorations or the subject matter. Limiting some colors or certain types of decorations used in specific religions or cultures can actually open the Association to liability. Using specific identifying words in any guidelines can alienate homeowners. The Association should air on the side of caution when prohibiting decorations and the wording should be broad enough to include everyone. Lastly, communicate with each other! If there are decorations that are causing issues, talk to neighbors about it. If you want to install decorations before the guideline dates, call the HOA or management company. Give them the reason why early installation is needed. The point is to be inclusive and keep the Association safe and happy. I hope everyone is safe and happy during the holidays!
