Navigating HOA Resale Documents: What Buyers and Sellers Need To Know
Read More
The holidays are approaching, and with them come bright lights, installations, and festive displays. For board members of homeowners’ associations (HOAs), this means guaranteeing lively décor adds to the holly, jolly atmosphere without causing chaos or conflict within the community. Whether stringing up lights or installing inflatable reindeer, communication and consistent enforcement of your association’s bylaws and regulations are key to ensuring all is calm and bright during this time of merrymaking. Pour yourself a cup of good cheer as we unpack actionable advice for HOA board members to successfully manage holiday decorations, parking, safety concerns, and more while fostering seasonal spirit.
Establishing clear, well-communicated holiday décor guidelines isn’t just about keeping things orderly; it’s about creating a fair and enjoyable environment for all residents. When everyone knows what’s expected, misunderstandings and violations are minimized, and the holidays can be celebrated in high spirits.
As an HOA board member, your role is to enforce holiday guidelines that preserve your community’s harmony and aesthetic appeal. When crafting and communicating guidelines, be sure to include and address the following topics:
Holiday gatherings often attract an influx of guests, and parking can quickly become an issue in even the best-organized communities. A crucial responsibility of HOA boards is to communicate parking rules so residents and their visitors don’t face unnecessary inconvenience. To keep the peace this season, you should:
Seasonal decorations and displays are some of the most delightful aspects of the holidays, but they can also pose challenges for HOA boards. Balancing individual expression with community standards for a cohesive aesthetic requires communicating what’s permissible. Here are some basic rules of thumb:
One of the most common questions HOA boards receive during the holiday season is how long decorations should remain up. While allowing residents to celebrate is important, it’s equally important to set reasonable start and end dates for holiday displays to maintain the community’s curb appeal.
Most HOAs typically allow decorations to go up about a month before Christmas and remain in place for two to three weeks after the holiday. To maintain seasonal excitement and residential comfort, specify quiet hours for holiday lights, such as turning them off between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Safety should be a top priority during the holidays. Decorations—especially lights, candles, and outdoor displays—can pose hazards if not carefully managed. Fundamental topics to cover include:
The rules for holiday décor placement can vary depending on your community’s structure. For single-family homes, decorations are generally allowed only within the boundaries of the yard or exterior areas of the property. Likewise, many condo communities have strict rules about exterior modifications, including holiday installations. Decorations are often limited to the unit's interior or within private balconies.
Be sure to proactively communicate any regulations for displaying decorations in shared spaces, and always encourage residents to consult their governing documents for specific holiday décor regulations.
Effective Communication Strategies for HOA Holiday Décor Guidelines
Decking the halls to greet the season can spark eager enthusiasm—and a touch of confusion—among residents. As an HOA board member, your role is to facilitate open lines of communication. Methods for engaging your community include: