It's the holidays, and you've decked your house out in decorations; you've put some on the roof and a bunch on the lawn. The next day, you find a fine in your mailbox.
This could be you if you live in an HOA community. Living in an HOA neighborhood means there are guidelines you need to stick to regarding putting up decorations.
HOA holiday decorating rules differ between neighborhoods and states as HOA board members decide what's best for their community. Keeping abreast of these HOA guidelines can help you avoid paying hefty fines.
This guide is here to help, so keep reading to learn some tips on how to stick to the rules set by your homeowners' association.
Tip #1: Stick to Display Hours
The first tip we're giving you about HOA holiday decorating in Oakland is to stick to the display hours. Your homeowners' association (HOA) may have specific hours that you are allowed to display your holiday decorations. This ensures that your neighbors are not disturbed by noise or bright lights late at night or early in the morning.
It is essential to respect your neighbors and follow the rules set by your HOA. This will help to create a positive and festive atmosphere for everyone in your community. Here are some additional tips for holiday decorating in an HOA:
- Be mindful of the size of your decorations
- Keep your decorations tidy and well-maintained
- Remove your decorations promptly after the holidays
Tip #2: Watch the Noise Level
The next tip is to consider the noise level. If your decoration lights match up to music, or you have a large fat man in a red suit on your lawn shouting, "Ho ho ho!" you must keep the noise level reasonable.
The last thing you want to do is disturb your neighbors late into the night. For this reason, your HOA or an association management company will have rules regarding how loud your holiday decorations can be.
Tip #3: Adjust the Brightness
The third tip we're letting you in on is to watch how bright your decorations are. One rule that your homeowners' association sets limits the brightness level.
Again, this favors your neighbors, who might be disturbed by bright, flickering lights shining into their bedrooms. Here are some tips to keep your decorations from being too bright:
- Use LED lights instead of traditional incandescent lights
- Use dimmers to control the brightness of your lights
- Place your decorations away from windows and doors
Understanding Your HOA Holiday Decorating Rules
It's essential to be aware of the HOA holiday decorating rules before you put up your decorations. By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your decorations are festive and enjoyable for everyone in your community.
Check your HOA's rules and regulations to see if there are any restrictions on holiday decorations. Be mindful of your neighbors and choose decorations that are not too loud or disruptive.
Do you need the services of a full-service association management company in Oakland, CA? At PMI Oakland, we have highly-trained expert managers waiting to help, so contact us today.
