If you’re one of the 62 million Americans living in a condo and homeowners association (HOAs), you may want to review the guidelines before you start your holiday decorations.
“A hallmark of a shared ownership community is that you give up some of your rights for the good of the community. If there are restrictions involving holiday decorations, including lights and signage, you’re generally bound by them,” says Ryan Poliakoff, co-author of New Neighborhoods: The Consumer's Guide to Condominium, Co-Op and HOA Living.
To make things a bit easier, you may want to;
- Review the guidelines: When you moved into your home, you should have been provided a packet of rules, regulations, and so forth. Make sure to review it carefully.
- Talk with your neighbors: This is especially good if you are new to the community. Chat with neighbors to find out past stories of decoration mishaps and association consequences. Find out what the risks are according to those who have witnessed them first hand. Get the inside scoop on the associations during the holidays. Plus you may find out about fun events they put on and make new friends.
- Go to the associations board: Show up with a short written proposal to modify the HOA rules to allow specific kinds of decorations, like lights on balconies or door wreaths. “Don’t criticize or start calling anyone names. Suggest to your board they amend their rules to allow for holiday decorations within limits,” Poliakoff says. Offer to write an email or letter outlining a holiday decorating exception that runs during a set period like Dec. 15 to Jan. 1.
- Check the local laws on association rules: “There are laws in some states that do allow the display of items such as religious items or wreaths,” Poliakoff says. If you can argue state law, sharing a copy of the law with the condo rule-makers may get them to change their minds.
You need to remember that "these rules and regulations are enforceable by boards of corporations that are created contractually,” Poliakoff says. You do not want to be forced to take down the decorations just after you have put them up. Also, the last thing you may need is a hefty fine before the holidays.
"Living in a shared association is about give and take. And you’re always free to decorate your home’s interior as you like" (Houselogic.com).
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