Evaluate Your Sign Restrictions Now To Avoid Legal Issues In the Future (OH)

As we are approaching the end of winter, it is a perfect time for boards to review their association’s governing documents and understand whether signs may be displayed outside homes in their community. With the warmer months ahead, many owners begin renovating and enter into agreements with contractors that may require them to display advertisements […]

Do Condominium Boards Have the Right to Restrict Signs? (MA)

QUESTION: Our condominium association has a rule barring the display of signs in common areas or in locations visible from common areas.  Some board members say we are required to make an exception for political signs. Is that true?   Read the Q&A………………………………..

HOA tells homeowner to remove rainbow flag (NV)

Q: I live in a large homeowners association community in Las Vegas. Recently the HOA pressured a homeowner to remove a rainbow flag. Apparently, a conservative resident was offended by a sign of inclusion and harmony. The reason given was that “statement” flags are prohibited.  Read the Q&A…………………………

Let it snow: Texas community creates winter wonderland

While nestled in the heart of Spring, Texas, where snowfall is a rare sight, the Windrose Community Association has found a creative way to bring the joy of winter to its residents. For years now, this close-knit community has been making cherished memories by building an annual winter wonderland and snow hill for the children. […]

Highlands Ranch gingerbread house gets national attention (CO)

On ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight,” families from across the country compete to win $50,000 and a large light trophy.  With plans to film in early November, Hazard had to get approval from the Highlands Ranch Community Association to put his lights up early. He said the association and his neighbors were extremely supportive.  […]

Holiday Safety Tips for Your Home or Condo

The holiday season is almost upon us! You’re likely making plans on how to spend time with your friends and family. Candles, Christmas trees, and holiday lighting are traditionally a part of festive winter celebrations no matter where you live, but as you enjoy the festive time, extra precautions should be taken in order to […]

How Your Board Can Balance HOA Rules with Holiday Decor

The holidays are a time of bright light displays, inflatable santas, addictively repetitive melodies, and family visitors. The holiday season can mean something else entirely, though. For many HOA board members and homeowners, it can mean a fight! Holiday decorations are oftentimes in violation of the community’s guidelines and governing documents, but how well are […]

Deck the Halls, Mind the Rules: Navigating Association Decorations Restrictions with Holiday Cheer (MI)

‘Tis the season to stow away the skeletons, pumpkins, and witches, and usher in the festive spirit with twinkling lights, wreaths, and snowmen. As the allure of multicolored lights and decorations brightens the early darkness, residents of condominium associations need to align their festive expressions with community rules. For association boards and property managers, enforcing […]

Political Yard Signs and Political Events (FL)

Unless you share similar political views, your neighbor’s front yard sign supporting a favorite political candidate may be upsetting. Can a Florida community association demand the sign’s removal? A well-crafted and properly adopted board rule prohibiting all signs, as compared to just prohibiting political signs, is likely enforceable with this caveat.   Read the article…………………………..

A Neighborly Guide to Enjoying Christmas Lights in Your Neighborhood

The holiday season is upon us, and one of the most cherished traditions is driving around neighborhoods to admire the twinkling Christmas lights. To help you make the most of your neighborhood Christmas light tour, we’ve put together a guide with tips for being a considerate and courteous neighbor during the festive season.    Read the […]

Holiday Decorations – Ho, Ho, Ho or Bah Humbug? (FL)

As the holiday season approaches, it is a good time for associations to consider its authority regarding outdoor holiday decorations. Every community is different, and opinions vary about when the holiday decorations should be put up and “how much” is “too much.” Some people want to start decorating for the holidays on November 1, while […]

Creating a Safe and Festive Holiday Season in Your Community

Homeowner’s associations (HOAs) are crucial in fostering a sense of community and maintaining property values. As the holiday season approaches, board members must strike a balance between promoting festive cheer and upholding the guidelines in the governing documents. This article will go over tips to make your community’s holiday season a great one.    Read the […]

Associations Should Take Smart, Proactive Approach for Festive Holiday Season (FL)

Many communities with associations are replete with activities, private gatherings and general good cheer during the holiday season. To help make this most special time of the year as joyful and harmonious as possible, associations should make considered and intelligent decisions and preparations.    Read the article…………………………………

Port Orange Christmas light tradition pits neighbors against HOA (FL)

Dozens of homeowners in the Waters Edge community in Port Orange got results after fighting their Homeowners Association to keep a big Christmas tradition going that all started to support a little girl going through a tough time.   Read the article…………………………………

‘Tis the Season for HOAs: Preparing for the Holiday Season (CA)

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. Communities across the country come alive with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and the sound of carolers singing their favorite tunes. For homeowners’ associations (HOAs), this time of year presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities.    Read the article……………………………

Politics on Display: Regulating Political Signs in Indiana HOAs

Election Season is upon us, and with the presidential elections approaching in 2024, it is a good time for Indiana community associations to review their policies with regard to political signs. Many community associations have specific sign prohibitions in their governing documents; however, Indiana Code 32-21-13 makes specific exceptions for political signs during an election […]

The Home Depot 12-foot-tall skeleton’s nemesis: HOAs

The only Halloween legend bigger than the recycled Facebook posts warning about cannabis-infused Halloween candy is Skelly, Home Depot’s 12-foot-tall skeleton. The $300 piece of ghoulish decor has dominated suburban yards, social media, and local news across the country since the hardware store chain released it in 2020. But every hero must have an enemy, […]

Making the Holidays Better for All: A Community Effort

The holiday season is a time when communities come alive with lights, decorations, and a spirit of celebration. Or, at least, it’s meant to be. Unfortunately, holidays can sometimes lead to conflicts and misunderstandings that can create tensions throughout the year.   Read the article…………………………….

Irmo mayor at odds with his community association over campaign signs (SC)

The meeting followed Walker, who is on the ballot for re-election Nov. 7, placing campaign signs in his yard and the association deeming it inappropriate.  Neighborhood policy dictates that campaign signs may “may display only the politician’s name and party affiliation and possibly his/hers contact information and be displayed no more than thirty (30) days […]

Holiday Decoration Policy (AZ)

As we step into the season of festivities, we have a couple questions for you: Has your association adopted a holiday decoration policy? And does that policy encompass Halloween decorations?   Read the article………………………

Crafting Holiday Guidelines for Your HOA

As the holidays approach, communities come alive with festive spirit, and preparations to create a warm and inviting atmosphere become essential. Effective signage and decorations play a vital role in transforming streets and neighborhoods and fostering a sense of belonging and joy.   Read the article………………………………….

Sun City HOA board amends political ban (SC)

The controversy in the Sun City Carolina Lakes (SCCL) community regarding a decision by its homeowners association board to bar campaigning by declared political candidates on association property is being resolved.   Read the article………………………..

Tri-State man ‘flabbergasted’ after Pride flag, decorations removed

A Tri-State man is considering filing theft and hate crime charges after he says a neighbor tore down Pride month decorations he had put up.  Greg Deitsch lives at the Village of Finneytown condos, where he says condo owners can display big, blow-up decorations during the holiday season. He wonders why he isn’t allowed to […]

Buckeye home with holiday lights facing violations (AZ)

Jeff Rutt has been putting on “The Lights on Evergreen” since 2019. The Christmas musical light show has won multiple awards from the Verrado Community Association in the past.   Read the article………………………..

Regulating Holiday Displays

Regulating holiday displays can be a tricky topic and association boards of directors are well advised to keep certain things in mind when dealing with it. With the holiday season upon us now is a great time to brush up on some important principles when it comes to adopting and enforcing rules regulating the display […]

Condo Column: The giving season

I love Christmas. I really do. Sadly, it seems to be the only time of year when people are allowed to be nice to one another for no reason. You wish someone a Merry Christmas and they actually pause, light up a little bit, say thank you, and give a return Merry Christmas. And each […]

Manager’s Advice: HOA Holiday Decoration Enforcement Tips

The holidays are a fun and exciting time of year, and residents of homeowners’ associations often decorate their houses in celebration of the upcoming festivities. We all know how important it is for families to decorate their homes for the holidays, but we’re also reminded of the rules and regulations that limit such modifications in […]

Why Board Members Need to Understand The Difference Between Religious and Secular Holiday Displays

If your community association installs a holiday display, is that holiday display considered religious or secular? Are Christmas trees, menorahs, Nativity scenes, or the Kikombe cha Umoja (the Unity Cup used during Kwanzaa celebrations) considered religious or secular? How can you tell the difference? Why is the difference so very important to understand?   Read the […]

Political Signs in Community Associations (MI)

Each election season, we receive questions about political signs in condominiums and homeowners associations. Can community associations restrict political signs, and what are some of the considerations?   Read the article………………………..

CAI Adopts New Public Policy on the Regulation of Political and Noncommercial Signs and Flags

Election season is here across the U.S., which often puts the subject of political sign regulations at the forefront of discussions between community association leaders and residents, legislators, and the media. This week, the CAI Board of Trustees adopted the Political and Noncommercial Signs and Flags Public Policy to help CAI’s state legislative action committees […]

5 Wonderful Ways To Honor Veterans In HOA Communities

Veterans Day holds a significant meaning in the United States. During this day, Americans take part in activities that support and celebrate veterans and military personnel. Here are some of the best ways to honor veterans in HOA communities.   Read the article………………………..

Flags, signs can lead to fines: What to know this election (CO)

Whether it’s a flag or a political sign, what you display outside of your home could cause trouble, and not just with the neighbors.  It’s important to know what’s legal, especially with weeks to go before the Nov. 8 election.   Read the article………………………..