As the weather starts to cool, and you see leaves begin to fall from the trees, you know fall is here. It not only means sweaters, cocoa, and warming by a cozy fire but that the holiday season is fast approaching. Every month from October through the New Year will have national holidays that many […]
Who controls campaign signs at the Ridge? (WA)
Political campaign signs at Snoqualmie Ridge have been getting extra focus lately. Several candidates for city council received emails from the Snoqualmie Ridge Residential Owners’ Association (ROA) stating their staked political signs were in violation of ROA policy and needed to be taken down or that the ROA would remove them. Read the article……………………..
LEGAL CORNER: Do HOA rules prohibiting political signs violate 1st Amendment rights? (LA)
Question 2: Do Home Owner Association rules violate property owner 1st Amendment rights, Freedom of Expression by forbidding the owners from erecting political signs which endorse a candidate on their property. Read the article…………………………
American flags only? (CA)
Shannon Glover came from England to San Diego almost 30 years ago for a uniquely American reason: She fell in love with Tom Cruise and “Top Gun.” Now she’s in a dispute that pits the country of her birth against the one she calls home. Her homeowner’s association in Carmel Valley has ordered her to […]
Holiday Lights and your HOA (VA)
The Virginia Supreme Court has issued another ruling specifying the limitations of homeowners associations to enact guidelines, rules, and regulations that exceed the scope of their authority. We had written previously about attempts by HOAs to regulate holiday decorations. The first item on our suggested checklist to assist homeowners association was “Does the Board have […]
How a Loudoun Co. family’s year-round holiday lights sparked a lawsuit (VA)
After a homeowners association in Loudoun County, Virginia, initially fined and successfully sued a family for keeping its exterior holiday lights up throughout the year, Virginia’s Supreme Court has now overturned the HOA’s lawsuit victory. In 2018, Loudoun County Circuit Judge Jeanette Irby had ruled in favor of the Belmont Glen Homeowners Association in its […]
Holiday Lights and your HOA (VA)
The Virginia Supreme Court has issued another ruling specifying the limitations of homeowners associations to enact guidelines, rules, and regulations that exceed the scope of their authority. Read the article……………………..
Supreme Court of Virginia Opinions: Sainani v. Belmont Glen Homeowners Association
The trial court in this case erred in awarding a monetary judgment, injunctive relief, as well as attorney fees and costs to a homeowners association in an action against lot owners for violations of the HOA’s guidelines governing the use of holiday decorations. The HOA’s seasonal lighting guidelines were not enforceable under the HOA’s declaration […]
Tips for Handling Vehicles with Advertisements
Regulating parking in any community is complicated. First, parking priorities will vary widely depending on the type of community, whether urban or rural, condominium or homeowners association, whether the development offers plentiful parking or has limited spaces, and whether the roads are public or private. Read the article……………………..
HOA says American flag has to go. It doesn’t maintain the neighborhood’s ‘look’ (AZ)
In February, Cordero struck up a conversation with a firefighter, called to her street by a neighbor’s medical emergency. The firefighter asked her why no one in the neighborhood had their house numbers painted on the curb. She called the Westbrook Village Homeowners Association and says she was told the HOA had no responsibility for […]
Confusion over ‘No soliciting’ signs explained (GA)
The Forsyth County board of commissioners recently expanded some definitions and clarified the language in the county’s solicitation ordinance. The “no soliciting” HOA signs at the entrance to many neighborhoods were never mentioned. However, the sheriff’s office changed their enforcement policies in regard to those signs, and a recent social media post explaining all of […]
Waukegan homeowners association president found not guilty of trespassing in confrontation over campaign signs (IL)
A 9th Ward homeowners association president charged with trespassing after a dispute over campaign signs was found not guilty by a Lake County judge Thursday. The confrontation that led to charges against Marc Speziale, the president of The Fields of Cambridge Condominium Association, came in the midst of hotly contested aldermanic elections across Waukegan that […]
Buckhorn HOA Recognizes Memorial Day (FL)
For 16 years, the homeowners association (HOA) in Valrico’s Buckhorn subdivision has displayed patriotism by decorating the community with flags before Memorial Day weekend. This year, the group placed 782 flags, one at each of the homes in the subdivision and 130 at the community’s entrance, to remember and recognize those lost fighting for the […]
Freedom in Associations: Exercising Free-Speech Rights in an HOA
Freedom of speech is perhaps the most cherished and most important protection provided by the United States Constitution. The delegates to the Constitutional Convention viewed citizens’ right to speak their minds without fear of government retribution as so important that “freedom of speech” is enshrined in the very First Amendment of the Constitution. Indeed, many […]
HOA: Vietnam veteran must remove garage door mural honoring vets (FL)
A Vietnam War veteran living in North Fort Myers has been fighting to keep a mural honoring veterans on his home. The management of his gated community of Del Tura Golf and Country Club informed him that they received a complaint about the mural on his garage door, which depicts the silhouette of a soldier […]
Religious law firm files appeal after judge overrules verdict on Hayden Christmas display (ID)
A religious law firm is appealing to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on behalf of a Hayden family after a judge overruled a jury verdict finding a Homeowner’s Association discriminated against them based on religion in regards to a Christmas light display. Read the article……………………
Vietnam veteran wins dispute with Henderson HOA over patriotic van (NV)
A Henderson veteran has won a battle with his homeowner’s association. Back in March, News 3 reported Neil Johnson was getting citations from his HOA in Palm Hills, warning him that he could face penalties for his flag-wrapped van in his driveway. Read the article………………………
No Soliciting Signs in an HOA
It’s Springtime, and homeowners’ associations are particularly attractive communities for commercial, religious, and political solicitors. The close proximity of homes, neatly manicured lawns, and accessible sidewalks lend appeal to neighborhood canvassers. So, what’s a homeowner to do if solicitations are not particularly desired? Read the article………………………….
HOA wants man’s life-size bronze eagle removed from backyard (DE)
A homeowner association wants a veteran to remove his patriotic display from his New Castle County backyard. “I love eagles. It’s our national symbol,” homeowner Rich Killingsworth said. Read the article……………………..
Blue porch lights to support autism bring trouble for East Bay homeowner (CA)
The White House did it. So did the Empire State Building, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Eiffel Tower and some 10,000 other landmark buildings. But when a Discovery Bay mother of an autistic son turned her porch lights blue to support World Autism Awareness Day, she got slapped with a noncompliance notice and a warning […]
Political Signs in Your HOA Community: Guidelines for the Upcoming Elections (TX, AZ)
Most cities, counties, and states have laws established regarding the number of political signs a homeowner can post on private property. There are also limits on the size of sign allowed. It’s important that the board understands what is allowed in the community before implementing any rules regarding political signs. Read the article……………………
What Does the Sign Say? Sign Regulation, Legal Issues and the First Amendment (FL:
All signs are subject to some form of regulation while at the same time carrying some form of First Amendment protection. Due to those protections afforded by the First Amendment, government regulation of signs is subject to a heightened scrutiny. This can often lead to disputes and litigation which we all know can be expensive […]
Couple petitioning to keep pride flag hung after condo HOA votes to prohibit all flags (FL)
A gay couple fighting to keep their pride flag up in their condo community, plan to take their battle to court. Richard Hughes said he’ll continue to fight after the Green Dolphin Condominiums passed a proposal to prohibit unapproved flags. Hughes filed a discrimination complaint in Pinellas County against the association last year in October. […]
3 Solutions to Common Holiday HOA Issues
Residential property management can become challenging during the holidays when residents begin violating rules that help make the community better for everyone. Most residents aren’t doing this purposefully — they’re likely not aware of the rules. Here are three common problems that you’re likely to face this holiday season and solutions to help you effectively […]
Marina City condo board tries to rein in colorful balcony lights (IL)
With 16 of them along the circumference of 44 floors of two towers, the balconies of Marina City may arguably be what attracts the most attention to the architectural icon, particularly over the holidays when many of the balconies are decorated with string lights. But less than two weeks before Christmas, the condo board at […]
A sign that something isn’t quite right in the neighborhood (CA)
Some of my neighbors would rather be threatened than welcomed, it seems. This unlikely attitude came to my attention when I received a “Courtesy Notice” from our homeowners association. Having conducted an inspection of the property, it warned, “There is a sign in the front yard common area of your home that is prohibited.” Read […]
Decorating with Flair… While Keeping it Fair (FL)
Decorating is one of the most fun aspects of the holidays. It’s the time of the year when your lawn goes from the same everyday style to a winter wonderland. If you’re in a community with an HOA or are looking to keep everyone in your neighborhood happy, this one’s for you. Read the article……………….
Simple Holiday Decoration Guidelines in an HOA
Homeowners typically love to show their holiday spirit; so limiting holiday decorations is not a viable option for any board. Instead, focus on how to encourage your community to celebrate the holiday season in a tasteful and reasonable way. For most, the holiday season is a time of cheer and goodwill; however, concerns about discrimination […]
Outdoor Christmas decorations banned by North Phoenix HOA (AZ)
It’s not just package thefts that can kill the holiday spirit. Residents of a condo complex in North Phoenix said their HOA has banned outdoor Christmas decorations. The decision was announced in a notice, telling homeowners they are not allowed to put out any decorations on the outside of their homes. Read the article……………..
Hanging the stockings with care: Developing a holiday decoration policy that doesn’t turn into a lump of coal
With their celebrations, gifts, and good wishes, the holidays are a time to be thankful and festive. Often that means decorating your home, office, and even car. But in some community associations, a resident’s seemingly innocent act of holiday cheer can be interpreted as a malicious disregard for association rules. Read the article………………….
Sherman Woods holiday lights help Salvation Army (MI)
“Two years ago we looked at this as an opportunity to leverage the interest in our neighborhood’s Christmas displays to raise a few extra dollars for the Red Kettle campaign,” said Fred Kemp, Sherman Woods Homeowners Association president, in an email. “Our homeowners are proud of their displays and have been generous with their time […]
Homeowner: HOA complaints will not derail Winter Haven train display (FL)
A Winter Haven man says his holiday train display won’t be de-railed despite the protests of his homeowners’ association. John Solobello fell in love with locomotives when he was just five-years-old. Ever since, he has been collecting trains and working on layouts. Read the article………………..
Decking the Halls in Your Homeowner’s Association (NC)
The fall and winter holiday months are the perfect time to show your holiday spirit. Regardless of which occasion is your favorite, this time of year draws homeowners to the holiday aisles filled with décor of all kinds. In fact, a recent study revealed that the value of United States imports of Christmas lights alone […]
Ready to put up those holiday lights? First check your HOA rules (AZ)
Tis the season for holiday lights and decorations. Right after Thanksgiving, the huge blow-up Santas and snowmen start showing up in yards and twinkly lights begin adorning homes. But many metro Phoenix homeowners live in homeowners associations, with rules for just how festive they can make their home exteriors and yards. Homeowners who don’t follow […]
Homeowner’s pro-Trump sign causes stir in Plantation (FL)
A Plantation homeowners association cut down two palm trees to remove a provocative pro-Donald Trump campaign sign Monday morning after a homeowner refused to take it down. After the sign was removed and the trees were cut down, Karl Payne, who lives in the 800 block of Northwest 10th Court, responded by hanging additional signs […]
Durham man moves political sign inside after $100 a day fine threat (NC)
John O’Brien and his wife had three political signs in their front yard, but moved one of the signs inside their house after the property management company hired by the homeowners association threatened him with a fine. “They sent us a letter threatening us with a hundred dollar a day fees if we didn’t take […]
Jury awards $75K to Hayden man over his Christmas light display (ID)
The battle over Christmas lights in Hayden, Idaho is finally over. A jury ruled in favor of Jeremy Morris, who said that his family was embarrassed and ostracized by the West Hayden Homeowners Association. Morris was awarded $60,000 in compensatory damages and $15,000 in punitive damages. Read the article……………….
Fla. woman decorates yard with Hitler-saluting Holocaust skeletons
In the yard is skeleton after skeleton, saluting Hitler with concentration camp identification numbers on their arms and a Star of David on their chests………So, what does the homeowner, Susan Lamerton, have to say about her Halloween decorations causing controversy in her New Port Richey neighborhood? We had a chance to ask her, and she […]
‘Parkland Strong’ signs must come down, community association says (FL)
It is a community that experienced one of the worst school shootings in U.S. history, but Parkland’s strength rose above, with its residents coming together after 17 people were killed in February at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. In the weeks and months that followed, memorials grew outside of the high school and throughout nearby […]
Trial over Hayden man’s Christmas display begins (ID)
Morris is seeking to have his house de-annexed from the HOA along with $250,000 in punitive damages. The battle over Christmas lights in Hayden, Idaho made its way to federal court Monday in Coeur d’Alene. Jeremy Morris’ legal battle with the West Hayden Homeowners Association started back in 2015 when he moved to his home […]
New weapon in campaign sign battle: neighborhoods can’t ban them (MO)
If your homeowners association says you can’t put campaign signs in your yard, you can now say ‘no’ to them. The General Assembly passed a law earlier this year that homeowners associations cannot prohibit political signs. However, it seems that not everyone knows about the new rules. Audrey Shah, a supporter of 50th district Democratic […]
Can Your HOA Regulate Your Holiday Decor?
Fall and winter holidays are perfect for creating an elaborate outdoor scene – whether you’re planning to recreate “Frankenstein” in your front yard, light up the walkways for Diwali or feature Santa Claus and his reindeer on your roof. Regardless of which holiday you prefer to go all out for, the potential to spread extra […]
Katy resident plans to fight HOA to keep huge Beto sign in front yard (TX)
One Katy homeowner is fighting back against her property association after it sent her a violation notice regarding a large painted black-and-white “Beto” sign on her front yard. Read the article………………
Homeowner’s pro-Trump sign causes stir in Plantation (FL)
A Plantation homeowners association cut down two palm trees to remove a provocative pro-Trump campaign sign Monday morning after a homeowner refused to take it down. After the sign was removed and the trees were cut down, Karl Payne, who lives in the 800 block of Northwest 10th Court, responded by hanging additional signs and […]
Political Signs and Free Speech (OH)
With election season upon us, the topic of political signs is bound to come up at your association. This time of year, political signs start popping up in the yards on individual lots and on common and limited common elements as well as in owner’s windows. Many homeowner and condominium associations have deed restrictions on […]
Can Your HOA Regulate Your Holiday Decor?
Fall and winter holidays are perfect for creating an elaborate outdoor scene — whether you’re planning to recreate “Frankenstein” in your front yard, light up the walkways for Diwali or feature Santa Claus and his reindeer on your roof. Regardless of which holiday you prefer to go all out for, the potential to spread extra […]
Beaumont residents turn to social media after political sign controversy (TX)
As local and statewide races heat up political signs have popped up in yards all over Southeast Texas as many believe they have the right to show support for their favorite candidates. Read the article………………
Can Your Homeowners Association Limit Owners’ Display of Political Signs? (MO)
As Americans, we cherish our First Amendment rights – chiefly among them, our freedoms of speech and expression. In November, for many that includes the freedom to express their political beliefs. As recent news stories have shown us, homeowners are willing to go to great lengths to express themselves, especially when they feel their rights […]
Beaumont resident at odds with home owner’s association over political signs (TX)
As local and statewide races heat up political signs have popped up in yards all over Southeast Texas as many believe they have the right to show support for their favorite candidates. Read the article………………
Case Alert: A Very Un-Jolly Christmas for One North Carolina Homeowners Association
The North Carolina Court of Appeals delivered a lump of coal to one homeowners association this winter. In McVicker vs. Bogue Sound Yacht Club, Inc., available here, which came out on December 20th, the Court of Appeals ruled that a homeowners association had exceeded its authority when it attempted to collect a construction bond from […]