One of the best things about living in an HOA community is how festive it can feel when residents begin to decorate their houses. However, attempts to create a seasonal look don't always pay off, and when they fail, they can cause all sorts of problems, like conflict between neighbors.
That's why you need clear HOA holiday decorating guidelines for everyone to follow. Here is how to get those guidelines right.
Set Festive Home Decor Timescales
Your guidelines should clearly state to homeowners the earliest date they can add holiday decorations and specify the latest January date for removing them once the holiday season is over. That way, residents won't complain about why decorations are up at inappropriate times of the year.
Consider Community Rules About Noise Limits
Some modern decorations include noise effects and music.
While these can be fun when visiting a winter wonderland event, they could annoy neighbors or disturb their peace. So, add some rules to your HOA guidelines that limit noisy decorations. You may also want to add regulations restricting extra bright lights if they overlook neighboring windows.
Providing Guidelines on Locations
You don't want homeowners heading off to decorate communal areas like buildings and parks, which could create conflict between neighbors. It's vital you preempt this by outlining permitted locations in your guidelines.
That will generally be the homeowners' property and grounds, away from pathways, roads, parking areas, and communal spaces.
Don't Forget About Safety
Holiday decorations might look magical, but they shouldn't become health hazards in your community. Review all your guidelines from a health and safety perspective and try to think about the potential risks, such as:
- Tripping over cables
- Potential fire hazards
- Blocking emergency routes
It's worth walking around your community to help identify potential issues. Make sure your guidelines are well-written and easy to understand so there is no ambiguity about how to keep your community safe.
Think About the Theme
You may want to add something to your HOA guidelines about the look and feel of residents' decorations. You'll want ones that are tasteful and appropriate for your community.
However, rather than enforcing vague rules like these, it might be best to set a theme each year for residents to follow. That way, you'll create a more coherent and appealing in your community.
Suggest How to Secure the Decorations
Remember to factor in the weather when making decoration decisions. Wind and rain could turn a carefully planned holiday design into a catastrophe. Add some helpful rules and guidelines about correctly securing decorations so you don't need to worry about broken lights falling from a roof or a decoration upside down on the pathway.
HOA Holiday Decorating Guidelines to Keep Everyone Happy
Start the holiday season as you mean to go on, ensuring a harmonious, happy community. Ensure your HOA holiday decorating guidelines are transparent, fair to everyone, and easy to follow.
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