The Funniest HOA complaints about Christmas Lights and How To Manage Them
The holidays bring joy, sparkly lights, and the unmistakable glow of inflatable snowmen…but somewhere in the neighborhood, an HOA board member is drafting a strongly worded email. While most homeowners' associations genuinely aim to keep communities looking their best, December has a magical way of uncovering some of their most unusual (and occasionally hilarious) enforcement efforts. Today, we’re exploring some of the HOA complaints about Christmas lights, along with friendly, practical tips to help you navigate seasonal HOA rules with confidence.
Some of the Funniest HOA Complaints About Christmas Lights
For most families, a few strings of twinkle lights equal pure holiday magic. For some HOAs, however, even a single blinking reindeer can trigger a near-official investigation. Here are a few real-world examples that show just how spirited things can get.
Lights are put up before the allowed start date.
Many HOAs enforce strict timelines for when holiday lights can go up, so hanging them even a few days early can spark a warning. One Reddit user, who didn’t even live in an HOA community, still received a complaint from a nearby HOA board member who insisted his lights were installed “too early.”
Religious displays violate rules requiring neutral décor.
Because some communities try to avoid disputes with strictly secular guidelines, religious symbols can quickly become a point of contention. In Idaho, homeowner Jeremy Morris faced threats and harassment from his HOA over his elaborate holiday setup featuring lights, music, and religious décor, though he ultimately won a $200,000 verdict in federal court.
Decorations exceed size or height limits.
Larger displays can easily run afoul of HOA rules, especially when they extend beyond property lines. In South Carolina, the O’Hea family’s festive setup spilled slightly into a shared area, prompting their HOA to hire a law firm and demand the decorations be removed. Neighbors rallied behind the family, even raising funds to support them.
What HOAs Do (Ideally) During the Holidays
During the holiday season, HOAs step into a more active role as neighborhoods fill with lights, décor, and festive gatherings. Their responsibilities extend beyond landscaping and maintenance to making sure holiday displays are safe, tasteful, and in line with community standards.
Common holiday duties for HOAs include:
Establishing timelines for when decorations may be put up and taken down
Regulating the size, brightness, or placement of displays
Mitigating safety hazards such as blocked walkways or overloaded outlets
Overseeing community events and shared spaces
Enforcing CC&Rs to maintain curb appeal during peak décor season
HOAs in Arizona operate under A.R.S. §33-1801 et seq., which grants associations broad authority to enforce reasonable rules, as long as they follow their own governing documents.
How to Manage HOA Issues About Holiday Decorations
Now that you’ve seen how easily holiday décor can lead to HOA issues, we’d love to offer some practical insights to help you stay in compliance while keeping your home festive.
1. Read Your CC&Rs Before Decking the Halls
Before you hang a single strand of lights, take a moment to review your HOA’s CC&Rs, which outline what decorations are allowed, when they can go up, and any limits on brightness, inflatables, or rooftop displays.
2. Keep Your Display Safe and Compliant
Safety is one of the biggest concerns HOAs address during the holidays, so make sure cords are secure, lights are rated for outdoor use, and nothing obstructs sidewalks or creates visibility issues.
3. Resolve Complaints Early and Calmly
If your HOA sends a notice or reminder, respond calmly and professionally, asking for clarification if needed and documenting all communication. Most issues can be resolved quickly with small adjustments or simple conversations.
4. Know When Legal Help Is Needed
Sometimes an HOA dispute becomes more serious, especially if rules are enforced inconsistently or the association oversteps its authority. If you believe your rights are being violated or you’re facing improper fines, an Arizona civil litigation attorney can help protect your interests.
Need Backup in Your HOA Dispute? Dempsey & Fouts Is Here to Help.
If an HOA complaint is causing you stress or escalating into threats or harassment, we’re here to help. Our team offers straightforward legal guidance, timely communication, and dedicated advocacy for homeowners throughout Arizona. Reach out at dempseyfouts.com and let us take the burden off your shoulders this season.