The holidays are often a frenzied mesh of excitement and stress as homeowners, renters, and sellers navigate the best way to decorate their homes. For many, this time of year is the perfect setting to show off creativity, whether that’s inflatable reindeer pattering on the roof or subtle twinkly lights weaving across the front yard that stay up well through March. For others, the holiday season ends with December and the New Year signifies packing up those festive decorations. If you’re a member of an HOA Board, holiday decorating can be a bit more stressful as you navigate residents’ feelings and opinions about sprucing up their homes for the season.
Let’s dive into some common concerns HOA Boards face during the holiday season, especially regarding regulating decor.
Decoration Dates
How early is too early, and how late is too late? The two most important and commonly asked questions about decorating homes during the holidays. Residents are excited to show off their homes, but that doesn’t mean Halloween decorations should start in August and Christmas lights stay up until Spring. Create specific and acceptable dates that will eliminate any cause for confusion during the holiday season! This will also ease your problems as the holidays approach, allowing you to enforce HOA rules smoothly.
Noise Regulations
Every homeowner is different. Some love planning a neighborhood holiday caroling group, while others prefer peace and quiet with their families. Ensure that you have clear-cut regulations on noise when it comes to decorations. Even enforcing quiet periods can be a great way to make everyone in the community feel comfortable.
Be A Guiding Force For Residents
No matter how many rules and regulations you enforce in an HOA, residents will still have conflicts. It’s unavoidable. But conflicts can be easily managed with the proper methods and understanding. Be a stickler for detailed rules that are to the point. This will alleviate any confusion or frustration during the holiday season for residents. Encourage residents to discuss holiday plans with each other to solve any unforeseeable disputes between neighbors preemptively. And finally, remind residents that the HOA Board is there to guide them. Create an open line of communication so that everyone is on board.
If your HOA Board needs help with navigating holiday decoration regulations or any other association issues, contact Prism Realty Management. Give us a call at 512-676-5842 — we’d be happy to talk to you about who we are, the services we offer, and our process.