Homeowners in South Carolina and Arizona Clash Over Holiday Decor

News Summary

As the holiday season approaches, homeowners in South Carolina and Arizona are facing pressure from Homeowners Associations (HOAs) to remove festive decorations. While some residents abide by the rules, others argue that these restrictions dampen holiday spirit. HOAs have the authority to enforce rules that regulate outdoor displays based on restrictive covenants, leading to complaints and debates about the balance between community standards and personal expression during the holidays.

South Carolina and Arizona Homeowners Bristle Under Holiday Decoration Rules

The holiday season is supposed to be a time of joy, lights, and festive cheer. However, for many homeowners in communities governed by Homeowners Associations (HOAs) in South Carolina and Arizona, the season is turning sour as they face pressures to pull down their beloved holiday decorations. As deadlines loom, the festive spirit could be getting the boot, and it has residents feeling a bit Scrooge-like.

Understanding HOA Authority

Many residents might not be aware of how much control HOAs wield over their decorations. Attorney Kathleen M. McDaniel from Columbia points out that HOAs have the legal right to regulate not just outdoor displays but also holiday decor based on restrictive covenants. It’s a little-known fact that most of these covenants provide HOAs the authority to manage what homeowners put up during the holidays.

HOAs on the Rise

In South Carolina alone, nearly a quarter of homes are governed by these associations. They are becoming increasingly popular for establishing community guidelines that help maintain neighborhoods’ appearance and potentially safeguard property values. However, these established standards can sometimes clash with the joy of holiday decorating.

Typical Decoration Rules

Generally, it is common practice for HOAs to allow homeowners to display festive lights up to 30 days before a holiday and keep them twinkling until the second week of the new year. But when homeowners stray from these guidelines, the consequences can be glaringly evident.

Facing the Fines

Those who refuse to comply with these decoration rules face the possibility of fines, which can dampen anyone’s holiday spirit. In addition, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, which oversees HOA activity, does address complaints but typically only mediates between the homeowners and the HOA, lacking enforcement powers. Notably, the department operates an accessible complaint database and reports its findings annually to the General Assembly.