My HOA is threatening to fine my elderly neighbor over his Fourth of July decorations.
By @willakk · Social
Our neighborhood rules say all holiday decorations have to be removed within 24 hours. My neighbor is in his late 80s and hasn't taken his down from yesterday. The HOA already sent a formal warning this morning.
The full story
Our HOA has a reputation for being incredibly strict, and I've always just tried to fly under the radar. The rules are detailed in a binder they give you, and one of the big ones is about holiday decor. Rule 7.4b states that all exterior holiday decorations must be completely removed within 24 hours following the holiday's conclusion. Yesterday was July 4th, and my next-door neighbor, a man in his late 80s who has lived here for decades, had his usual setup: a few American flags along his walkway, some red white and blue bunting on his porch railing, and a couple of those light-up star stakes in his garden. It's all very tasteful. His wife passed away a few years ago and I think decorating is one of the things that brings him joy. This morning, I saw an official HOA envelope taped to his front door. It's the standard warning notice—he likely has another 24 or 48 hours to comply before they issue a fine, which starts at $100 and goes up. A few people in the neighborhood group chat are already complaining about it, saying it's important to 'enforce the rules for everyone to protect our property values.' I feel like I have three options here. 1. Do nothing. It's technically not my problem. He knows the rules, and getting involved could open a can of worms. What if he starts needing help with other things? 2. Go over and offer to help. It would probably take me 30 minutes, tops, to take down the decorations and put them in his garage for him. It seems like the decent, neighborly thing to do. But I'm also worried about setting a precedent. Will I become the unofficial caretaker for his holiday decor every two months? 3. Email the HOA board. I could explain the situation and vouch for him, maybe ask for a permanent exception given his age and the circumstances. This seems like the most bureaucratic and potentially futile option. Our board is run by a few intense sticklers who might see this as me challenging their authority, which could backfire on me. I want to find the most logical and simple solution. Being kind seems simple, but I'm weighing the long-term implications of getting involved at all.
How people voted
- Side A — 33% (44 votes)
- Both — 32% (43 votes)
- Side B — 35% (47 votes)
Readers are split: “Side B” leads with 35% — 134 votes and 4 comments so far.
What people are saying
@gussorta — I would go over, take down the decorations, and then maliciously comply by reporting every single blade of grass that's a half-inch too tall.
@shoulda — bruh
@kirasorta — My HOA tried to fine me because my welcome mat wasn't one of their three approved colors. I feel this in my soul.
@sageok2 — An HOA is a contract you sign, you have to follow the rules no matter how old you are.
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