While condominium, townhome, and homeowner association residents are free to decorate the interior of their home as they please, many associations have adopted formal decorating policies for association common elements (ex. hallways, patios, lobbies, and lawns).

 

Here are three tips for a community association board to consider when approaching holiday décor etiquette.

 

  1. Adopt Association Rules

While a total ban of all decorations might be considered unreasonable, associations can adopt a number of equitable restrictions on décor in the common elements of the association. Such restrictions should consider:

  • Safety – ex. blocking fire escapes, overloading electrical circuits.
  • Damage – ex. sharp, wet, or heavy objects that require costly repair to association property.
  • Disturbance – ex. noise-making decoration, excessively bright lights.

 

  1. Make Religious Considerations

A holiday decoration policy should be drafted and applied across the association without discrimination of individual religions or holidays. Furthermore, both constitutional law and IL State laws protect the religious practices (including some types of “décor”) of unit owners and residents.

 

  1. Manage Expectations

Associations can benefit greatly from a timely reminder notice of the décor policy prior to major holidays. Boards can also engage with the association ownership on décor by encouraging the unit owners to:

  • Talk amongst their neighbors about their intentions and expectations around the holidays.
  • Form holiday committees to decorate common areas with an inclusive-approach.
  • Attend meetings and make meaningful recommendations to modify the policy, if necessary.
  • Be open to policy exemptions for pre-approved, legitimate cases (ex. welcoming a soldier home, birthday parties).

 

If your association is interested in adopting rules to address holiday decor, do not hesitate to contact our firm.

Since 1983, KSN has been a legal resource for condominium, homeowner, and townhome associations. Additionally, we represent clients in real estate transactions, collections, landlord/tenant issues, and property tax appeals. We represent thousands of clients and community associations throughout the US with offices in several states including Florida, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

If our law firm can be of assistance, please call 855-537-0500 or visit www.ksnlaw.com.

 

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