The holiday season is here, and so are the lights, inflatables, wreaths, window displays, and neighborhood competitions for “best decorated house.” But if you live in a California HOA community, your holiday spirit might collide with HOA rules, restrictions, and fines you didn’t expect.
Every December, ACE California Law receives a spike in calls from homeowners who suddenly face:
- Violation letters for hanging lights too early or leaving them up too long
- Fines for inflatables, nativity scenes, menorahs, or front-yard décor
- Restrictions on noise, outdoor displays, or roof installations
- HOA complaints triggered by neighbors
- Selective enforcement against certain households
Holiday disputes happen more often than most people think.
Here’s how to stay festive while protecting your rights under California law.
What HOAs Can Regulate During the Holidays
Most HOAs have authority to enforce “reasonable” rules about:
- Lighting schedules
- Noise levels
- Installation safety
- Size and placement of décor
- Decorations on common areas
- Timing restrictions (e.g., no decorations before Dec. 1)
These rules must be clear, written, consistent, and reasonably enforced.
What HOAs Cannot Do
Under the Davis–Stirling Act, HOAs cannot:
- Enforce unwritten rules
- Apply rules selectively
- Target specific households
- Remove decorations on private property without due process
- Issue fines without following proper notice and hearing procedures
- Restrict religious displays in a discriminatory way
Homeowners have strong protections against unfair treatment including when displaying holiday décor.
Religious Decoration Disputes: A Common Legal Issue
California law protects:
- Menorahs
- Nativity scenes
- Advent displays
- Cultural holiday items
- Religious lighting or symbols
An HOA cannot ban religious décor unless it’s enforcing a truly neutral rule that applies equally to everyone.
If your HOA targets a holiday symbol connected to your faith or culture while allowing others, you may have a legal claim.
How to Protect Yourself This Holiday Season
✔ Document everything
Take photos of your décor and how other homes are decorated.
✔ Review the CC&Rs
Most holiday rules are hidden in architectural guidelines, not the main CC&Rs.
✔ Never ignore a violation letter
Responding shows you’re exercising your rights.
✔ Contact ACE California Law if the HOA oversteps
We help homeowners challenge unfair fines, discriminatory rules, and selective enforcement especially common during the holidays.
When to Call an Attorney
If the HOA is:
- Fining you unfairly
- Targeting you
- Removing religious décor
- Enforcing unwritten rules
- Denying your holiday display while approving others
ACE California Law is here to protect your rights. The holidays should bring joy, not HOA headaches, and California law is on your side.
