Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) can sometimes create rules that seem strange or unfair. While their goal is to keep neighborhoods looking nice and safe, some of their rules go too far.
From telling you how to decorate your home to limiting how many guests you can have, these guidelines can feel more like a list of absurd restrictions than helpful advice.
1. You Can’t Grow Vegetable Gardens
Some HOAs don’t let you grow vegetable gardens in your yard. One Redditor recently shared how their girlfriend’s family was fined $350 and instructed to tear down their garden bed because it was four inches over the allowed length. (ref)
This can be frustrating if you want to grow your own food and live a healthier lifestyle. There’s actually a proposed law called the Vegetable Garden Protection Act, which could stop HOAs from banning gardens.
The Institute for Justice (IJ) has even created model legislation to protect your right to garden. (ref) So, change might be on the way!
2. Your Pets Have a Weight Limit
HOAs often have rules about pets, and some might set a limit on how much your pet can weigh. For example, they might say your dog can’t be more than 25 pounds.
This rule doesn’t make much sense because bigger pets can be just as well-behaved as smaller ones. It’s tough when you have a pet that’s part of your family but doesn’t meet the weight limit.
3. You Can’t Do Home Improvements on Weekends
Some HOAs don’t allow you to work on home projects during the weekend, which is when most people actually have the time to do them.
It can especially frustrating if you work during the week and only have weekends to fix things up.
4. You’ll Face Secret Speed Traps
Some neighborhoods have hidden speed traps where they watch and fine you for driving even a little over the speed limit. However, some are not-so-secret.
For example, in 2021, a Leander, TX, HOA reportedly informed residents that it would be introducing a portable camera and radar system to detect and apprehend drivers who are found to be exceeding the speed limit within the community. (ref)
While safety is important, secret traps can feel unfair, especially when the rules aren’t clear or you didn’t know you were speeding. It’s better to announce and introduce them to residents first.
5. You Have to Keep Your Grass a Certain Length
HOAs often set strict rules about how long your grass can be. If it’s too long, they’ll fine you. But grass grows quickly, and sometimes life gets busy, making it hard to keep up.
This rule doesn’t leave much room for flexibility, and it can be annoying to get fined just because your grass is a little taller than the limit.
6. You Can Only Use White Lights for the Holidays
Some HOAs have strict rules about holiday decorations, like only allowing white lights. If you like colorful holiday displays, this can really take the fun out of decorating.
It’s hard to feel festive when you’re limited to just one color, especially when holidays are a time to express yourself and get creative.
7. You Can’t Have Too Many Guests
In some neighborhoods, there are limits on how many guests you can have at your house at once. This rule can make it tough if you like to host gatherings or parties.
You might even have to choose between inviting a few close friends or risking a fine. It’s frustrating when you can’t enjoy your home the way you want, especially when it comes to spending time with loved ones.
8. Your Curtains Must Be the Same Color
HOAs sometimes control the smallest details, like the color of your curtains. They might require everyone to have the same color curtains facing the street for a “uniform” look.
For instance, a Redditor commented that they received a letter from their property manager today informing them that their current window treatment is against the HOA policy. The HOA policy states that all units must have white vertical blinds. (ref)
This rule doesn’t allow for much personal choice, and it can feel like you’re living in a place where your creativity is stifled. You might want to match your curtains and blinds with your decor, but instead, you’re stuck with what the HOA wants.
9. You Have to Keep Your Garage Doors Closed
Some HOAs want your garage doors closed at all times, even when you’re home. This rule can feel restrictive, especially if you use your garage often or like to hang out there.
It’s a hassle to have to keep opening and closing it, and it makes you feel like you can’t even decide how to manage your own space.
10. You’re Not Allowed to Rent Out Your Home
Many HOAs don’t let you rent out your home, whether it’s for long-term tenants or short-term stays like on Airbnb. A national discussion about Airbnbs turned local in an East Tennessee neighborhood where the homeowners association filed a lawsuit against some of its own members for using their homes as short-term vacation rentals. (ref)
If you travel a lot or have extra space, this rule can limit how you use your property. It’s frustrating if you want to earn extra money or need to be away for a while, but the HOA says renting is not allowed.
While HOA’s aim is to create a pleasant living environment, some of their rules can be hard to understand or accept, especially when it comes to your home.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.