Crazy HOA Rules That Homeowners Have To Follow
The HOA stands for Homeowners Associations. It's the HOA's job to make sure that all members of a community are upholding the community's rules and guidelines. Anybody who purchases a property in a given community must abide by the rules of that community's HOA and pay monthly fees to the HOA. The HOA strives to keep the neighborhood orderly, clean, and in good working order.
Unfortunately, sometimes HOAs confine the freedom of residents to an unnecessary and sometimes ridiculous extent. Keep reading to learn more about some of the craziest HOA rules.
No Blue Trampoline Covers
Reddit user SellSome posted that their neighborhood prohibits blue trampoline covers. More specifically, they have to be green or black. While many of the commenters were baffled by the seemingly arbitrary demand, one person replied with a possible explanation.
Baldybeardy suggested that it has to do with wildlife. They mentioned that blue AstroTurf had fooled ducks into diving into the solid surface. Hopefully, the rule didn't come from a bird problem in the past.
Your Mulch Isn't Dark Enough
Have you ever been criticized for your mulch being too dark? Reddit user /u/amandatorry has. They stated that the mulch on their property was deemed to be the wrong shade of red by the HOA. Mulch is the stuff you spread around your garden to enrich the soil.
It's basically dirt. Can you imagine telling someone that their dirt is the wrong color? According to the user, they were fined twice because their mulch wasn't dark enough.
Pets Have To Be Under 15 Pounds
Many HOAs have rules about what kinds of pets homeowners are allowed to have. Reddit user /u/merganzer mentioned one that seems a little bit excessive. They stated that their neighborhood HOA made a rule that all pets have to be "no more than 15 pounds of pet."
We get putting a weight limit on pets so that nobody tries to keep a pony in their house, but 15 pounds is pretty small. There are some cats that are over 15 pounds and most dog breeds heavier than that.
A Limit On Cars
One Reddit user mentioned that the HOA board members wrote him up because he had too many cars in his driveway. The cars were on. his personal property. They weren't on the curb or on the road. They were in his driveway for heaven's sake!
This person did have five cars on his driveway, but that was only because he had just moved into his new home and he had family and friends over to help him unpack.
No Garage Basketball Allowed
In Houston, Texas, the HOA has a rule that prohibits people from installing basketball hoops on their own garage doors if their garage is attached to their home. Homeowners are allowed to have a freestanding basketball hoop, though. Also, if the garage is detached from the home, then a hoop is allowed. What is the point of this rule?
It can't be to stop kids from playing basketball on the street, because freestanding hoops are allowed. This doesn't make any sense.
No Bikes On The Balcony
If you live in an apartment building, where are you supposed to keep your bike? ON the balcony, right? well, that's not allowed in this Reddit user's condo. One Reddit user stated that he was forbidden from keeping his bicycle on his sixth-floor balcony. He had to keep his bike in his living room.
Yeah, it may be a bit unsightly to have bikes on balconies, but if that's the case, the condo should provide a bike garage or parking space.
A Specific Kind Of Doorbell Frame
Reddit user sykocus wrote that in their monthly newsletter, a page-long article described the kind of doorbell frames that were and were not acceptable. "Novelty" frames were a strict no, meaning no American flag patterns or sports team logos. Brass was also off the table.
In terms of shape, square was not permitted unless it was turned to look like a diamond. Miraculously, oval-shaped was okay despite the preference being round. We get that some people would prefer a uniform-looking neighborhood, but are doorbell frames really that much of an eyesore?
House Paint Can Only Be One Of Seven Colors
It makes sense that an HOA would regulate the paint used on house exteriors. The whole community can end up looking weird if there's one random neon green house on the street. You should have more than seven options, though.
One Reddit user wrote that their HOA demands each house be a specific paint shade. Ironically, the seven shades that the board lists are all a particular brand that can't be found in normal hardware stores.
Special Christmas Lights
People like to get creative with their Christmas decorations, but that can't happen if you live in Reddit user /u/skeptibat's neighborhood. He wrote that their neighborhood has mandated Christmas lights colors. When a commenter inquired which colors were permitted, he replied that it depends on the house number since "the HOA wants variety."
Well, that's a whole new level of micromanaging. Why not just let everybody use the colors they want if you want variety?
A Plant License Is Required
One Reddit user stated that their HOA tried to have them get architectural approval for two small potted plants they had placed at the front door. The Reddit user knew full well that since the pots weren't attached to the house and didn't "drastically" change the landscaping, the plants shouldn't have to be subject to approval.
Nevertheless, they received fines and were even sent to collections. The poor resident had to go to court over the nonsense, but ultimately won the case. On top of that, the neighbors teamed up and got a few corrupt board members kicked out.
How To Dress For A Garage Sale
Reddit user 91X stated that in their neighborhood, there were two set garage sales each year, one in April and the other in September. If that wasn't enough to drive someone bonkers, there's also a dress code at said garage sales.
Everyone must wear polos and khakis while selling out of their garage. Commenters were shocked that anyone would live there, to which the user replied that it was an older community. They also added that they were merely renting.
You Can't Share Towels
Reddit user 91X (the same one who had the garage dress code rule) also said that their neighborhood forbade towel sharing at the pool. Any person who was seen without a towel of their own would be fined $25.
Few people commented on this side note since the garage attire took the limelight, but we'd like to mention how insane this rule is. No one suffers from observing a towel being shared.
The Timing Of The Trash
One Reddit user posted about their neighborhood's stringent rule for trash day. The trash truck would come every Thursday morning, and the rule forbade residents from putting their trash out on the curb Wednesday night. That means you'd have to either wake up early or put it out at midnight.
The user claimed that putting the trash out at 11:59 PM on Wednesday would be enough to earn you a $25 fine. It's understandable that the neighborhood wouldn't want garbage cans out for very long on pickup day, but this seems extreme.
You Have To Pay To Have Guests Sleep Over
Another Reddit user stated that their neighborhood demands a $10 fee for overnight guests. If that weren't enough, they also charge $5 if the guest uses a parking spot. Since most people drive to get places, it's safe to say you'd be out $15 if someone stays over.
Many of the responders wondered how the association would know who's in your home, especially if they didn't bring their car. Another mentioned how many variables come into play, such as someone staying until late but not the entire night. We could understand not wanting unofficial roommates flooding the neighborhood, but they could at least give a week's grace period.
Three Nights Only
Another Reddit user also had a problem with the overnight guest rule. Fortunately, there wasn't a fee for overnight guests. However, they were forbidden from staying more than two consecutive nights. During the holiday season, the rule bumped up to three consecutive nights.
The rule doesn't seem too bad considering they just need to write to the HOA to inform them if it will be longer. However, if they don't, the management company would tow the guests' car(s)! We'd take a $30 guest fee over a towed car any day.
You Can Only Open Your Garage For Five Minutes
Imagine a friendly neighborhood in a quaint suburb. Children are playing in the cul-de-sacs, parents are gathered around chatting, and everyone knows the mailman by name. Odds are, you can also see garage doors being left open as people take in the day.
According to one Reddit user, garage doors would have to be closed in five minutes or less in their neighborhood. Any longer and you were in violation of an HOA rule. We'd like to think that the rule was created to prevent theft, but it seems more likely that such a stringent rule has more to do with aesthetics than safety.
Mailboxes Have To Be Identical
Reddit user fightinscot mentioned a neighborhood where all mailboxes had to be the exact same, meaning bought from the same person. Over the decades, homeowners were told to go to only one specific "guy" who would charge around $750!
Demanding similar mailboxes is one thing, but that rule has micromanagement written all over it. If that weren't enough, they also had the rule that no cars could be parked on the street for more than an hour. This would be a travesty in an urban area.
Carry Your Dogs, Please
An elderly woman by the name of Pamela McMahan lives in a condo that has a rule that dog paws may never touch the floor of the lobby. Dog owners have to carry their dogs outside if they want to take them for a walk. If dog owners don't follow this rule, they can be fined $25. Pamela has a dog and walks with a cane, so she can't lift her dog without risking her own safety.
Stormy Jech, the building's assistant property manager, said, "there are just too many things going on in the lobby," as reasoning for the ridiculous rule. Pamela was forced to move out of her condo.
As Many Cats As You Want
NdYAGlady posted that in their neighborhood there are stringent rules on all pets but one: cats. Have as many felines as you'd like, but when it comes to dogs, only occupants who own the property (no renters) may have ONE dog.
When it comes to other some and furry friends, like hamsters, they are not permitted at all as they are too "exotic." It sounds like this HOA board consists of extremist cat people who dream of a neighborhood dominated by felines.
Park The Right Way
One Reddit user claimed that their HOA forbade residents for parking their cars in reverse on the driveway because, "We need to see your registration sticker." Being that evaluating car registrations is not in the HOA's jurisdiction, this rule seems overreaching.
Anyone who has been late renewing their car registration can attest that worrying about police officers and high penalties is bad enough. The last thing you want is the HOA knocking on your door for something that doesn't even relate to the neighborhood whatsoever.
Mount Your Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguishers serve a vital purpose, so demanding that they are accessible in the home is completely reasonable. But since they're an eyesore, most people would prefer to place them somewhere discreet, such as under the sink or in a closet.
Reddit user CrackLawliet wrote that her community wouldn't allow this. Furthermore, they had to mount the extinguisher to the wall. Not any wall, but a wall in the kitchen. Even MORE specific, it had to be attached to the side of one of the cabinets. That's a good way to never lose track of it.
You Have To Use The Laundromat
One Reddit user wrote that their former neighborhood did not allow washer or dryer units inside the property. They didn't specify if there was a community laundry room or if you had to drive to a laundromat, but either way, it seems unfair to the homeowner.
Equally unfair is that the same neighborhood forbade businesses from being run out of the home. This would be an entrepreneur's nightmare. Clearly, the neighborhood wants to avoid non-residents from entering the premises, but is it so terrible to have a client drop by?
You Can Have A Front Screen, But Not A Back Screen
Reddit user FroggiJoy87 related one of the most backward HOA rules yet. In their neighborhood, you must have a white screen door over your front door. Of course, the screen door has to be approved by HOA.
Additionally, the screen door must remain closed at all times. This seems a little fly-obsessed, but not too bad. There's more. You are NOT allowed to have a screen door over your back door that leads to the yard. Someone please explain this logic because we're completely baffled.
White Venetian Blinds
One Reddit user wrote that their neighborhood only allowed white Venetian blinds on any windows that were visible from the street. While that doesn't seem like much of a demand, it became a huge pain for this homeowner because they had a cat.
The cat loved to destroy the blinds, which were especially vulnerable since Venetians are horizontal. This resulted in the HOA handing out a notice every time the blinds appeared to be in poor condition. The user claimed to have replaced the blinds a dozen times in just one year.
The Official Un-official Frog
One Reddit user wrote that their parent's neighborhood was only allowed to showcase three types of flags: an American flag, the state flag (in this case, South Carolina), or a military flag. Apparently, one of their neighbors was warned multiple times by the HOA to take down their cute frog flag.
It seems like the HOA doesn't appreciate a little individuality on the block! They must have a good reason for not allowing people to put up seasonal flags. Maybe if the frog was holding one of the approved flags, it would have been okay?
Keep Your Lawn Trimmed
When you live in an HOA and have one of the board members right across the street from your house, you're in for some outlandish rules coming your way. One Reddit user and his neighbor were sent a letter saying that they had to mow their lawn on the same day.
Okay, not a horrible request -- until the board member asked for them to cut their grass at the same height and in the same pattern. Uniformity is key, after all! The Reddit user said they intentionally cut their grass on different days and did not use the same pattern.
Rules About The Community Field
One Reddit user wrote that her HOA dictated who was allowed to play on the field that was located in the community. They said that the board members of the HOA seemingly shut down the park overnight, with no warning or reason why. Do your kids want to play tennis? Well, you'd better prove to the board that they actually play so you can get the lock combination and the cops aren't called.
The Reddit user says that parents got in long arguments with the board, saying that it was unfair to lock-up a public park. According to Truedeal, "it became a war in the community."
Dog Leashes Have To Be The Right Length
In one community, a Reddit user witnessed the HOA trying to take peoples' dogs away. Their reasoning? Leashes were either too long or too short, and that just isn't okay. In one instance, the HOA called animal control on a former military man. As you can imagine, a war ensued, and the HOA did not win the fight.
How can you call animal control on people who have their dogs leashed? Having a lead that isn't the exact measurements they prefer is no reason to take a member of someone's family away. Might as well walk the dog in a stroller and see what the HOA says about that!
Halloween Has Been Canceled
One Reddit user wrote that the HOA banned trick or treating in their community, making it so families had to drive somewhere else if they wanted to take their kids out. According to the head of the HOA, the ban was enforced for everyone's safety. Can we agree that makes no sense?
Trick or treating is a fun Halloween activity for the kids. Now, you're making people drive to other communities and find parking, all while playing dodge-the-sugar-buzzed-kids with their cars. Not exactly what one would call "keeping people safe."
A Strict Rose Limit
Jeffery DeMarco of Rancho Santa Fe, California, was targeted by his HOA for breaking one of the most ridiculous rules. He had planted one too many rose bushes in his yard. Apparently, the HOA in the area has decided on a certain number of allowed bushes on a four-acre property.
To make matters worse, the HOA fined DeMarco monthly and brought the situation all the way to the court. Unfortunately, the court sided with the HOA, saying that DeMarco was violating the community rules. He was forced to pay the HOA's $70,000 legal fines, resulting in him losing his home to the bank.
New Cars Only
One Reddit user wrote that their HOA tried to enforce a "your car is too old to be sitting in the driveway" rule. The user says that even though the car is old, it is always clean, has no visible dirt, and there is no rust on the paint.
At least there is a happy ending for this Reddit user. They brought the case to court, and the judge ordered a full audit of HOA rules and regulations in the area. The old car won due to the rule being a shame and not enforceable in the slightest.
Rules About Christmas Lights
If you're planning on going all Christmas Vacation with your holiday light set up, think again. Some HOAs have strict holiday light regulations in place to make sure everyone in the community is just as miserable as they are during the holidays.
While some boards ban lights altogether, others have restrictions on how many you're allowed to put up and how often you're allowed to turn them on. Take a pro tip from us: read your HOA's rules before going out and buying a million sets of lights. It might save you some money to buy more presents.
Have A Pickup Truck? Don't Park It In The Driveway
One HOA in Houston has some bizarre rules, one of which dictates what type of car you're allowed to have parked in your driveway. If you're a proud owner of a pickup truck, make sure you park it in your garage and not in your driveway.
We're not sure why this is a rule, only that it is a bit absurd that they are telling people what type of car is allowed to be parked in their personal driveway. But aesthetic is aesthetic and all that jazz.
Don't Feed The Hummingbirds
If you're a bird lover and enjoying seeing the feathered friends around your garden, don't move to Houston! One HOA has a rule that bans anyone from putting up a hummingbird feeder. With Houston being an ideal climate from the tiny birds, it's amazing that the HOA doesn't want residents to put up feeders.
This begs the question of whether or not people are allowed to install regular bird feeders in their yards. Honestly, we're not sure we would risk getting fined!
Clean Your Mailbox!
If you can even believe it, another HOA in Houston has a rule that makes residents wash their mailboxes on a regular basis. This ridiculous rule doesn't seem to take into account rusting that happens due to the elements, and paint that begins to chip if it's washed on a regular basis.
Not to mention, it's a mailbox! Of all the things you can fight for, mailbox washing should not be one of them. We wonder who ended up passing that rule. They're probably the least popular person in the community.
Make Sure You Have Curtains
One HOA horror story survivor wrote that his association told him that he needed to put up curtains in the windows of all the rooms on his second floor. The reason behind the request is almost as ridiculous as the request itself. Some of his neighbors complained to the HOA that they could see the second-floor furniture through the windows.
Solution: don't look through your neighbor's windows! And if you have an issue with your neighbor's lack of decor, don't go tattling to the HOA. They tend to thrive on complaints such as "furniture can be seen through the window."
Don't Close Your Garage
Believe it or not, the Auburn Greens HOA in California might have one of the most head-scratch-worthy rules. They've mandated that homeowners must leave their roll-up garage doors wide open from eight in the morning until four in the afternoon Monday through Friday. If someone fails to comply, they're fined a hefty $200.
There are more than a few questions for the HOA regarding this rule. The first being what if no one is home between those hours? Apparently, that doesn't matter, and people are supposed to trust the general public not to rifle through their storage space.
Hurricane Shutters Are Not Allowed
One Florida resident was in shock when their HOA banned the year-round use of hurricane shutters. In a state that is very prone to strong storms, this rule is actually pretty dangerous. Residents are only allowed to put the shutters on their homes right before a storm and then remove them once everything has calmed down.
The HOA seems to think a hurricane is going to wait around for people to install shutters. The "eyesore" is very much worth it if it means saving one's home.
Machine Wash Only
Who cares if drying laundry on a line outside smells wonderful and saves a boatload of energy? The HOA thinks that utilizing a laundry drying-line is an eyesore and will fine residents who decide to make use of the spring and summertime sunlight and heat.
Especially in places that tend to have rolling blackouts because of heatwaves, this very well might be the only way they are able to dry their clothing. Also, this rule makes it seem like the HOA doesn't care about family income. Line-drying is practically free!
Measure Those Shingles
One man in Florida wrote that the HOA did not care that a plane fell out of the sky and landed on his home. All they cared about was fining him because the shingles on his roof were no longer uniform.
In this instance, it feels like the HOA has zero remorse for a man who went through a life-changing experience and now has to remodel his entire house. All they care about is the homes on the street looking just the same. We hope the man decided to move!
