HOA Holiday Lights Safety Tips

Decorating safely, following community rules, and enjoying the lights

Holiday lights bring a festive look to a neighborhood, and many residents enjoy decorating their homes and touring the community to see the displays. A few simple precautions help keep the season safe, and a quick review of the community's rules helps avoid problems with the association.

This article is general information and is not legal advice. The association's attorney should be consulted.

Choose LED Lights

LED lights are a good choice for most displays. They use far less electricity than incandescent bulbs, last longer, and stay cool to the touch, which lowers the risk of burns and fire around dry greenery, children, and pets. Only lights labeled for outdoor use should be used outside, and strands with cracked sockets, frayed wires, or loose connections should be thrown away.

Use Ladders With Care

Ladder work is one of the riskier parts of holiday decorating. Before any decorating begins:

• The ladder should be rated for the person's weight and set on firm, level ground.
• Someone should be present to steady the ladder.
• Overreaching should be avoided. The ladder should be moved instead.
• Steep or high roofs should be left to a professional installer.

In condominiums and many townhome communities, roofs and exterior walls are common elements or are maintained by the association. Residents should not climb onto roofs or attach decorations to building exteriors unless the association allows it.

Avoid Overloaded Circuits

The package instructions should be read before strands are connected. Most manufacturers list the maximum number of strands that can be connected end to end, and that number should not be exceeded. Too many strands on one circuit can trip a breaker or create a fire hazard.

Outdoor outlets are usually protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter, which shuts off power when moisture or a fault is detected. Frequent tripping is a sign of a wet connection or a damaged cord. Connections should be kept off the ground and covered, and only outdoor-rated extension cords should be used. Cords should not be run through doors or windows where they can be pinched. Lights should be turned off or put on a timer overnight.

Follow the Community's Rules

Many associations have rules about holiday decorations. Common topics include:

• When decorations may be put up and when they must be taken down
• The size and placement of inflatables and yard displays
• Whether lights may be attached to roofs, railings, or common elements
• Limits on flashing lights or late-night music that may disturb neighbors

Residents should check with the manager or board before decorating if they are unsure. In homeowners associations, Florida law adds a protection for owners. Under section 720.305(7), a fine or suspension may not be imposed for leaving holiday decorations or lights up longer than the governing documents allow, unless they remain up for more than 1 week after the association provides written notice of the violation. Condominium rules are set by the declaration and the board's rules, so condominium residents should review those documents. More on violation notices can be found in how to properly handle HOA violation notices.

Decorating Trees and Shrubs

Lights should be spread evenly by working in sections and stepping back often to check the result. Lights should not be wrapped so tightly around branches that they damage the plant. In communities where landscaping is maintained by the association, residents should confirm whether decorations may be placed on common area trees and shrubs.

Enjoying the Lights as a Neighbor

Neighborhood light tours are a favorite tradition. A few courtesies keep them enjoyable for everyone:

1. Drive slowly and watch for walkers. Children often cross the street to get a closer look.
2. Park with care. Vehicles should not block driveways, mailboxes, or fire hydrants, and private driveways should not be used without permission.
3. Visit at reasonable hours. Early evening visits are best, so residents are not disturbed late at night.
4. Stay on sidewalks. Lawns, gardens, and displays on private property should be left alone.

Questions About Holiday Rules

Owners who are unsure of the association's rules should reach out to their manager or board. Rule enforcement and resident communication are handled for the communities managed by Condominium Associates. For help with your community's decoration guidelines, contact us.