Additional Coverage:
- Residents Share 10 Wild HOA Rules They’re Supposed To Follow (financebuzz.com)
HOA Horror Stories: The Wildest Rules Homeowners Are Forced to Live By
When you buy a home in a community governed by a Homeowner’s Association (HOA), you’re not just buying property; you’re also signing up to live by their rulebook. This hefty tome, often called the CC&Rs (Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions), can dictate everything from the shade of your exterior paint to where you can stash your trash cans.
For some, an HOA means a well-maintained community and consistent property values. But for others, the rules can feel less like guidance and more like a heavy hand, crushing individuality and personal freedom.
We’ve scoured the depths of Reddit to bring you some of the most head-scratching, over-the-top HOA rules out there. Prepare to be amazed (or perhaps, horrified).
1. The Curtain Color Conundrum
“Curtains in windows visible from [the] street must be white or off white.”
Say goodbye to those vibrant red drapes! If your windows face the street, your HOA might demand the most neutral of neutral window treatments.
This common rule often falls under “architectural harmony clauses,” which are sometimes hidden deep within the CC&Rs. And it doesn’t stop at curtains-some HOAs also ban vertical blinds, twinkly fairy lights on balconies, or even specific types of patio furniture, all in the name of visual uniformity.
2. No Backyard Basements (or Veggie Gardens!)
“We’re not allowed to have patios, play equipment, vegetable gardens, etcetera expand past the ‘side planes of the house.’”
Ever dreamed of a sprawling backyard oasis? Think again!
This type of language means HOAs are policing what’s visible from the street. Such limitations usually stem from clauses requiring approval for exterior modifications.
Interpreted strictly, even a small, innocent vegetable patch with a wood frame could be deemed an “unauthorized structure.” Your dream of homegrown tomatoes might just be crushed.
3. The Great Garage Garbage Debate
“They [garbage containers] must be in the garage per CC&Rs.”
You might assume your trash can belongs neatly at the curb. Nope!
Many HOAs argue that visible garbage cans are unsightly and can attract unwanted pests. While some residents find this perfectly reasonable, others aren’t so keen.
As one Redditor eloquently put it, “The idea of fermented garbage hanging in their garage and wafting into their home in the interest of appearance and neighborhood aesthetic is just pretentious.” We can almost smell the argument brewing.
4. Kids and Canines Banned from Common Ground
“Children are not allowed to play on the common grounds, people are not allowed to set up lawn chairs or towels for lounging in common areas, dogs cannot step foot on these sacred grasses.”
Common areas-those shared green spaces, trails, or pools-often come with a laundry list of restrictions. HOAs typically justify these limits by citing liability concerns, wear and tear, or maintenance costs.
While a bummer for our furry friends, outright restricting children from enjoying shared spaces (in non-55+ communities) could actually be illegal. Rules that specifically target kids often violate the Fair Housing Act and have been struck down in court.
So, let those little ones run free!
5. The Unsettling Power of Attorney Clause
“They required all owners to sign over Power of Attorney to the HOA.”
Hold on to your hats, folks, because this one’s a doozy! One Redditor reported encountering an HOA that demanded all members grant limited Power of Attorney (POA) to the board.
This essentially gives the HOA the right to make critical decisions about the homeowner’s property. While likely intended for extreme situations, like emergency repairs when you’re away, the board’s powers could potentially extend to property sales and even insurance payouts.
Yikes!
6. No Window AC Units Allowed
“No window mounted A/C units. The house was built in 1946 and doesn’t have central air.”
Imagine sweltering through triple-digit summer temperatures with no central air and no window unit allowed. That’s the reality for one Redditor homeowner.
HOAs frequently ban window units for aesthetic reasons, arguing they disrupt the visual harmony of the community. Unfortunately for residents in scorching climates, the neighborhood’s curb appeal can sometimes trump personal comfort.
7. Garages: Cars Only, Please!
“Garages are to be used solely for the purpose of storing vehicles.”
This rule is a favorite among HOAs looking to maintain street visual uniformity. They want cars parked in garages, keeping streets and driveways clear.
But this can lead to sticky situations. What happens if the HOA cuts landscaping services or snow removal?
Homeowners might need to buy equipment to do these jobs themselves, but where are they supposed to store it if the garage is strictly for vehicles?
8. Patio Chairs?
On the Patio? Preposterous!
“Nothing [allowed] on [the] patio.”
Yes, you read that right. One Redditor found themselves in hot water with their HOA for the heinous crime of keeping a chair on their patio.
HOAs sometimes ban patio furniture, grills, or even wind chimes in their quest for a uniform appearance and to prevent “visual clutter.” It makes you wonder, what exactly is the point of a patio if you can’t even put a patio chair on it?
9. The White Paint Predicament
“All paint colors need to be approved, even plain white trim.”
You might think choosing white for your home’s exterior is the ultimate safe bet. Think again!
Some HOAs will demand approval for the shade of white before you even pick up a brush. Why?
Because “white” is far from simple. As of 2023, Sherwin-Williams alone offers nearly 200 distinct shades of white, and bridal gowns come in 50 exhausting shades of (mostly) off-white.
The possibilities (and the paperwork) are endless!
10. The 15-Minute Garage Door Rule
“My HOA states our garage doors cannot be open longer than 15 minutes unless we are actively doing something in the garage, such as cleaning or even working out [or] transitioning in or out.”
We genuinely feel for this homeowner, living in Las Vegas where summers are scorching hot and opening the garage a few inches for airflow is a common practice. This HOA rule likely aims to preserve appearance and security, but a strict 15-minute limit-especially in sweltering climates-seems a tad heavy-handed, leaving residents to bake in the name of aesthetics.
The Bottom Line
Homeowners love to vent about their HOAs, and frankly, we love reading about it. But living under CC&Rs that feel suffocating can truly make it hard for a house to feel like a home.
That’s why it’s absolutely crucial to thoroughly research the rules of any development you’re considering moving into before you sign on the dotted line. Otherwise, you might find yourself needing a second job just to afford a new place to escape the rulebook!
Read More About This Story:
- Residents Share 10 Wild HOA Rules They’re Supposed To Follow (financebuzz.com)