Halloween Decorating and Safety Tips

From 3-foot-tall skeletons draped over front lawns to inflatable pumpkins and spider web-covered walkways, Halloween decorations have grown in popularity over the years. Community association board members may choose to develop a policy for these spooky decorations, including what, where, when, and for how long.

Board Members
Engage residents in a conversation on whether your community association would benefit from a rule for holiday and religious displays.

• Consult with your community association manager and attorney if your community decides it would benefit from a rule. These experts can help make sure your policy is consistent with your association’s governing documents, as well as state and local laws.
• Include community consensus in the rule. It may include the start date and end date of when decorations may be displayed, hours when lights and displays in yards or balconies may be on, and specifics regarding size, sounds, and placement.
• Ensure that the policy is clear, enforceable, and reasonable.
• Request feedback from residents throughout the process.
• Communicate new information to all residents after the policy is adopted and remind residents of the rule prior to the holiday season.
• Review your policy regularly and determine if it needs to be updated.

Residents

• Participate in the community engagement process by reading information, attending meetings, and contributing to the conversation.
• Know your community association’s rule before putting up your Halloween decorations and displays.
• Ask your board for clarification if you have a question about the rule.

Aside from decor, increased crowds, noise, and parking are top safety concerns for homeowners associations across the U.S. this Halloween. If your community doesn’t have a policy for neighborhood trick-or-treating, it’s important to follow these tips to ensure everyone has a safe Halloween.

Make sure your HOA’s walking areas and stairs are well lit and free of obstacles that could cause falls.

Remind homeowners to keep candlelit jack o’ lanterns and other open flames away from doorsteps, walkways, and landings. Instead, place them on sturdy tables and keep them out of reach of pets and small children.

Remind residents to drive slower while kids are out and about trick-or-treating.

Is your HOA the place to be for trick-or-treaters? If so, more people means more cars. Refer to your CC&R’s to know the rules on parking in your association including where visitors can park and what kind of passes may be needed.