Bizarre and ridiculous HOA rules

Homeowners Associations (HOAs) are organizations that create and enforce rules within residential communities. When you purchase a home in an HOA-governed neighborhood, you automatically join the association and are obligated to pay regular fees. Ideally, HOAs work to keep the neighborhood looking tidy and manage shared amenities.

That said, some HOAs impose strict—and sometimes downright bizarre—rules. Picture being fined for drying a towel by the pool, having the “wrong” kind of window blinds, or even backing into your own driveway. Keep reading to discover some of the most ridiculous HOA regulations that might make you think twice about moving in.

Front Screen Yes, Back Screen No

Reddit user FroggiJoy87 shared one of the most baffling HOA rules out there. In their neighborhood, every home is required to have a white screen door over the front door—but of course, it has to be approved by the HOA first.

On top of that, the screen door must stay closed at all times. While that might sound a bit obsessed with keeping flies out, it’s not the worst part. The real kicker? You’re strictly forbidden from having any screen door over your back door that opens to the yard. Someone please explain the logic behind that one because we’re totally confused.

Five Minute Open Garage Limit

Picture a cozy suburban neighborhood where kids play in the cul-de-sacs, parents chat on front porches, and the mailman is a familiar face. It’s the kind of place where garage doors are often left open as folks enjoy the day.

But according to one Reddit user, their HOA demands that garage doors be closed within five minutes—or else you’re breaking the rules. While this might sound like a measure to prevent theft, it’s probably more about keeping the neighborhood’s appearance neat and tidy than about actual safety.

Designated Christmas Lights

Reddit user skeptibat wrote that their neighborhood has mandated Christmas lights colors. When someone asked which colors were allowed, the HOA responded that it actually depends on your house number because “the HOA wants variety.”

If variety was truly their goal, they’d let homeowners decorate however they liked. Assigning specific colors based on house numbers feels like one of the most pointless rules so far. At this rate, the next step might be assigning holiday themes to each home, too.

Get Your Bike Off The Balcony

One Reddit user shared that their HOA forbade them from keeping a bicycle on their sixth-floor balcony. For many who live in high-rise apartments or condos, garages aren’t an option—so storing the bike indoors is often the only practical choice.

While it’s understandable that the HOA wants to maintain a certain look, there’s a fine line between preserving curb appeal and interfering with everyday functionality. Honestly, they should be more concerned about dirty tires ruining floors than about a bike being visible on a balcony.

Put Curtains In The Windows Of Second Floor Rooms

One homeowner recounted a frustrating HOA ordeal where the association insisted he install curtains on every window of his second floor. The rationale? Neighbors were upset because they could see the furniture inside.

The straightforward solution? Just don’t peer into your neighbor’s windows! If you don’t like their interior style, keeping it to yourself might save everyone a lot of hassle. Unfortunately, this HOA seems to feed off the tiniest complaints—like furniture being visible through a window.

No Square Or Brass Doorbell Frames

Reddit user sykocus revealed that their neighborhood’s monthly newsletter featured a detailed article specifying which doorbell frames were allowed and which weren’t. “Novelty” frames—like those with American flags or sports team logos—were banned, as was brass.

Regarding shape, square frames were off-limits unless placed diagonally like a diamond. Interestingly, oval frames were allowed, though round ones were favored. While wanting a consistent look in the neighborhood is understandable, do doorbell frames really warrant such strict rules?

No Hurricane Shutters

A Florida resident was stunned when their HOA prohibited the year-round use of hurricane shutters. Considering the state’s vulnerability to severe storms, this rule poses a real safety risk. Homeowners can only put up shutters just before a storm hits and must take them down once the danger has passed.

The HOA appears to believe hurricanes will patiently wait while people install their shutters. But surely, the “eyesore” is a small price to pay for protecting one’s home.

Three Nights And You’re Out

Another Reddit user ran into trouble with the overnight guest policy. Luckily, there was no fee for having guests stay overnight. However, guests were not allowed to stay more than two nights in a row, except during the holiday season when the limit extended to three consecutive nights.

On the surface, the rule doesn’t sound too harsh since you just have to notify the HOA if guests will stay longer. But if you forget, the management company would tow the guests’ car(s)! Honestly, a $30 guest fee sounds much better than dealing with a towed vehicle.

Trick-Or-Treating Has Been Canceled On Account Of Safety

A Reddit user shared that their HOA banned trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, forcing families to drive elsewhere if they wanted to take their kids out. The HOA president claimed the ban was for everyone’s safety. Can we just agree that this logic doesn’t add up?

Trick-or-treating is a classic Halloween tradition for kids, but now residents have to deal with finding parking in other neighborhoods and dodging sugar-fueled kids while driving. Hardly what you’d call “keeping people safe.”

No More Than 15 Pounds Of Pet

Pet regulations are fairly standard in many communities, but Reddit user merganzer shared one that’s particularly unusual. According to them, their neighborhood enforces a rule of “no more than 15 pounds of pet.”

That’s a tough limit, especially when you consider that some large cat breeds can weigh up to 25 pounds, and even the tiniest dog breeds hover just under 22 pounds. Ironically, this rule seems to open the door for a household full of guinea pigs, rabbits, mice, tarantulas, and other lightweight critters. It feels like a loophole that’s bound to backfire.

House Paint Better Be One Of Seven Specific Shades

A Reddit user shared that their HOA requires every home to be painted in one of seven specific shades. The kicker? All of the approved colors are from a particular brand that isn’t available at regular hardware stores. These homeowners just wanted to repaint their house—not go on a scavenger hunt!

Hopefully, the HOA at least offers a group discount or some kind of perk. Still, mandating both the exact color and a hard-to-find brand seems unnecessarily strict.

We Pledge Allegiance…To The Frog

One Reddit user shared that in their parents’ neighborhood, only three flags are permitted: the American flag, the state flag (South Carolina), or a military flag. One neighbor apparently got several warnings from the HOA to remove their charming frog-themed flag.

It sounds like the HOA isn’t too fond of personal expression in the neighborhood. You’d think there’d be some room for seasonal or decorative flags—but maybe if the frog had been waving one of the approved flags, it would’ve passed inspection!

Line-Drying Laundry Is A Big No-No

Who cares if drying clothes on an outdoor line smells fresh and saves a ton of energy? The HOA considers laundry drying lines an eyesore and fines anyone who uses them to take advantage of spring and summer sun and warmth.

In areas prone to rolling blackouts during heatwaves, line-drying might be the only way residents can get their laundry done. Plus, this rule seems to ignore family budgets—line-drying is practically free!

No Pickup Trucks In The Driveway

A Houston HOA enforces some unusual rules, including one that restricts what kind of vehicle you can park in your driveway. If you own a pickup truck, you’re required to keep it inside your garage—not out front.

The reasoning behind this rule is unclear, but it does seem a bit ridiculous for them to dictate what kind of car can sit in your own driveway. Still, I guess it’s all about maintaining the neighborhood’s “aesthetic” and whatnot.

You’ll Need A Permit For Those Plants

A Reddit user shared their experience with an HOA that demanded architectural approval for two small potted plants they had placed by their front door. Despite knowing that the pots weren’t fixed to the house and didn’t significantly alter the landscaping, they were still fined and sent to collections.

The frustrated homeowner ended up taking the case to court and won. To top it off, the neighbors banded together and managed to get a few corrupt board members removed from their positions.

No Towel Sharing

Reddit user 91X, who previously shared the story about the garage dress code rule, also revealed that their neighborhood had a ridiculous policy against towel sharing at the pool. Anyone caught without their own towel would be fined $25.

While most comments focused on the garage attire rule, we just have to point out how absurd this one is. Honestly, no one is harmed by seeing a towel being shared.

Don’t Put The Trash Out Until Midnight

A Reddit user shared a story about their neighborhood’s strict trash day rule. The trash truck arrived every Thursday morning, but residents were forbidden from placing their trash out on the curb the night before. That meant you’d either have to wake up early or set it out at midnight.

The user mentioned that putting trash out at 11:59 PM on Wednesday could result in a $25 fine. While it’s understandable that the neighborhood doesn’t want trash cans sitting out for too long, this policy seems a bit excessive.

No Blue Trampolines!

Reddit user SellSome shared that their neighborhood bans blue trampoline covers, requiring them to be either green or black instead. Many commenters were puzzled by the seemingly random rule, but one user offered a possible reason.

Baldybeardy proposed that the rule might be related to wildlife, pointing out that blue AstroTurf had tricked ducks into diving into solid surfaces. Hopefully, this rule wasn’t born from a past bird-related issue.

You Need Darker Mulch

Reddit user amandatorry stated that the mulch on their property was deemed the wrong shade of red by the HOA. For anyone who isn’t savvy in gardening terms, mulch is comprised of materials such as compost and bark. The substance is spread around plants to enrich the soil and enhance the look of the landscape.

Judging by the purpose mulch serves, it seems ridiculous to demand that it be a specific color. According to the user, they were fined twice because their mulch wasn’t dark enough. One person replied with a helpful hint: mulch lightens when it dries. They recommended spraying it down with water and calling it a day.

Identical Mailboxes And No Street Parking

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.

Cat People Only

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.

The Fire Extinguisher Must Be Mounted

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.

No Washers, Dryers, Or Business

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?

White Venetian Blinds Only

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.

Garage Sale Dress Code

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.

Show Us Your Registration

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.

Overnight Guest Fee

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.

Lawn Uniformity Is Key

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.

Don’t Think About Playing On 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.”

Too Many Cars In The Driveway

If you have a family and everyone has a car, then you’re going to have more than one or two cars on your property. This Reddit user wrote that the HOA board members wrote them up because they had too many cars in their driveway. Not on the curb, street, or anything of the like. But in their personal driveway!

The Reddit user went on to say that the reason for the four to five cars was because they had just moved long distance, and friends and family had come to help. Give them a break, HOA! A mean letter is not the way to welcome someone to the neighborhood.

Your Dog Leash Best Be The Correct 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!

Don’t Think About Planting Too Many Roses

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.

Dog Paws Are Not Allowed To Touch The Floor

Pamela McMahan ran into an HOA rule in her community that said she had to carry her dog through her condominium’s lobby or else be fined $25. Now, Pamela is elderly and walks using a cane; she could risk hurting herself by carrying her pooch across the floor.

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. After racking up hundreds of dollars in debt, poor Pamela was forced to move out of her condo.

No Old Cars

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.

Bah-Humbug Is The Name Of The Holiday Light Game

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.

No Hummingbird Feeders

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!

Basketball Hoops Cannot Be On A Garage That’s Attached To Your House

If you enjoy going outside and shooting some hoops in the privacy of your own driveway, then make sure your garage is not attached to your main house. In Houston, Texas, the HOA has a rule that prohibits people from installing basketball hoops to their garage if it is attached to the house.

On the flip side of the coin, if your garage is not attached, then you are more than welcome to have a basketball hoop. Our question is, what in the world is the difference? A hoop is a hoop!

Mailboxes Should Be Squeaky Clean

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.

Keep Your Garage Door Open All Day

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.

Shingles Must Be Uniform

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!