Condominium and homeowners’ associations generally have the ability to create rules and regulations to protect the health, safety, and welfare of owners, as well as preserve property values, maintain neighborhood aesthetics, and foster harmony within the community. These rules and regulations are part of a hierarchy of governing documents, which typically include, in descending order of authority, the recorded declaration or covenants, the By-Laws, and finally, the association’s rules and regulations. Each level of governance must remain consistent with the provisions of the higher-level documents and applicable State law.

While association rules and regulations serve an important and legitimate purpose, some can be so unusual or unexpected that they leave owners confused or questioning their rationale.

Here is a list of 10 unusual rules that are enforced by associations:

1. Backing into parking spaces is not allowed.

In order to promote consistency and maintain a uniform appearance, some associations prohibit “backing up into parking spaces.” Many association parking rules also provide that the failure to comply with a parking rule may result in the vehicle being towed.

2. Guests must be accompanied by a member of the HOA at all times.

Some associations restrict the use of Common Areas and/or facilities to owners and their guests. The association controls access to shared amenities to protect property, manage liability, and ensure that only authorized people (owners and their invited guests) use them.  Other associations impose stricter rules and require guests to always be accompanied by owners while on association property.

3. Restrictions on garage or yard sales.

An association may regulate or limit the number of garage or yard sales that an owner may hold within a given year. Association rules often also specify the permitted hours, days, or months that garage or yard sales may take place to maintain order and consistency throughout the community.

4. Garbage cans must be stored and kept indoors at all times.

While many owners may not want to store their garbage cans in their garage or shed, it is common for associations to prohibit the outdoor storage of garbage cans. Associations tend to impose this rule to keep garbage out of sight and preserve the curb appeal of the homes in the neighborhood.

5. Basketball, volleyball, soccer, and other sports are not permitted.

Some associations prohibit certain sports and/or ball playing of any kind on an owner’s property.  This is generally to prevent noise, safety concerns, and the risk of damage.

6. Wading pools may only be used in backyards, must be emptied daily, and stored indoors.

Although parents may find this rule inconvenient, some associations have rules that restrict the use of wading pools to backyards and the rear of homes to prevent their visibility. Some associations may even require that wading pools be emptied daily and stored indoors to prevent damage to lawns.

7. White lights are the only color lights allowed for exterior lighting.

To maintain uniformity and aesthetics of the community, there are some associations that restrict exterior lighting colors, including seasonal holiday lighting, to white only.

8. Maintenance and repair of vehicles is not permitted on driveways.

Some associations only permit maintenance and repair of vehicles to be conducted inside garages to limit visibility. Thus, owners may not be allowed to perform vehicle maintenance and repairs in their respective driveways. Other associations take it a step further and prohibit any vehicle repairs that may cause a nuisance or annoyance to neighbors.

9. Entertainment of guests and extended leisure activity is not allowed in driveways.

Even though some owners may want to host guests or spend time in their driveways, an association may prohibit such activity. An association may enforce such a rule to maintain neighborhood appearances and prevent noise and disturbances.

10. All window coverings must be neutral in color.

An association can require that all window coverings, including curtains, drapes, and shades, be of a specific color. Associations commonly require that window coverings be neutral in color to maintain uniformity and neighborhood aesthetics.

Even the strangest association rules often have a practical reason behind them—whether it’s protecting the association from liability, maintaining uniform standards, or fostering a sense of order within the community. When owners understand the “why” behind the rule, it becomes easier to see how these guidelines, however quirky, help preserve the character and stability of the neighborhood.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this topic further, please contact Dominika Kozanecka at dkoznecka@tresslerllp.com.

About the Author

Dominika Kozanecka is an associate attorney in Tressler’s HOA/Condominium & Common Interest Community Association Law Practice Group. Dominika concentrates her practice in representing condominium associations and common interest community associations in areas such as rule enforcement, interpretation of governing documents, review and negotiation of contracts, and collection of assessments. She advises condominium associations of their rights and responsibilities under Illinois law. Click here to read Dominika’s full attorney bio.