May 11, 2026
Can Your HOA Fine You for Holiday Decorations? in Washington
State laws often protect homeowners' rights to display seasonal decorations. — Washington specific laws and procedures.
You received a fine notice from your HOA for your holiday decorations, and you're wondering if they actually have the right to penalize you for celebrating the season. Maybe it was your Halloween pumpkins that lingered into November, your Christmas lights that went up in early December, or your festive wreath that the board deemed "excessive." Whatever the case, you're frustrated and looking for answers about what Washington state law says about HOAs fining homeowners for seasonal displays. You're not alone in this situation, and there are specific procedures your HOA must follow when issuing fines.
What State Law Generally Says
In Washington, HOAs operate under two different governing frameworks depending on when they were established. If your HOA was formed before July 1, 2018, it falls under the Washington Homeowners' Association Act (RCW Chapter 64.38). HOAs formed on or after July 1, 2018, are governed by the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (RCW Chapter 64.90), also known as WUCIOA. Both frameworks establish specific procedures that HOAs must follow when imposing fines on homeowners.
Under RCW §64.38.020(11), fines may be levied only after the homeowner receives notice and an opportunity to be heard before the board or its designee, following procedures outlined in the bylaws. The statute generally requires that fines follow a previously established and published schedule. Washington doesn't set a specific dollar cap on fines, but the law appears to require that fines be reasonable, based on a published schedule, and consistent with the HOA's governing documents. Fines that don't meet these criteria may not be legally enforceable.
Additionally, RCW §64.38.020 indicates that HOAs must adopt and enforce rules in a uniform and non-discriminatory manner. This means that selective enforcement of decoration rules could potentially be grounds for challenge. The statute text suggests that if your HOA allows some homeowners to display similar decorations while fining others, this inconsistent application of rules may not comply with Washington's requirements for fair enforcement.
Steps a Homeowner Can Consider
Document the Fine Notice and Your Decorations
Start by carefully reviewing the fine notice you received. Look for specific details about which decorations violated which rules, the amount of the fine, and any deadlines for response or appeal. Take photographs of your current decorations and gather any photos you have of the decorations when they were first installed. You may also want to photograph similar decorations in your neighborhood to document whether enforcement appears consistent. Keep copies of all correspondence from your HOA, including the original fine notice, any follow-up letters, and your governing documents that outline decoration restrictions.
Review Your Governing Documents
Locate your CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions), bylaws, and any architectural guidelines or rules regarding decorations. Look specifically for language about holiday or seasonal decorations, including any time limits, size restrictions, or approval requirements. Check whether the documents include a published fine schedule that lists specific penalties for decoration violations. If you can't find these documents, homeowners often request copies from the HOA management company or board. Pay attention to whether the rules specifically address the type of decorations you displayed and whether they were posted or installed during allowable timeframes.
Request a Hearing and Prepare Your Response
Washington law generally provides homeowners with the right to a hearing before fines are imposed. If your fine notice doesn't mention a hearing or if you missed an initial deadline, consider writing to your HOA board to request a hearing to contest the fine. In your request, you may want to reference RCW §64.38.020(11) and note that state law appears to require notice and an opportunity to be heard before fines are imposed. Prepare for the hearing by organizing your documentation, photos, and any evidence of inconsistent enforcement. Consider preparing a written statement explaining why you believe the fine may not comply with your governing documents or state law requirements.
Check for Proper Fine Procedures
Examine whether your HOA followed the proper procedures outlined in Washington law and your governing documents. Look at whether you received adequate notice (Washington generally requires 14 days' notice for various HOA actions). Verify whether the fine amount appears on a previously published fine schedule that was provided to homeowners. Review whether the HOA's enforcement has been uniform by documenting other similar decorations in your community and whether those homeowners received similar treatment. If you find procedural issues, consider documenting these in writing to the board.
Submit Written Records Requests
Consider requesting relevant records from your HOA to better understand their enforcement patterns and procedures. Under RCW §64.90.495, HOAs must generally acknowledge records requests within 10 business days and complete them within 21 business days. You might request copies of other decoration-related violations from the past year, the current fine schedule, and any board meeting minutes discussing decoration enforcement policies. When making records requests, consider sending them via certified mail to document that you made the request and when the HOA received it. These records can help you understand whether the enforcement against you appears consistent with how the HOA treats other homeowners.
When to Talk to a Licensed Attorney
While many HOA decoration disputes can be resolved through direct communication with your board, certain situations warrant consulting with a licensed attorney who practices HOA law in Washington. If your HOA has placed a lien on your property, threatened foreclosure, or if you're facing a lawsuit, these are serious legal matters that exceed self-help measures. Similarly, if the fine amounts are substantial (hundreds or thousands of dollars), or if you believe you're facing retaliation for previous disputes with your HOA, an attorney can help protect your interests.
You should also consider legal consultation if you believe discrimination or fair housing issues are involved in your case, such as if the HOA appears to be targeting decorations related to your religious observance, cultural background, or family status. Additionally, if there are strict deadlines approaching for appeals or responses, or if the HOA has already escalated the matter to collections or legal action, time-sensitive legal guidance becomes crucial for protecting your rights and property.
Your Next Step
Now that you understand more about Washington's requirements for HOA fines and the steps you can take to address decoration-related penalties, you can make an informed decision about how to proceed. Remember that Washington law appears to provide homeowners with specific procedural protections, including the right to notice, hearings, and uniform enforcement of rules. Your HOA must generally follow published fine schedules and provide you with an opportunity to contest penalties before they become final.
PushBackHOA is a self-help document tool that can help you organize your own statute-referenced letter to your HOA board. Our system helps homeowners structure their concerns using relevant Washington statutes and present their position clearly and professionally. The process involves you reviewing, customizing, and sending the letter yourself – you maintain complete control over your communication. To get started with organizing your response, visit our Washington HOA dispute letter page. Keep in mind that HOA appeal deadlines can vary significantly, so review your fine notice carefully for any stated deadline that might apply to your situation.
This article is general information only and is not legal advice. PushBackHOA is a self-help document tool, not a law firm. Statutes and procedures change, and the right answer depends on the specific facts of your situation. For any complex matter — including liens, foreclosure, lawsuits, or significant financial exposure — please consult a licensed attorney in your state.