Maryland
Maryland HOA holiday lights dispute highlights what homeowners can and can’t do
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — A Maryland family’s ongoing battle with their homeowners’ association over a Christmas light display has reignited a broader conversation about how much control HOAs can legally exercise over holiday decorations.
7News has been following the case, in which the family continues to face fines from their HOA over their holiday lights.
To better under how homeowner associations operate and what options residents may have, 7News spoke with Alfredo Vásquez, a Washington, D.C.-based homeowner defense attorney.
RELATED COVERAGE | HOA vs. Christmas decorations: Maryland family facing hundreds in fines for lights
Why HOAs often cite holiday decorations
According to Vásquez, disputes over holiday decorations are common, but they usually center on timing rather than style.
“It may vary by community or HOA,” Vásquez said. “The most common reason would be that residents put decorations up too early or take them down too late.”
He explained that most HOA governing documents regulate how long decorations can remain on display, outlining specific start and end dates of holiday decor.
Are there rules on lights, music, or colors?
While many homeowners wonder whether HOAs can ban flashing lights, colored bulbs, or loud holiday music, Vásquez said those restrictions are less common.
“I haven’t seen any restrictions that are specific in that way,” he said. “Most governing documents I’ve reviewed focus on whether lights or music interfere with a neighbor’s lot.”
In other words, enforcement is often tied to nuisance complaints rather than aesthetics.
What if homeowners feel targeted?
Vásquez emphasized that HOA boards are legally required to enforce rules consistently.
“The Board of Directors has a duty to implement regulations in an equitable manner across the entire community,” he said.
If homeowners believe they are being unfairly singled out, the first step is reviewing the HOA’s governing documents to confirm whether the association actually has authority to regulate the issue at hand.
MORE COVERAGE | HOA still not specifying ‘nuisance’ in Germantown, Md. family’s Christmas decorations
Can issues be resolved without going to court?
Yes, and in most cases, that’s the recommended path.
HOAs must follow state condo and HOA laws, which typically require formal processes for enforcement, including notices of violations and opportunities for hearings.
“It would be ideal for homeowners to act quickly and request a hearing with the board,” Vásquez said. “They should present their case and allow the board to decide whether the violation and fines can withstand scrutiny.”
Do homeowners have any recourse after signing HOA bylaws?
Once a homeowner buys into an HOA-regulated community, they are generally bound by its bylaws, Vásquez said.
“As long as those bylaws comply with federal and state laws, homeowners’ hands may be tied,” he explained.
However, bylaws can be changed, usually through a supermajority vote of the community. Homeowners may also have stronger grounds to challenge newly adopted amendments, as long as they act promptly.
Vásquez added that staying engaged in HOA meetings and decisions is critical.
“Homeowners have to pay attention to what’s going on in their community so they can challenge changes in a timely manner,” he said.
Maryland
Md. Department of Education committee begins search for permanent Prince George’s schools chief – WTOP News
Current Superintendent Shawn Joseph was appointed June 2025 by County Executive Aisha Braveboy (D) to replace former Superintendent Millard House II after the teachers’ union gave House a vote of no confidence.
This article was republished with permission from WTOP’s news partners at Maryland Matters. Sign up for Maryland Matters’ free email subscription today.
The Maryland State Department of Education announced the next steps Monday in the process to find a permanent superintendent for Prince George’s County public schools, the state’s second-largest school system.
Current Superintendent Shawn Joseph was appointed June 2025 by County Executive Aisha Braveboy (D) to replace former Superintendent Millard House II after the teachers’ union gave House a vote of no confidence.
Because Joseph’s position is for the current 2025-26 school year, state law requires a three-member search committee be named to help find a permanent leader.
State Superintendent Carey Wright selected state Board of Education member James Bell Jr. to chair the committee. Gov. Wes Moore (D) appointed two county residents, Jennifer Avelar and Gordon L. Sampson, to join the panel.
Avelar serves as a C.O.A.S.T. (Creating Opportunities for Academic Success and Transfer) adviser at Prince George’s Community College, managing pre-enrollment advising for recruitment and the dual enrollment program for high school students. Sampson worked in the county’s public schools as a teacher, instructional specialist and principal from 1969 until his retirement in 2000. He became a member of the Bowie State University Foundation’s board of directors in 2017 and served as chair for five years.
PoliHire, a Washington, D.C. based search firm, will partner with Braveboy and the county’s school board in a national recruitment effort to find the next superintendent.
The department said the firm helped solicit feedback from various stakeholders to not only develop a leadership profile, but also garner responses from about 8,600 people in a community survey “on school system perspectives and qualities in the next superintendent.” The survey ended Friday.
Candidates interested in the position must submit applications by April 22. Once received, the committee will work with the firm to screen applications, conduct background checks and interview candidates.
Three finalists will be forwarded to Braveboy by May 8.
Braveboy has until June 1 to forward a candidate to the county school board, which must make a decision by June 30. Once the county executive selects a candidate, which must be done by June 1, that person’s name will be sent to the county school board for its approval by June 30.
Final approval rests with the state superintendent, for a schools chief to serve a four-year term.
“We remain committed to a transparent, inclusive, and thoughtful process.” Bell said in a statement Monday. “Over the coming weeks, committee members will carefully assess each applicant’s qualifications, leadership experience, and vision for advancing student achievement and supporting our educators and school communities.
“The committee will keep the Prince George’s County Public Schools community informed as we move forward. Our goal is to recommend highly qualified candidates who will lead Prince George’s County Public Schools into its next chapter of excellence,” he said.
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A Waynesboro man died Sunday, March 29, after the tractor-trailer he was driving in Frederick County, Maryland, crashed, according to Maryland State Police.
The truck driver was identified as Timothy Rice Jr., 28, of Waynesboro.
State police from the Frederick barrack responded shortly before 8:30 a.m. Sunday to the area of southbound U.S. 15 at West 7th Street for a reported overturned tractor-trailer, according to an email from state police spokesperson Ashley Millner.
The preliminary investigation indicates that, for unknown reasons, the tractor-trailer left the road before overturning, according to state police. State police are continuing to investigate.
Rice was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency medical service personnel.
No other injuries were reported.
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