May 29, 2017
Real Estate
As we celebrate Memorial Day with family and friends and visit the graves of those we have lost in duty to the Military this weekend, many homeowners want to put the American flag outside their homes in a show of patriotism. But is it allowed? Depending on where you live, you might be told you can’t fly the American flag by your local homeowner’s association.
Is that legal? Can they really say who can and who cannot fly the American flag outside their home? To avoid being involved in legal action, many homeowners’ associations have decided to ban any individual display observable from outside the building.
According to the federal Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005, no condo, co-op or homeowners’ association can restrict owners from displaying the flag on their property. However, they are permitted to place “reasonable restrictions” on the time, place and manner of display to protect the ‘substantial’ interest of the association.
Some state laws also govern homeowners’ associations’ rules on flag displays. The specific California Homeowners Association policy can be found here. So, if you live in California, feel free to fly your American flag proudly, as long as you follow the rules on displaying properly outlined below.
If you rent your property, you will need to review your lease for any language restricting flag flying just so you cover your bases.
To display the American flag properly, Title 4 of the United States Code outlines how to do it properly:
As we approach the 4th of July, you’ll now know the rules to display the American flag if you live in California. If you live elsewhere, please be sure to look up your own state and HOA’s rules.
Sources:
http://www.hoalawblog.com/2015/10/california_hoas_cannot_restric_1.html
http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/can-your-hoa-prohibit-you-from-flying-your-favorite-flag.html
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
November 5, 2024
November 4, 2024
October 25, 2024
October 15, 2024
October 11, 2024
October 8, 2024
October 8, 2024
October 4, 2024
October 1, 2024
You’ve got questions and we can’t wait to answer them.