HOA & Apartment Complex Holiday Lighting: Rules, Options & Cost
Homeowners associations (HOAs) and apartment complexes often allow holiday lighting, but within strict guidelines around safety, timing, and appearance. Whether you’re managing a large multi-family complex or overseeing a small neighborhood HOA, professional lighting can help maintain community cheer without breaking the rules.
At My Guy Christmas Lights, we handle installation, removal, storage, and HOA compliance, so you don’t have to.
What Are the Rules for Holiday Lights in HOAs?
If you’ve ever had a neighbor go full Clark Griswold with flashing inflatables and tangled cords, you already know why HOAs have rules.
In Indiana, most HOAs do allow holiday decorations, but there are always strings attached (pun intended)!
Here are the Common HOA Holiday Lighting Rules:
Installation dates
Lights often can’t go up before Thanksgiving and must come down by mid-January.
Color and design restrictions
Many HOAs require all-white lights or ban blinking or themed decor (like Santa or reindeer).
Mounting rules
No nails, staples, or hardware that damages gutters, siding, or roofs.
Electrical safety
Outdoor-rated extension cords, secure connections, and no overloaded circuits.
Uniformity
All homes or buildings may need to match in style and placement of lighting.
🔗 Related: When to Book Your Christmas Light Installation in Noblesville »
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re on the board, send out a seasonal memo in early November to remind residents of the lighting guidelines. If you’re a property manager, a professionally managed install keeps everyone happy and safe.
Holiday Lighting Options for Apartment Complexes
Apartments have different dynamics. Renters typically can’t install exterior lighting, and complex-wide decorations need to account for shared spaces, lease rules, and maintenance access.
But done right, apartment lighting can turn a bland property into a festive destination.
✨ Most Common Areas to Decorate:
Leasing office or clubhouse entrance
Rooftops or eaves on multi-unit buildings
Mailboxes, signage, or gated entries
Trees and bushes in courtyards or near sidewalks
Perimeter fencing or walking paths
💡 Lighting Options:
Temporary Seasonal Lighting
These are installed after Thanksgiving, removed in January, and stored offsite. This is the most popular and cost-effective option.Permanent Holiday Lighting Systems
These systems use color-changing LED tracks mounted to the roofline. Some HOAs and landlords approve them, but others don’t. Always check first.Hybrid System
A base track is installed permanently for safety and access, but custom decor is added each year for variety and seasonal flair.
🔗 See if Permanent Holiday Lights Are Right for Your Business »
Renters generally can’t hang their own lights, so a professionally installed display ensures safety and consistent curb appeal.
What’s the Cost to Light an HOA or Apartment Complex?
Cost depends on your building size, layout, desired look, and storage needs, but here’s a general pricing guide:
| Property Type | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Small HOA Clubhouse | $800 – $1,500 |
| Multi-Building Apartments | $3,000 – $10,000+ |
| Entry Monument or Signage | $500 – $1,200 |
| Full Community Install | Custom Quote Available |
All commercial installations from My Guy Christmas Lights include:
✅ Custom layout and lighting design
✅ Fast, professional, code-compliant install
✅ Post-season teardown and secure storage
✅ Warrantied lights with replacements if needed
🔗 Check out our Commercial Services to see what we can do for your business!
What Happens If You Violate HOA Lighting Rules?
HOA violations may seem minor, but they can lead to:
Warning letters
Daily fines until the issue is resolved
Legal escalation (in rare cases)
Damage to your reputation with the board or neighbors
The good news? You don’t have to risk it. When you hire pros who know Greenwood and understand HOA nuances, you sidestep all the hassle.
HOA Compliance + Safety = Stress-Free Holiday Cheer
Yes, holiday lighting rules can feel a little strict, but they serve a purpose:
Fire safety – Poorly wired lights and cheap extension cords cause fires every year.
Property preservation – Nails and adhesives can damage siding and roofs.
Aesthetic consistency – Lights that clash with neighborhood guidelines cause conflict and complaints.
The good news? We take care of all that.
Our crew is trained in safe, HOA-compliant, and weatherproof installs. We also communicate with HOA boards or property managers in advance to get written approvals or design confirmation.
We Work With HOAs, Property Managers & Landlords
We’re not just installers, we’re your lighting partners. Here’s who we typically help:
HOA board members or landscape committees
Property management companies
Leasing office staff or maintenance managers
Landlords or real estate investors managing multi-units
Developers preparing for tenant move-ins over the holidays
🔗 Read: Why Noblesville Families Choose Professional Installers »
We make it easy, from design and setup to teardown and offseason storage. One call, and your property becomes the neighborhood holiday favorite.
Ready to brighten up your community this holiday season?
Whether you manage an HOA, apartment complex, or condominium community, My Guy Services makes it easy. We specialize in commercial holiday lighting that’s HOA-compliant, safe, and stunning. Complete with full installation, removal, and storage. From timer-equipped displays to custom designs, we handle it all so you don’t have to. Serving communities across Fishers, Greenwood, Noblesville, and more, our licensed and insured team is trusted by property managers throughout Central Indiana. Request your free commercial quote today »
