“MERRY CHRISTMAS” OR “HAPPY HOLIDAYS” ???

Landlords and HOA boards must consider Fair Housing laws when considering what, if any, holiday displays they will permit in their communities.  A U.S. district court recently awarded a family $75,000 when the homeowner’s association prohibited a charitable event that would include decorating the home with approximately 200,000 lights, a live nativity with a camel, live music, hot chocolate, photos with Santa, and portable restrooms.  The judge cited the HOA president’s remarks, “I am somewhat hesitant in bringing up the fact that some of our residents are non-Christians or of another faith and I don’t even want to think of the problems that could bring up.”  Using religion as a reason turned this into a Fair Housing complaint.

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