A Germantown, Maryland, family is facing a $650 fine that climbs daily for keeping their Christmas lights outside. The fine has sparked a debate over neighborhood decor, HOA enforcement, and homeowner rights.
The Fine and the Growing Penalty
The Salgado family reports that the homeowners’ association (HOA) issued a notice warning that the $650 fine will increase each day if the decorations remain. The fine is described as a “nuisance and annoyance” to the community, prompting the family to seek legal counsel.
The penalty’s daily escalation is a point of contention, as the family argues that their display is silent and harmless. They maintain that the fine is disproportionate to the alleged disturbance.
The HOA’s enforcement policy is tied to the association’s governing documents and Maryland law, according to the HOA lawyer’s statement.
The Holiday Display
Pahan Salgado, a resident, explains, “We have the manger scene out front, which is like the centerpiece for our display. Shows us our faith and what we believe in and the reason we decorate for Christmas.” He describes the display as “very simple and very classic.”
Supuli Salgado adds, “Each year our family has a display, and it gets bigger and changes each year, but this year we did tone it down — by a lot.” The family claims the display is quieter and less elaborate than previous years.
Despite these reductions, the HOA still considers the display excessive, labeling it a nuisance.
Legal Response and Representation
The Salgados hired attorney David Gardner to challenge the HOA’s selective enforcement. Gardner said, “You can see as you go through the neighborhood, there are other homes with similar displays. They might not be as nice or extravagant, but this is a very attractive, traditional Christmas display, and they’re essentially being selectively singled out for enforcement, and we’re going to challenge that, and I would fully expect a court to agree.”
Gardner’s statement suggests that the HOA’s action may not be uniformly applied across the community. The Salgados intend to pursue a legal challenge.
The lawyer’s involvement underscores the broader issue of HOA enforcement consistency.
Neighbor Reaction and Broader Community Impact
A neighbor with a modest reindeer display received a letter from the HOA warning of potential fines if she does not remove her decorations. She remarked, “I’m amazed that in America today — 2025, almost 2026 — and people are complaining about beautiful decorations in our neighborhood.”
This letter indicates that the HOA’s enforcement may extend beyond the Salgados’ display. The neighbor’s reaction highlights a growing frustration among residents.
The community’s response reflects a tension between traditional holiday cheer and HOA regulations.
HOA’s Stated Position
An HOA lawyer told News4 that she couldn’t comment on a specific homeowner or enforcement action. She added, “The Association’s goal is to support a safe, respectful, and well-maintained community while ensuring the Association’s governing documents are enforced uniformly and in accordance with Maryland law.”
The lawyer’s statement frames the HOA’s actions as consistent with its mission and legal obligations. It also emphasizes uniform enforcement.
The HOA’s stance may influence how the legal dispute unfolds.
Key Takeaways
- The Salgado family faces a $650 fine that increases daily for their holiday display.
- The family argues their display is silent, simple, and toned down from previous years.
- Attorney David Gardner claims the HOA is selectively enforcing rules against the Salgados.
The dispute highlights differing views on neighborhood aesthetics, homeowner rights, and HOA enforcement. It raises questions about how associations balance community standards with individual expression during the holiday season.
The case remains ongoing as the Salgados prepare to challenge the HOA’s decision in court.
