Displaying Decorations in Common Areas

If your residents have ever argued over putting a Christmas display in a common area, be prepared to avoid acrimony over Easter decorations, such as palms for Palm Sunday or other Christian symbols.

The rule you need to follow is set by the Fair Housing Act, which distinguishes between religious and secular symbols. Residents may decorate common areas with religious symbols as long as all religions are represented. Secular decorations—such as images of Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny—can be put up in common areas without violating the law, because they are of a nonreligious nature.

To avoid conflict, you might adopt a policy that only management can install holiday decorations in common areas.

Note that the rule applies only to common areas. Residents can decorate their own units—including their front door—as they see fit. If that is likely to cause problems between residents of different faiths, you may consider adopting a house rule that bans residents from decorating their doors.