HOA fines resident for planting "unapproved" flowers, resident uses his neighbor's broken Christmas lights to dispute it: 'I plant a few flowers and get hit with a $75 fine'

Author image for Ben Weiss
Ben Weiss • Writer and Editor
Nov 13, 2025 4:00 PM EST

It's bizarre which rules authority figures decide to enforce and which ones they let slide. Perhaps no better institution exemplifies this frustrating hypocrisy than your local HOA.

This resident discovered one morning that he had been fined $75 for planting marigolds near his torch. This was someone who took far greater care with his garden than the average person in his neighborhood. He always cut the grass and mowed his lawn regularly, unlike far too many other folks in the area. 

However, today, the HOA board decided that he was the person who needed to be punished in order to set an example. Of course, there were far more worthy candidates for this distinguished honor. 

The author himself pointed out that his next-door neighbor still left his broken Christmas lights out for almost an entire year, which should have been a much bigger violation given how much of an eyesore it was to everyone else.

Clearly, however, someone on the HOA board had it out for this guy and made it personal. Keep scrolling below for the full story and for the best reactions from several members of this online community.

Add as a preferred
source on Google
Advertisement
  • A man with gloves on holds a yellow flower while gardening.
    via Unsplash+ (Ales Krivec)

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • Once again, let this story serve as an example of how useless HOAs can actually be. People shouldn't have to pay these associations monthly fees only to be reprimanded for petty and insignificant reasons. Shouldn't those monthly fees be devoted to an organization meant to maintain safety and decorum? Asking for this friend!

  • "HOA fined me for planting flowers in my own yard"

    I got a letter from my HOA this week saying I violated the neighborhood rules because I planted marigolds and tulsi near my porch. Apparently they aren't on the "approved plant list."
    via Agile-Wind-4427
  • I honestly thought it was a joke at first. I'm the one who takes care of my yard, mows the lawn, trims everything. It looks better than half the houses on the street. But nope, they decided my plants are a problem.
    via Agile-Wind-4427
  • What really annoys me is that my neighbor still has broken holiday lights tangled in his bushes and no one says a word. I plant a few flowers and get hit with a $75 fine.
    via Agile-Wind-4427
  • It's ridiculous how these people act like they own your property just because you pay them every month.
    via Agile-Wind-4427
  • TLDR they fined me for planting flowers because they weren't "approved."
    via Agile-Wind-4427
  • loki2002 3h ago Unless the rules specify the type of plants you can or cannot use or specify a color scheme for same they cannot fine you for this.
    via Agile-Wind-4427
  • Read your CC&Rs and formally request them to tell you what specific rule they're basing this fine on in writing. Make it real difficult for them and don't back down. HOAs thrive on people just giving up.
    via Agile-Wind-4427
  • Warrambungle • 3h ago Well, they have to draw the line somewhere. Everyone knows that marigolds are just a gateway flower. Before long you'll do some reading
    via Agile-Wind-4427
  • and realise that Lupins add nitrogen to the soil. Before you can say "deadheaded roses" you'll have little cones of colour all across your lawn. Maybe you should plow it all under and plant a meadow.
    via Agile-Wind-4427
  • ItsTimeToPanic • 3h ago Oh yes, my HOA thinks plants are the problem too. But not the actual problem ones. Just the ones that I planted for the monarchs. The invasive ones that are strangling trees and choking the woods? Those are fine.
    via Agile-Wind-4427
  • Physical-Abroad-5... 3h ago Go plant them in the hoa presidents yard
    via Agile-Wind-4427
  • A man digs in the dirt with a shovel next to yellow flowers.
    via Unsplash+ (Ales Krivec)

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • Old_Adagio_5278 • 2h ago Did someone in a previous post plant mint? It was allowed as it was a green plant and it took over everywhere much to the annoyance of the HOA
    via Agile-Wind-4427
  • Spottswoodeforgod 3h ago OMG! You planted marigolds! How could you - you have brought shame to yourself, your family, your entire community... Not a believer in capital punishment, but in this outrageous instance, I could make an exception.
    via Agile-Wind-4427
  • Defiantfellow • 2h ago . Make the HOA verify any rules. This could require them to produce C&Rs, minutes, etc. Are there any warning requirements? Ask them for every instance they fined anyone for any "improper" plants. Defend yourself if possible - at least go to a meeting.
    via Agile-Wind-4427
  • Make sure you notify all neighbors of being fined. If there is no valid defense, pay in coins and dump the flowers at the HOA property - after all, Karen will want proof you removed the flowers.
    via Agile-Wind-4427
  • Get on the board and make your HOA a reasonable one. Most are operated well but some get into power games.
    via Agile-Wind-4427
  • Fit_Bag1607 • 2h ago Our HOA picks and chooses what they follow and what they enforce as well. One of the downsides of having a board made up of inept people. I petitioned and was placed on the board, three years of frustration as I was outnumbered by these people who don't have a clue.
    via Agile-Wind-4427

Want More? Follow Us and Add Us as a Preferred Source on Google.

Tags

hoa hoa stories neighbors neighborhood neighborhood-drama neighborhood-stories entitled people karma hoa drama entitled people hoa members
Scroll Down For The Next Article