A Germantown, Maryland, family is facing a $650 daily‑increasing fine for their Christmas lights after their homeowners’ association called the display a nuisance. The fine will rise every day the decorations remain on the property.
The Salgados’ Christmas Display
The Salgado family says their goal for the holiday season is simply to spread a little cheer. “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,” resident Pahan Salgado explained. He described the setup as “very simple and very classic.”
Supuli Salgado added, “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 posted images of their modest display, contrasting it with a photo from the previous year that was larger and more elaborate.
HOA’s Fine and Accusations
The homeowners’ association (HOA) labeled the decorations a nuisance and annoyance. Pahan Salgado countered, “I say this is not a nuisance or annoyance to the community. As you can tell, it’s not even making any sounds. It’s completely silent, so, it’s a very silent night out here.” The HOA’s warning letter warned that the $650 fine would increase each day the lights remained.
Legal Pushback
The Salgados engaged attorney David Gardner. “You can see as you go through the neighborhood, there are other homes with similar displays,” Gardner said. “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.” The family stated they do not intend to back down from their holiday tradition.
Supuli Salgado remarked, “The grinches are gonna hate, but we’re still going to do it.”
Neighbor’s Experience
A neighbor with a more modest reindeer display also received a letter from the HOA on Monday, warning her of potential fines if she does not remove her decorations. She expressed surprise, saying, “I’m amazed that in America today — 2025, almost 2026 — and people are complaining about beautiful decorations in our neighborhood.”
HOA’s Response
NBC Washington reached out to the HOA and its lawyers for clarification on the specific rules the Salgados are alleged to violate. An HOA lawyer told News4 she could not comment on a particular homeowner or enforcement action. “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 said in a statement.
Key Takeaways
- The Salgado family faces a $650 fine that increases daily for keeping their Christmas lights on.
- The HOA deemed the display a nuisance, while the family argues it is silent and modest.
- Attorney David Gardner claims selective enforcement and plans to challenge the fine in court.
The dispute highlights tensions between homeowners’ traditions and HOA regulations during the holiday season. The outcome may set a precedent for how community associations manage decorative displays in the future.
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