9 Summer Fixes That Actually Kept the HOA Off Your Back

Some HOAs seem like they’ve got binoculars aimed at your front porch. And in the summer, when everything grows fast and gets grimy quicker, it’s easier to get those annoying notices. But after living in a neighborhood like that, I’ve figured out a few quick fixes that actually worked.

Nothing expensive or complicated—just the kind of stuff that makes them move on to the next house instead of yours.

Edge the Driveway Once a Week

Mowing doesn’t always cut it (literally). When grass spills over onto the concrete, it starts looking like you haven’t touched your yard in weeks—even if you have.

Grab a trimmer or edger and clean up those edges. It takes five minutes and instantly makes the whole front yard look more put together. It’s one of those things HOAs seem to notice first, and it really does make a difference.

Pull the Weeds from the Sidewalk

Weeds growing through sidewalk cracks or by the curb scream “neglect,” and if your HOA is picky, they’ll latch onto that fast.

You don’t have to get every single one, but get the tall or obvious ones before they spread. A quick spray or hand-pull here and there keeps things looking clean and gets you one step ahead of a complaint.

Hide the Trash Cans

Leaving your bins out in plain view can get you a letter in some neighborhoods—especially in the summer when they smell worse.

If you’ve got a fence or garage, that’s the easiest fix. If not, even a small screen or panel works. Doesn’t have to be fancy. It just needs to block the view enough to keep the HOA from writing it down.

Clean Up Mildew on Trim or Fencing

That humid summer air brings mildew fast. It shows up on fences, door trim, even siding—especially in shaded areas.

A quick pressure wash or bleach spray can take care of it before it gets worse. If something’s too far gone, replacing the board or touching it up with paint makes the whole house look fresher.

Sweep the Curb and Driveway

It sounds silly, but some HOAs will flag you for grass clippings or leaves sitting in the street. After mowing or storms, it piles up fast.

A quick sweep with a broom or blower keeps your curb looking clean and your name off the list. It’s one of those easy wins that really does help.

Wipe Down the Front Door and Porch

Dusty doors, cobwebs, and grimy porch lights show up fast when the sun’s out. Even if the rest of the house is clean, this spot can make it look forgotten.

Wipe it all down every couple weeks. If your door paint is faded or chipped, this is a good time to repaint. It’s quick, cheap, and gives everything a little facelift.

Mow Before It Gets Too Long

Summer growth can sneak up on you. Skipping even a few days sometimes makes the yard look rough—and that’s when the HOA notices.

Stick to a regular schedule. Even if it doesn’t look too long, mow anyway. It’s way easier to stay ahead than scramble after getting a warning.

Put Tools and Toys Away

I’ve been guilty of leaving tools, bikes, or yard toys out longer than I should. But if you’ve got an HOA that watches everything, it’s not worth the risk.

Make it a habit to put things away right after you use them. A deck box or bin near the porch helps if you’ve got kids. You don’t have to be spotless—just tidy enough that no one sends a picture to the board.

Fix the Little Broken Things

One loose shutter. One flickering porch light. That’s all it takes to land on the “needs attention” list.

Walk around your house like you’re seeing it for the first time. Fix what you’ve been ignoring—tighten a screw, swap a bulb, patch the paint. These tiny fixes don’t cost much, but they go a long way toward making your house look cared for.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.