The Salgado family of Germantown, Maryland, received a Dec. 8 letter from their HOA saying their holiday display violated community rules and amounted to an "annoyance and nuisance." The enforcement notice charges $25 per day per violation for 13 days (Nov. 26–Dec. 8), totaling $650. Neighbors say the lights and nativity scene bring joy, and the family insists they are being unfairly targeted. The HOA's attorney declined to comment on individual violations when contacted by reporters.
Maryland Family Fined $650 Over Christmas Lights — Neighbors Say HOA Is Targeting Their Nativity Display
ABC 7 News - WJLA/YoutubePahan Salgado's Germantown, Md., home decorated for the holidays
A Germantown, Maryland family known for an expansive annual holiday display says they received a Dec. 8 letter from the Middlebrook Manor South Homeowners Association (HOA) notifying them of fines tied to alleged violations of the community's rules.
HOA Enforcement and The Fine
The letter, delivered to Pahan Salgado and his family, states the display—featuring hundreds of lights, festive wreaths, a nativity scene, large nutcrackers and two angel figures placed in memory of a late grandmother—constituted an "annoyance and nuisance." According to the enforcement notice, the family was assessed $25 per day per violation for 13 days between Nov. 26 and Dec. 8, totaling $650.
Some news headlines initially suggested a different daily rate; the HOA letter cited in local reporting, however, specifies $25 per day per violation. The family contests the characterization and the fees.
Family Response and Neighborhood Reaction
Pahan Salgado, who manages the display, told local station WJLA the decorations reflect his family's Christian faith and values and honor a loved one. "It's just a wonderful time of year for everyone," he said, adding that the display brings joy to many visitors and passersby.
"We're not being a nuisance. Some lights on the bushes and a manger scene does not cause a nuisance to the whole community," Salgado told WJLA.
Neighbors interviewed by reporters voiced support. Across the street, Hinda Al-Awar described the display as "beautiful" and said her children enjoy it. She questioned why the HOA appeared to be targeting the Salgados when other homes in the neighborhood also display holiday lights and occasional nativity scenes.
HOA Response and Journalistic Outreach
Reporters seeking comment knocked on doors of listed board members. Within minutes, the HOA’s attorney replied to the outlet saying the association does not comment on individual violations and asking reporters not to contact board members directly. People magazine and WJLA also sought comment from the HOA attorney but did not immediately receive a response.
Faith, Memory and Community Impact
For the Salgado family, the display is tied to religious faith and family memory. "This is our core values and our religion. We don't want to step back from what we believe in," Pahan Salgado said, emphasizing the positive reactions from neighbors and visitors.
The dispute highlights tensions that can arise between seasonal traditions and community governance; it also raises questions about consistent enforcement of HOA rules and how associations communicate restrictions to residents.
