Vancouver Couple’s Lawsuit Changes Rules for Political Yard Signs in Homeowners Associations

Vancouver Couple Wins Lawsuit Against Homeowners Association Over Political Yard Signs

A Vancouver couple, Janet and Phil Landesberg, have successfully challenged their homeowners association’s restrictions on displaying political yard signs before an election. The Washington Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the couple on April 9, stating that homeowners associations cannot impose time limitations on the display of political yard signs created before 2018.

The Landesbergs’ dispute with the Fairway Village Homeowners Association began in 2021 when they were asked to remove a yard sign supporting a local candidate because it was up more than 60 days before the election. The couple argued that state law does not grant the association the authority to establish a time threshold for their sign.

In addition to their legal victory, the Landesbergs worked with the Uniform Law Commission to amend a statute that will prevent homeowners associations created after 2018 from enforcing time limitations on political signs before an election. This amendment will take effect on July 6.

The Fairway Village Homeowners Association expressed disappointment with the court’s decision, stating that it may lead to the year-round display of political yard signs and increase political divisiveness in the community. However, Janet Landesberg believes that the ruling is a win for free speech rights.

Overall, the Landesbergs’ lawsuit has set a precedent for homeowners associations in Washington state, ensuring that residents have the right to display political yard signs without arbitrary time restrictions.