10 Surprising Things a Homeowner Can Be Fined For

Heavy rains or flooding can cause puddles to form in your yard, in buckets or in other outdoor containers—but did you know that you can get in trouble if you let that water sit for too long? Stagnant water is not only unsightly, but it can also be a breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitos, which poses a health risk for you and your neighborhood.

Related: 6 Smart Ways to Prevent a Soggy Yard with Every Rain Shower

Hanging clothes to dry is a more environmentally friendly way to do laundry, but many cities—like the city of Southgate, California—frown upon stringing a clothesline in the front yard. So, if you must hang laundry out to dry, do it in the backyard to avoid a violation.

If you’re a fan of the “more is more” approach to your yard, just be careful not to let your landscaping get so lush that it obstructs your address number. Obstructed address numbers are a violation of code compliance because the fire, police, and ambulance personnel need to be able to identify your home in case of an emergency.

Handrails are more than just a decorative feature on your staircase—they’re usually legally required for safety reasons. If you have outdoor steps that have an unsecured handrail or no handrail at all, your city may have the right to fine you until you get it fixed.

Big, beautiful trees make a neighborhood feel like home, but they can also create a nuisance if they become overgrown. Tree laws vary by city, but in Austin, Texas property owners are required to trim trees so that there is at least 14 feet of clearance over the curb line.

Those homeowners who enjoy getting out on the boat or hitting the open road with a trailer should be aware that they can’t just park them anywhere on their property. Though regulations vary by municipality, it’s usually illegal to park boats or recreational vehicles on the street or even in your driveway—meaning you’ll have to rent off-site parking, or create your own dedicated garage—or park it out back, if local laws allow.

Yard sales are a great way to clear a cluttered home, but be sure to keep count of how many times per year you sell your stuff. Cities like Modesto, California limit the number of yard sales to just two per year, and sales are only allowed to last for three days—otherwise, you’ll be in violation of city code.

In addition to ensuring that your pool is surrounded by a safety fence, you’ll also need to keep it in sanitary condition. A green or mold-covered pool is in violation of most city codes, so be sure to keep extra shock and a skimmer at the ready.

Related: 10 Energy-Wise Ways to Lower Your Pool Maintenance Costs

If a neighbor kid hit your front window with a baseball, you may not want to sit on it for too long. Broken windows cause more than a dicey appearance, drafty interior, and a security risk—they may be illegal and result in you being hit with a hefty fine.

You may think that getting your trash can and recycling bins out to the curb early makes you a responsible homeowner, but think again. In towns like Hallandale Beach, Florida, getting your bins out to the curb before 6 p.m. the preceding day of pickup can result in a fine.