We occasionally have talks about allowing or restricting flags, banners, or political signs

I did a drive by today, and there standing in my front garden was the Virgin Mary.

That's a new one for me, but it probably isn't likely that a mob of atheists will break all my windows. Any one offended isn't likely to do anything but complain over their own dinner table.

But what about other yard and garden art? Should it be restricted? Plywood cut-outs, rusty farm equipment, pink flamingos? I once had a neighbor that decorated with all sorts of odd stuff, including an ancient outhouse that he placed artistically in his front yard.

Like DON, I have the same in my leases. I had an attorney tenant give me a lecture on freedom of speech, but didn't want to put anything up, just questioned it.

I've noticed with the protests, many different signs on lawns for various causes. I noticed one on one of our properties. Many of the neighbors in the area had signs up as well. At the time I didn't say anything, but don't remember seeing anything there lately.

Personally I'd ignore it as long as they haul that 50 lb statue with them when they leave, otherwise I'd charge them a disposal fee.

A Virgin Mary statue is deeply tied to two religions - Catholic and Lutheran. How wise would it be to target any specific religion or religious symbol?

SO you have to ask yourself, what happen if instead of Mary, it was a statue of Buddha?

People get edgy when you start talking about symbols. You are correct though to police it. There is a line - somewhere. And the best way to police this, well that depends on the specific resident. I have told the two young bachelors that the Rebel flag curtain was not socially correct and asked them replace it with something a bit controversial. How did I broach that topic? Hey some folks might be offended by your Rebel flag style curtains. Do you know if that symbol brings about damage against the property, that my insurance is going to chase after your renters insurance - does your insurance cover riot damage or is hat coming out of your pocket?

Now they asked why they believe a riot would start. I get it, they see something like that as an out growth of the Dukes of Hazard. A symbol that country folks will some how get by. When I said that might mean something different to others, the curtains came down. These were actual curtains so this wasn't as cut and dry as just having a Disney sheet covering a window.

This is why I provide window coverings - it helps me police the quality of a unit.

Great topic Smoke.

Smoke,

For single family homes

My lease is clear: no offensive or vulgar signs or displays. Holiday decorations must be removed within 30 days past the holiday.

Unless things get out of control I feel they can show what they want. Political signage already has local laws - only display 30 days before and remove immediately after election.

Other than that I have bigger fish to fry.

BRAD

We had this discussion recently... Brad denied an applicant because he had obscene stickers on his truck. I had a tenant who covered hher entire living room window with a TRU-MP poster. Would you object to that? How about a tenant with a LGB or FJB sticker?