Woman's Temporary Backyard Oasis Is the Perfect Solution to Skirting HOA Rules

We’ve all heard those wild stories about Homeowners' Associations (HOAs) and their sometimes downright bizarre rules. While many of us would rather live anywhere that doesn’t have an HOA, some people have no choice but to deal with their restrictive regulations. Often, these rules can be extreme and seemingly senseless, leaving residents scrambling for ways to work around them. But TikTok creator Shannon Mik , aka Shaye, found a creative and clever solution to create her own backyard oasis without breaking any HOA rules.

What Do HOAs Do?

HOAs typically exist to maintain a certain aesthetic and standard within a neighborhood. They aim to keep property values high and ensure that the community remains visually appealing and orderly. However, their rules can sometimes feel overbearing or unnecessary.

Related: HOA Sends Letter About Couple’s Dead Bushes so Man Comes Up With Hysterical Solution

In Shaye’s case, her HOA had two major restrictions that directly impacted her backyard dreams – no permanent fences and no pools. These rules could easily dash anyone’s hopes of creating a cozy outdoor retreat, but Shaye saw them nothing more than a couple of hurdles to creatively overcome.

To tackle the no-permanent-fence rule, Shaye started with temporary privacy fencing panels from Lowes, also known as privacy lattice screens. She swapped out the stakes that usually go into the ground for brackets, which she then attached to cedar boards. The fencing was arranged on her patio, and to ensure stability, she added pavers on top of the cedar boards to weigh everything down. This setup created a secure and stylish privacy screen without violating the HOA’s rules about permanent structures.

Next, Shaye addressed the pool prohibition by opting for a large inflatable pool that fit perfectly within her new privacy screen. This inflatable option allowed her to enjoy a refreshing dip and soak up the sun without running afoul of the HOA’s no-pool policy. To make her backyard space even more of a retreat, Shaye added an outdoor carpet, comfortable seating, and some charming lighting.

While it may not be the ultimate solution, her setup is significantly better than not trying anything at all, and we can’t help but admire the ingenuity behind the project. So, if you find yourself dealing with restrictive HOA rules, take a page out of Shaye’s book and explore creative alternatives that allow you to enjoy your space without breaking any regulations.

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