Can You Be Fined for Not Mowing Your Lawn?

We’ve all been there. It’s spring, it’s raining on the weekends, you work at the office all day, and the kids have activities every night. Next thing you know, your grass is knee-high.

Not only are you stressed about that, but you’ve also got the guy next door giving you that look of disapproval as you pull into the driveway after another busy day of life. You know, the guy with the perfectly manicured lawn that constantly shows up the entire neighborhood.

After the look and after looking at your lawn again, another thought pops up. Can you be fined for not mowing your lawn?

Well, read on to find out!

So…Can You Actually Be Fined for Not Mowing Your Lawn?

Yes, you can. Nobody wants to hear that. But before you start freaking out, it’s also not quite that simple either. It will ultimately depend on where you live, your specific situation since everyone’s is different, and the requirements in your community or as part of your homeowners’ association (HOA) if you have one.

But the precedent for levying fines does exist, unfortunately. And as you’ll learn shortly, not mowing your lawn can lead to more than just a fine. Now that you know that, I’m sure you’re wondering, how much is the fine?

How Much Can You Be Fined for Letting Your Grass Grow Too Long?

The answer to this question can be all over the board because it will again depend on your location and specific situation. It could be as little as $5 or over $50,000!

You typically find yourself in this situation because someone in your HOA or community, who is in charge of enforcing rules, received a complaint or report of noncompliance from someone else – most likely a neighbor. Probably that guy who gave you the look.

That complaint results in a notification to you that may or may not include an initial fine. Usually, you get a chance to cure the problem – you know, mow the lawn, and then the fine may be waived or reduced once you do.

But if you continue to ignore the complaint, or maybe fight it for one reason or another, additional fines may be levied, and late charges may be added. Or if you fight it and attorneys and courts get involved, well, the sky’s the limit!

And if that’s not enough, in addition to fines, not mowing your grass could lead to a lien being placed on your house. It could lead to foreclosure or even jail time in the rarest instances.

As you’re learning, it is illegal to not mow your lawn, and many communities take this issue quite seriously. So you should probably find out if you live in one that does.

How Can I Find Out What the Rules Are in My Area?

There could be multiple places to check to find out if you legally have to mow, and of course, it will depend on where you live and your situation.

If you belong to an HOA, you will want to review the Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs) to see if there are any requirements in there about lawn length and any ramifications for violating those requirements.

Another place to check would be the website of your city, town, village, county, etc. This may depend on the size of your municipality and how it’s set up or structured.

Ultimately, the website may or may not be organized or have all information easily accessible. That will vary by community, so you may have to email, call, or stop by your local village, city, or town hall to talk to someone to find the best answer.

You could also reach out to a local attorney where you live who should be familiar with rules, regulations, statutes, etc., in your area. It’s always good to consult with an attorney on any legal matter.

And you’ll want to get that figured out, so you don’t find yourself in a situation like the people in the next section.

Cases of People Being Fined for Not Mowing

I think owning a home is expensive enough as it is. Right? I mean, there’s always something to do. What if you had to pay a fine for not getting that “to do” crossed off your list?

Well, that’s what happened to these guys.

In April 2021, a Dunedin, Florida homeowner was ordered to pay $30,000 in fines that had accumulated over multiple years for not mowing his lawn. At one point during the process, the city also threatened foreclosure. Ouch!

Another example, although with a much less severe financial impact, gives you an idea of how heavy-handed some community officials can be. In January 2022, a Hamtramck, Michigan man, who was undergoing cancer treatment, was fined $100 by a judge after a court hearing for not mowing his lawn.

You just never know what kind of trouble that long lawn could get you into, so it’s probably better not to let it become a problem.

My Advice To Help You Avoid Getting Fined

I hope you’ve learned that not mowing your lawn can have severe consequences! So how can you avoid being fined for not mowing your lawn? By following these tips.

• Learn the rules of the game. First, figure out if you are a member of an HOA. If so, read through the CC&Rs to understand the requirements you are subject to. If not, contact your local municipality and get to know if you legally have to mow.
• Mow your lawn regularly – not only will this help you avoid fines, but it will also help develop a thick, green lawn that will minimize weeds, diseases, and insects and be the envy of your neighborhood.
• If you know you’ll be in a situation where your grass will grow too long (vacation, work/life commitments, etc.), contact your HOA or municipality to discuss this or hire a service to cut your grass during this time.
• If you receive a report or notice of noncompliance regarding your lawn, ensure you address it within the cure timeframe to avoid any escalation.

“Can you be fined for not mowing your lawn?” When the new guy next door asks you that at the next neighborhood BBQ, you know exactly what to tell him.