The Board and/or documents can demand it, but that doesn’t make it legal. There may be a Federal law covering this issue. The easiest way to find out is to phone the Attorney General’s Office in your state and ask. You can also insist that the Board request a letter from its attorney – at their expense – stating that it’s both mandatory and legal. Hope this helps.

Our expert on homeowner documents, Dr. David Goldenberg, offered the following reply. You can find his latest book on homeowner association documents here.

It is it all depends on how your documents define “an inside courtyard.” If, for instance, you have a Roman-style apartment which surrounded an atrium [a courtyard open to the sky] which was sold as part of your residence and was designed for the exclusive use of the owner(s) and residents of that lair, then the board has no right to meddle. If, however, “your courtyard” actually is common ground, then … Why not check your deed and governing documents? While you’re at it, consider raising your questions at the next board meeting. Regardless of who owns/controls the courtyard, the firm power washing it normally is held responsible for replacing anything they damage, flowers, flower pots, trees, and structural elements such as benches, walls, etc.”