Can building owner dictate how balcony is decorated?

A friend of the building owner descended upon the complex last week and proceeded to investigate all the balconies. In her much vaulted opinion, there are to be ONLY patio CHAIRS on the balconies. NO tables, NO potted plants, NO lights, NO mats, NO hanging plants, NO screens to cover the railings so small toddlers or cats can't squeeze thru, NO...well, NO to everything expect the patio chairs and only if they meet HER judgement of what constitues a patio chair.
Isn't the balcony considered part of the living space? Also, she promises evicition to anyone who dares put anything decorative on their door.
This is in Southern CA. The person who made these rules lives in another town and county and again, is only a friend of the owner.
What are our rights as tennets against this person?

The bit about the railings is a good point, they may NOT be to code as the place was built in the early 1960's.
Look, I can agree with no cooking, no lights, but the use of a barrier for peace of mind is key to us as we have small pets. I will measure the railings when I get home.
In answer to other questions, yes, these were in writing and given 30 days to comply. Never the less, many of us have been there for years and it would seem that the owner via his friend is trying to shake out the old tennets so as to get new ones they can charge more money for.

The friend has not legal way/right to evict you. I am not sure why you are concerned.

The owner can dictate rules, and honestly should, but you have to be given 30 days to comply if you are month to month and no new rules can be in effect if you are yearly until your yearly lease expires.

BTW, the law states that the railings can not be wider then 4 inches. You should not need screens for your toddlers, but if the landlord is going to play hard ball I would call the health department (yes, their puppy) about the railing. They will come out the same day and throw a fit. This law is strictly enforced in CA.

First question, is this woman acting as an authorized agent of the owner? If not has no authority. If yes, what does the lease say? It usually is within the right of an owner to set the rules of rental on such matters, BUT it must state so in the lease and set the boundaries.

On a practical point see who the other tenants feel about these 'new rules' of a significant number feel the same as you contact the owner directly and register your dissatisfaction. The prospect of finding a whole bunch of new renters may get the owner to step in.

You may have some legal rights a discussion with an attorney may be in order if you can't get the owner to wise up. But litigation may not be worth the effort.

If it is a condo then the association can dictate. If it is just an apartment complex, then they would have no say, unless you have garbage out there or have something out there that would damage the structure.

I've heard of condos being able to regulate what is shown on the balconies. If its in your lease or homeowner's association rules than you are SOL. If not, do what you want to do.

A landlord is well within their rights to have some control over what might be outside. The line must be drawn somewhere. You just think your line is drawn too tightly.

There might well be specific reasons for each "NO."

Hanging plants hang from something and may cause stress to the structure.
Lights use electricity which exposes the electrical system to weather conditions.
Tables and other indoor-style furniture looks tacky and takes away from the exterior visuals.
(I forbid cooking on balconies because of fire hazards.)