'My neighbor got me fined': Entitled neighbor "Todd" gets resident fined by the HOA for a noise complaint, resident gets even with the help of neighbor's dog "Buttons"

Author image for Ben Weiss
Ben Weiss • Writer and Editor
Sep 18, 2025 2:00 PM EDT

All it took was a lovely little Pomeranian to get back at this entitled neighbor's antics! 

Here's the thing. "Todd" seemed to be holding a grudge against the author of this tale and was willing to do whatever it took to get him fined by their homeowner's association for bogus reasons. So in retaliation, the author decided to get even with the help of the neighbor's dog "Buttons."

Now, we are sympathetic to folks who have to endure noisy neighbors, but there are so many ways to navigate the awkwardness of that situation before immediately pursuing the option of getting the HOA involved. You start by kindly asking the neighbor to quiet down. Most sensible human beings will respond well to a request that is communicated with respect and kindness. If they don't respond well to that request, then you kindly ask again. If that doesn't go your way or if they respond with hostility, then you have the go-ahead to be petty. However, if you don't follow any of those steps before going straight to these extreme levels of pettiness, you might end up getting what you deserve in return. This is exactly what ended up transpiring for dear old "Todd."

How did the author get back at "Todd?" Well, let's just say he figured out how to get "Buttons" excited during the quiet hours of the morning on a repeated basis, which ultimately led to "Todd" receiving the exact same HOA fines that the author received. An eye for an eye, folks! Shout out to "Buttons" for being the one to make it happen!

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  • "My neighbor got me fined for playing music. Guess whose dog just got him fined?"

    A small brown dog stands on top of a lush green field.
    via Stefanus Fandhy

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • Several members of this online community pointed out that “Buttons” was being agitated every morning for the purposes of this petty revenge. This is a fair critique that the author should have considered before getting “Buttons” super excited every morning. Still, at least “Todd” got what he deserved. What are your thoughts on the ethics of this situation?

  • My neighbor Todd has a Pomeranian named Buttons. He isnt the worst dog, just kind of loud sometimes. Barks when people walk by, or when Amazon drops off a package. Normal stuff. Annoying if your home all day but not enough to get HOA
    via Dgorman927
  • involved. Todd though is one of those HOA rulebook guys. Last month I got a letter saying id been reported for excessive noise. Turns out Todd complained about me playing music in my garage every morning while I work. I wasnt
    via Dgorman927
  • blasting it, just enough to drown out the outside noise. HOA hit me with a $75 fine. No warning. So I bought this cheap rubber chicken that squeaks from Amazon. Now
    via Dgorman927
  • when Todd lets Buttons out to use the bathroom around 630 or 7 a.m., I go out to my garage with my coffee and rubber chicken and give it a good. squeak. Buttons completely loses her ! Not a couple barks but full on melt down! Running laps,
    via Dgorman927
  • barking non stop and wont calm down for at least 10 minutes. After doing that just about every morning for a week straight Todd comes over and asks if im doing something to Buttons to get her worked up in the morning.
    via Dgorman927
  • because he got a fine for chronic nuisance barking during quiet hours. I told him I had no idea what he was talking about, while buttons was still going absolutely bonkers behind him.
    via Dgorman927
  • jjflash78. Be careful, he may hear the squeek. Try a dog whistle instead.
    via Dgorman927
  • A brown and white concrete house within a quiet suburban neighborhood.
    via Zac Gudakov

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • swoosie75. Tell Todd you have no idea what's wrong with his dog, you used to play music to drown the dogs barking out but you can't do that anymore because someone complained.
    via Dgorman927
  • Nice work. I feel a little bad for the dog, not at all for Todd.
    via Dgorman927
  • SparkleBait . I absolutely do not get how people are getting fines without any hearings! What do your ccr's, bylaws, and state law say about there having to be hearings first,
    via Dgorman927
  • not unilaterally fining people. Not yelling at you at all, but the more I read about fines, the more irritated I get. Where I live, you HAVE to have a hearing and then if needed, a fine. Can I ask what state you're in???
    via Dgorman927
  • skippykorea · Give it a break for week. Then continue this squeaking. Do it off and on. You don't want the dog getting to used to it. See if you can find alternative stuff that sets the dog off.
    via Dgorman927
  • Now eventually your neighbour will find out. Be honest with him. Tell him why and you will not be stopping until you get an apology for being a rules lawyer.
    via Dgorman927
  • ChiefSlug30. This is the second story I have read today about getting back at an annoying neighbour by using a squeaky toy to rile up the neighbour's dog and get them in trouble with the НОА.
    via Dgorman927
  • Same-Turnip3905 How do you get people fined for such issues. For the 19 years we've been in our house, we have had barking dogs, 6 years, then another 6 years and now new neighbours again. Council does nothing, Police doesn't want to hear about it. What is your secret?
    via Dgorman927
  • MaxwellSmart07. I love this story. My board looked for single incidences to levy a fine. Lean a piece of plywood against a wall for 5 minutes causing no damage fine! When the board president parked in a
    via Dgorman927
  • "tow zone" we called the tow company and watched his car being towed away. ($450 bucks plus a cab fare to get it back).
    via Dgorman927
  • Question: Normally to levy fines there must be a grievance committee. Does your HOA have one?
    via Dgorman927
  • Flying FlipPhone ⚫ Bluetooth over-ear headphones is always the answer.
    via Dgorman927

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hoa hoa stories neighbors neighborhood neighborhood-drama bad neighbors neighborhood-stories terrible neighbors hoa drama
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