Entitled neighbor files multiple complaints to HOA about new tenants, they threaten to pursue legal remedy if she doesn't stop, neighbor moves out: ‘Our use of the property was compromised’

Author image for Bar Mor Hazut
Bar Mor Hazut • Senior Editor
Jan 13, 2026 8:00 PM EST

Have you ever filed a complaint about someone simply because they refused to do something you asked of them?

Me neither, because we are generally decent people.

Some people, however, have no problem creating problems for everyone around them just because they didn't get what they wanted. Usually, this type of behavior is demonstrated by 5-year-olds who throw tantrums at the mall because their mom didn't get them the toy they wanted, but every now and then, you will hear of a fully grown adult who does the same. 

The entitled neighbor in the story below basically threw a tantrum when she didn't get what she wanted from the new owners living in the condo unit above her. It all started when she came up to welcome them to the neighborhood and casually mentioned that the previous tenant used to help her with repairs around her house, and made it clear that she expects the same from the new residents. They, on the other hand, made it also clear that they have no plans to do such a thing, and if she needs something done, she should hire a professional.

Since this lady didn't get what she was after, she threw a tantrum just like a 5-year-old would, except she had the HOA at her disposal. A day after her conversation with her new neighbors, she started filing complaints to the HOA about every little move they made – their dryer is too loud, the water is leaking, they talk too much… dozens of complaints sent straight to the HOA office. The HOA, in response, came to check every single issue and was not surprised to discover that none of the complaints had grounds to stand on. 

At some point, the new resident got tired of being checked by the HOA, so they informed them that if their neighbor wouldn't stop complaining, they would pursue legal remedies for her behavior. Soon after, the neighbor did stop filing complaints, but that was not the end of this dispute. The new residents immediately started giving her reasons to complain, knowing fully well that no one would listen to her any longer. 

The situation came to a conclusion when the entitled neighbor put her unit up for sale and moved out. Keep scrolling to read how that came about.

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  • Elderly Women on Balcony
    via M.Emin BİLİR

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

  • Condo conflict, conquered!

    We moved from a house to a condo and knew we'd have an adjustment. The building is just 18 units and due to its lovely location, most everyone has been here since it was built 20 years ago.
    via Useless_Fish1982
  • Our unit was purchased from the original owner Tim, who had been the HOA president and friend of the lady downstairs, Barbara.
    via Useless_Fish1982
  • She came upstairs to welcome us with the mention that Tim was always happy to help her out.
    via Useless_Fish1982
  • I know what she meant, and shut that down immediately by saying, "Fortunately, the HOA gave us a list of handymen to come and do those things for us, we stay off ladders and aren't handy at all!" The smile dropped off her face and she stomped away.
    via Useless_Fish1982
  • The very next day, the complaints started. Our dryer was too loud, the water sounded like it was leaking through her ceiling, the vibrations were wrecking her peace.
    via Useless_Fish1982
  • We bought vibration mats, a new dryer, and checked our pipes which were fine. Went into Barbara's unit (with her present) while they were running and could barely hear a thing.
    via Useless_Fish1982
  • She then started daily complaints to the HOA, and when that persisted, we informed the HOA that our entirely proper use and enjoyment of our property was compromised by unwarranted harassment and if it continued, we would pursue legal remedy.
    via Useless_Fish1982
  • They immediately stopped. I checked the HOA rules and we can do laundry from 9am to 9pm.
    via Useless_Fish1982
  • You can bet that we did laundry every single day, I did laundry for our daughter's family too, and invited their small child to sit on the floor and play drum solos on mixing bowls and pots and pans while the washer churned.
    via Useless_Fish1982
  • Barbara put her unit up for sale and moved out. Our daughter is doing her own laundry again, and we're hoping for new, excellent neighbors.
    via Useless_Fish1982
  • Update: I wanted to add that the reason the HOA wisely chose to back off were the subjects of Barbara's complaints.
    via Useless_Fish1982
  • For example, she could hear us open and close our dresser drawers. She could hear every time we opened a closet, or put away dishes, or used our refrigerator ice dispenser.
    via Useless_Fish1982
  • She thought I took too many baths. She thought we showered too late. She was upset when I spoke to a neighbor from my deck.
    via Useless_Fish1982
  • Our door sustained a scuff from the moving guys. All this is why the HOA knew our case of unwarranted harassment was entirely legit.
    via Useless_Fish1982
  • Truck with moving box in them
    via manley099

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

  • Devils_Advocate-69 She drove Tom out
    via Devils_Advocate-69
  • Useless_Fish1982 Original Poster's Reply I think so too! She mentioned that he was hardly ever home and I thought, I'll bet I know why.
    via Useless_Fish1982
  • gcalig Buy Barbara's unit for your daughter. Do laundry if there are any other prospective buyers present. Low-ball Barbara.
    via gcalig
  • Useless_Fish1982 Original Poster's Reply I bow down to you! Brilliant.
    via Useless_Fish1982
  • gcalig Do it. For grandkid access alone it is worth it!
    via gcalig
  • Useless_Fish1982 Original Poster's Reply They live just 10 minutes away, and aren't cut out for condo life just yet, but they were over for dinner tonight and will be back Saturday, perhaps during another open house so we can have another of his magnificent drum solos.
    via Useless_Fish1982
  • MikeyGC66 I think you forgot to mention that you have a PhD in Petty! Love the pushback!
    via MikeyGC66
  • Useless_Fish1982 Original Poster's Reply I call myself Chief Petty Officer of the Relentless Revenge Initiative. Barbara wasn't my first rodeo, not by a long shot.
    via Useless_Fish1982
  • night_noche Watch what you ask for... Let's hope you get a better neighbor.
    via night_noche
  • Useless_Fish1982 Original Poster's Reply Oh yes! We have noted when the have open houses and we do laundry then, so they can't claim to be blindsided.
    via Useless_Fish1982
  • shelltrice well done. I am pleased for you that the HOA did not automatically side with the long term resident.
    via shelltrice
  • SpecialistPride6474 She did not want peace she wanted control.
    via SpecialistPride6474

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hoa neighbors neighborhood homeowner neighborhood-drama complaint Bad Neighbor weird entitled people apartment
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