I live in a 3-story complex on the top floor. Around a year ago, my downstairs neighbor’s HVAC system (bathroom ventilation fan) started acting up, probably a broken ball bearing. All fans are on the roof, so the vibration travels directly into our apartment. It sounds like a washing machine on full centrifuge above our bedroom. It’s not unbearable, but it’s stressful and affects sleep.
I asked the HOA for my neighbor’s number and explained the situation. I told them they’re free to use it during the day but asked politely if they could turn it off after 11 PM while waiting for repairs. At first, they were cooperative, occasionally forgetting, which I let slide. Over time, I had to send reminders around 11:50 PM. Months later, they stopped responding entirely, ignoring our “quiet after 11” deal. I sent longer messages but got no reply. One night, at 1:50 AM, I sent: “please respond as I really don’t want to head out of bed and knock on your door.” No reply. I went down, knocked, and left.
The next day, they responded: “We weren’t home, this is bad because of humidity. We’re not trying to disrespect you, you just have to be patient while repairs are pending.” I understand the need to vent humidity and suggested ways to reduce it. I only asked them to avoid using the fan at night.
They continued using it at night occasionally. I kept sending messages, ignored. Last night, I finally sent a more tempered message: “Christ… is it that hard not to turn it on at night? It’s against HOA rules and local law after 11 PM. If this continues, I’ll have no choice but to call the cops.”
This morning, the HOA told me my neighbor’s mother called, claiming I harassed her daughter with texts and threats. I usually have a good standing with the HOA, but this made me feel like I’m the bad guy.
Am I the asshole for sending (maybe too many) requests to turn off the fan at night, and calling the cops if they don’t stop?
Yes, YTA.
When you have an HOA, all complaints should include them. It shouldnt have taken months to get this fixed if you included them. If they knew, theyd have stepped in after a month.
You’re making too many threats, texts, and calls. YTA
ESH but it doesn’t and shouldn’t take a year to fix a fan!
YTA. A noisy HVAC is not a Police matter. It is a HOA and an environmental health (noise nuisance) matter. Go through the proper channels to report the noise nuisance.
ESH. There’s no way the cops care about a bathroom vent fan. There’s also no reason for it to take a year to fix it.
Issue all your complaints to the condo board/HOA. Let them do any harassing or fining or whatever. Literally their entire purpose is to keep the building in good repair and manage conflicts like this.
I don’t understand why you even have an HOA if it doesn’t deal with good neighbor / repair requirements like this. Start filing formal complaints with the HOA and keep records. Call the city and see if there are ordinances relating to noise or faulty ventilation.
Simply put: move it up the chain. Perhaps these people don’t have money for repairs, and so have ghosted you. Which means you’re going to have to push harder and go beyond speaking through gritted teeth to get something done.
NTA, but you need to be smarter about your tactics. Swearing in texts is not a good look if this ends up in a municipal room or small claims.
YWBTA if you phone the emergency services because of a fan noise.
Don’t waste their time.
It’s on the HOA.
It isn’t your neighbour’s fault.
Would you complain to a grocery store manager if a bank cancelled your cards? No, you’d go to the relevant organisation.
Don’t waste emergency services’ time on your gripes
YTA. Yes. It is hard to not turn it on at night when you are hot. Yes. It is hard not to keep it on to prevent mold from growing. I remember when our hvac went out. We came home after 9ish hours. The floors were wet from sweating due to the lack of hvac working. Yes. You are harassing your neighbor. Stop it. They can only do so much.
YTA, I sleep with ear plugs because of noise I can’t control (thank God for Apple watch haptic alarm).
NTA. “Months later” means they are not going to get repairs. They intend to save money by having you accept it. They tried being unresponsive and hoping you gave up. Now they are trying to scare you. You have been very patient, and they have been preying on that. The only rational response is to withdraw your patience. Involve the authorities, already.
Of course YWBTA for calling the police over a neighbor’s noisy air conditioner.
Something like that can make you lose your sanity after a period of time. NTA but I think you are contacting the wrong people. How do they stand listening to it? That must be done bad humidity to put up with it.
YTA you don’t go calling emergency services to moan about your neighbours.