Noisy neighbor, condominium, Minnessota

Q: How do the neighbors help each other in your neighborhood?

Neighbors often help each other by sharing resources, like tools or childcare. They may also look out for each other's homes during vacations, assist with yard work, or provide support during emergencies. Building these connections can create a stronger community.

Q: How do your neighbors help each other?

Neighbors can help each other in many ways, such as offering assistance with home repairs, sharing food or supplies, or providing companionship. These interactions strengthen community ties and create a supportive environment.

Q: How to tell neighbors you are having a party?

When informing neighbors about a party, consider giving them a heads-up in person or through a note. Mention the date, time, and expected noise level. This courtesy can help maintain good relations and minimize complaints.

Q: In what ways are neighbors helpful?

Neighbors can be helpful by offering support during emergencies, sharing resources, and providing companionship. They may also assist with watching homes while you're away or help with community projects, contributing to a sense of belonging.

Q: Should you let neighbors know about a party?

Yes, it's considerate to inform neighbors about a party, especially if it may cause noise or traffic. This can help prevent misunderstandings and complaints, fostering a more positive neighborhood atmosphere.

Full question:

We have a neighbor who continually has parties in the town home attached to 4 families. She awakens all of us many nights a week, at all hours of the night, with loud, rude, parting. The parties are in the garage with the door half open, in the drive way, or on the front steps. We live in an association that cannot do anything except tell us to call the police. The police have been called many, many times over the past 2 years. They were called again last night, and left laughing, as if it were no big deal. They treat her as a friend, and as if the neighbors as crazy. She brags that she has the cops in her back pocket, and right where she wants them. She has never been given a ticket, or even a warning. She entertains people that we are afraid of. When the police left last night she yelled 'I love you guys'. Do we need to get an attorney to get this to stop. On most nights there are 5-7 cars parked outside of her garage, and in front of our driveway, but the association does nothing.

Category: Real Property
Subcategory: Homeowner's Association
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Minnesota

Answer:

Homeowner's associations are creatures of statutes. Minnesota's statute (515A.1-103) says:

(3) "Association" or "unit owners' association" means the
unit owners' association organized under section 515A.3-101.

That statute provides as follows: 515A.3-101 Organization of Unit Owners' Association.

A unit owners' association shall be organized no later than
the date the condominium is created. The membership of the
association at all times shall consist exclusively of all
the unit owners or, following termination of the
condominium, of all former unit owners entitled to
distributions of proceeds under section 515A.2-120, or their
heirs, successors, or assigns. The association shall be
organized as a profit or nonprofit corporation.

Homeowner's associations as a general rule have limited authority. Minnesota law provides:

515A.3-102 Powers of Unit Owners' Association. (a) Unless limited by the provisions of the declaration, the association may: (1) adopt and amend rules and regulations; (2) adopt and amend budgets for ... of a declarant of units to which more than 50 percent of the voting power is allocated, the association may by resolution of a meeting of the members duly called grant leases, licenses, and ... reasonable fines for violations of the declaration, bylaws, and rules and regulations of the association; (12) exercise any other powers conferred by state law, the declaration, or bylaws. (b ... association to deal with the declarant that are more restrictive than the limitations imposed on the power of the association to deal with other persons. HIST: 1980 c 582 art 3 s 5153-102.

Nothing in Section 515A.3-102 of the Minnesota statutes appears to grant a Minnesota homeowner's association any authority over or in regard to the conduct of any members of the association. In that regard it is typical of the law governing homeowner's associations throughout the United States.

A homeowner may be left to his own legal remedies regarding the disruptive conduct of a noisy neighbor, even though both are members of the same homeowner's association.

Please see the information at the following links:
http://www.tn-law.com/CM/Real-Estate/Townhome-Condominium-Law.asp
http://www.patrickburnslaw.com/PracticeAreas/Homeowners-Association-Law.asp

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What are the things that you can share with your neighbor?

You can share various things with your neighbor, such as information about community events, maintenance schedules, and safety concerns. It's also helpful to communicate about any disturbances, like noise from parties. Open communication can foster a better relationship and help resolve issues amicably.