AITA for ignoring my neighbors and their HOA group?
On a serene lakeside, where the hum of a seaplane blends with lapping waves, one homeowner’s peaceful retreat turned into a battleground. After installing buoys to safeguard their Piper Super Cub, they faced the wrath of an overzealous HOA, despite owning their historic cottage free of their rules.
Reddit erupted with cheers for the homeowner’s stand and jeers for the HOA’s audacity. This tale of property rights versus neighborhood control invites us to dive into a clash where buoys and tempers mark the boundary lines.
‘AITA for ignoring my neighbors and their HOA group?’
Owning a slice of lakeside paradise comes with perks—and pesky neighbors. This homeowner’s buoys and seaplane, perfectly legal on their non-HOA property, sparked a showdown with an HOA hungry for control. The conflict hinges on boundaries: the homeowner’s right to manage their land versus the HOA’s attempt to dictate terms.
HOAs often overstep, with 74% of homeowners in a 2022 National Association of Realtors survey (source) reporting frustration over restrictive rules. Real estate attorney Sarah Johnson notes, “HOAs lack jurisdiction over non-members, but disputes can escalate without clear communication.” Here, the homeowner’s firm stance is legally sound but risks neighborly tension.
The broader issue is HOA overreach. Legal clarity—verifying property laws and documenting compliance—can defuse conflicts. Installing cameras, as suggested by Reddit, adds protection. For solutions, Johnson advises sending a formal cease-and-desist letter through an attorney to halt harassment.
Let’s dive into the reactions from Reddit:
Reddit brought the heat, tossing shade at the HOA with gusto. Here’s the unfiltered scoop from the community, served with a side of snark:
![[Reddit User] - NTA, HOAs are just about always TA. I understand the benefits to an HOA, and why some people choose to be in them, but they attract control freaks. Imagine the audacity of *demanding* someone change how they use their own property even when they're not in your club of complainers.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/223804c-05.png)
![[Reddit User] - NTA. HOAs are so frigging toxic.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/223804c-07.png)
![[Reddit User] - Anybody who pisses off a HOA is never an a**hole!](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/223804c-08.png)
![[Reddit User] - NTA - my god these type of HOA people really annoy me. It's like this weird need to assert their power over people for the sake of it, over things that to most people are insignificant.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/223804c-12.png)
These fiery takes light up the HOA’s overreach, but do they capture the full picture? One thing’s certain: this lakeside saga has Reddit buzzing.
This waterfront standoff pits personal freedom against HOA meddling, leaving us to wonder where the line should be drawn. Was the homeowner’s defiance a bold stand or a spark for more conflict? Share your thoughts: how would you navigate a nosy HOA trying to rule your roost?
