Julio Roman
New Member
- Jurisdiction
- California
Hello,
In June of this year (2020), I purchased a townhome in a very nice gated community with an HOA in San Diego, CA. Before I purchased my home, I rented a similar townhouse just down the street in the same community.
While setting up my television and surround sound system, my next door neighbor started pounding on the one common wall we share. Trying to be a good neighbor, I went to talk to them but they refused to come to their door. I tried going over to talk to them a couple of days later when I saw them pull into their garage. Again, they refused to come to the door.
My neighbors complained to the HOA and security came out and walked around the building and came to my door. With the TV still on, the security personnel said they couldn't hear anything and filed a report stating this. As an engineer I have access to a calibrated and certified sound-level-meter and measured the sound at no more than 75 decibels. I can talk to a visitor in a normal conversational voice. The HOA said that if there is a second complaint they can fine me.
I finally ran into my neighbor and she informed me that she has a medical condition that makes her very sensitive to sound. She said if this continues she will call an attorney. I understand this, but I did not pay to live in a home where I have to "walk on eggshells." I never play any music past 9:00 PM on weekdays or 10:00 PM on weekends.
What is the law in San Diego, CA? What is reasonable? I love my home but I do not want to live like this.
Thank you,
Julio Roman
In June of this year (2020), I purchased a townhome in a very nice gated community with an HOA in San Diego, CA. Before I purchased my home, I rented a similar townhouse just down the street in the same community.
While setting up my television and surround sound system, my next door neighbor started pounding on the one common wall we share. Trying to be a good neighbor, I went to talk to them but they refused to come to their door. I tried going over to talk to them a couple of days later when I saw them pull into their garage. Again, they refused to come to the door.
My neighbors complained to the HOA and security came out and walked around the building and came to my door. With the TV still on, the security personnel said they couldn't hear anything and filed a report stating this. As an engineer I have access to a calibrated and certified sound-level-meter and measured the sound at no more than 75 decibels. I can talk to a visitor in a normal conversational voice. The HOA said that if there is a second complaint they can fine me.
I finally ran into my neighbor and she informed me that she has a medical condition that makes her very sensitive to sound. She said if this continues she will call an attorney. I understand this, but I did not pay to live in a home where I have to "walk on eggshells." I never play any music past 9:00 PM on weekdays or 10:00 PM on weekends.
What is the law in San Diego, CA? What is reasonable? I love my home but I do not want to live like this.
Thank you,
Julio Roman