Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Re: Condominium Living

Most CC&Rs, or condo rules, require that things such as dishwashers and other noise-making appliances be run at reasonable hours -- i.e. usually before 10 p.m. Just because your schedule is one that keeps you up late at night, your neighbor would argue that he shouldn't have to put up with your late-night laundry habits. Try to reach a fair compromise.

Re: Condominium Living

Hello!

I read Attorney Cohen's response. Well put.

Try to communicate with your neighbor, have the proverbial "cup of coffee" and explain (if you like) your schedule. See if that helps.

Otherwise, a reasonable cooperative "can't we just get aliong" attempt would be prudent.

Sincerely,

Mark Geyer

Re: Condominium Living

I agree that this is a ridiculously petty question, but I don't agree that the person being petty is your neighbor.

People who live in condos or apartments are entitled to the quiet enjoyment of their homes. Your CC&Rs almost surely say this already, and there is no need to amend them to specifically deal with people who do laundry at night.

Residents have an obligation not to be unreasonably loud during hours when most people are asleep. You are violating this principle by running noisy appliances late at night.

That scheduling your laundry earlier is difficult for you is your problem, and you have no right to make it your neighbor's by keeping him awake. You need to find another solution. You're the one with the unusual schedule, and you seem to think the world has to accommodate you. That's not how it works. The fact that you are awake at night does not mean you can keep others awake, too.

You are not being unfairly discriminated against. Instead, you are being asked to abide by the same rules as everyone else. You're the one breaking the rules, so it is perfectly fair for you to be the one against whom they are enforced.