December 5, 2025 at 10:15 pm

Neighbor Doesn’t Think A Homeowner Should Burn Firewood, But That’s The Only Way To Keep His Home Warm In The Winter

by Jayne Elliott

man putting wood in fireplace

Shutterstock/Reddit

Imagine having a busy body neighbor who likes to complain about everything you do. If she claimed you were violating HOA policies, would you ignore her, humor her, or remind her that your home isn’t part of the HOA?

In this story, one man is in this exact situation, and he has had enough of this annoying neighbor who won’t leave him alone or believe anything he says.

Let’s read the whole story.

AITA for telling my neighbor and HOA to stuff it and leave?

I(25M) own a lakeside property that was legally and officially given to me by my parents.

I have been living here for six years and have some great neighbors along with some not-so-great ones.

Of all my neighbors I have only ever had problems with one who lives right next door named Mariette. She first moved in early this summer as she had the former house on her property demolished and rebuilt.

My problems started with her over her the use of my wood stove and fireplaces.

Using the fireplaces is essential to stay warm.

With the temperatures getting colder I have started to use them daily.

My house is not equipped with any form of heating outside of the wood stove and a fireplace. This means that from fall until spring I will constantly have them going to keep my place warm.

My family never outfitted the home with anything better because it was for weekend trips and we would winterize and leave it when things got cold.

My parents thought of adding oil heating when I moved in however I opposed it because it was a waste of money and didn’t mind splitting logs.

Mariette sounds really annoying.

Five days ago after having received my shipment of logs for the fall I was approached by my neighbor Mariette. She came around asking for my parents to which I said that they don’t live here and that I am the homeowner.

She didn’t believe me and said that I was too young to be a homeowner before leaving.

Later that day I heard a knock at my door and thought it was my girlfriend so I gave my usual greeting of “Hey Sweet Cheeks” while opening the door.

Unfortunately, it was not her and was Mariette again so I apologized quickly and asked what she wanted.

Once again she wanted to speak with my parents to which in a more stern tone said that I was the homeowner.

Mariette seems convinced that he’s a liar.

This time she finally got it and said that I am violating HOA policy by using wood-burning fireplaces indoors and outdoors.

In response, I said that as new as the house looks I am not a member of the group and that the town permits fireplaces and burning yard waste.

She then went on to ask why I even needed them because they do nothing but harm the environment.

I went on to explain that while the house exterior looks new the house actually has been around since 1930 and still uses a wood stove and fireplace heating.

She didn’t believe me yet again and said she would be back with an inspector.

She did in fact come back with an inspector.

Yesterday once again she came with another person who introduced themselves as an HOA inspector.

They tried to talk about my fireplaces but I shut them down immediately and said that I am not a member of their group.

The guy then tried to lie by saying that the HOA is in control of all the properties in the area.

I immediately called him out on the lie and said that he is either lazy or a moron for not knowing that I am not with them. We went back and forth one more time before I told them I will not listen to them and to stuff it and leave.

Am I a jerk?

Mariette is nothing but a busy body who won’t mind her own business. She needs to leave him alone.

Let’s see how Reddit reacted to this story.

Here’s a suggestion about what to tell the neighbor and the HOA.

Screenshot 2025 11 04 at 7.10.26 PM Neighbor Doesnt Think A Homeowner Should Burn Firewood, But Thats The Only Way To Keep His Home Warm In The Winter

The neighbor really needs to leave him alone.

Screenshot 2025 11 04 at 7.10.40 PM Neighbor Doesnt Think A Homeowner Should Burn Firewood, But Thats The Only Way To Keep His Home Warm In The Winter

This person supports burning firewood.

Screenshot 2025 11 04 at 7.10.58 PM Neighbor Doesnt Think A Homeowner Should Burn Firewood, But Thats The Only Way To Keep His Home Warm In The Winter

Here’s another person who doesn’t like HOAs.

Screenshot 2025 11 04 at 7.11.11 PM Neighbor Doesnt Think A Homeowner Should Burn Firewood, But Thats The Only Way To Keep His Home Warm In The Winter

His neighbor needs to leave him alone.

If you liked that post, check out this one about an employee that got revenge on HR when they refused to reimburse his travel.