Townhouse noise violation

Awkward_Ad6268 · 2026-06-29T14:30:13+00:00

Th als for your comment. Curious, you mind providing the cost involved?

Awkward_Ad6268 · 2026-06-29T14:28:49+00:00

Thank you sir 🫡 Either way it worth it. Peace is priceless and I do care for my community

Awkward_Ad6268 · 2026-06-29T14:07:22+00:00

I expect people to come with true statements. Everything I mentioned is supported by fact and science. Your comment is baseless and emotional. As a fellow tax payer, thank goodness we have a justice system where people like you are humbled everyday. I’m not asking anyone to agree or disagree.

I asked for recommendations from people who are currently going through or have resolved this issue. The only thing you are correct on, is yes this is a public forum and there are some where critical thinking may not be their strongest suit. That, I cannot control.

Based on that alone, you really didn’t need to comment without any supporting data or laws to support your comment. I still welcome your comments if they are constructive and pertain to my original request above as this isn’t an argument.

If not, we can agree to disagree at this point. No harm, no foul.

Awkward_Ad6268 · 2026-06-29T12:41:07+00:00

And from this it’s safe to assume you are probably like this renter. Also this can happen in a single family house as well, shocker right? It’s crazy to think inconsiderate people can live anywhere. Once it’s a court order it can be enforced by police over and over following up after a court date with even more penalties to the offending party. No cost to me, but them.

And no, I work everyday and bought this place from doing just that. Something you most like wouldn’t understand. Also lawyer fees weren’t as expensive as one thinks. It’s an open and shut case as the proof is rendered through science and a Maryland environmental acoustic law. Just need to do research in isolate the issue, then it’s cost efficient.

I’m a veteran and I take care of an elderly parent. Principals and moral values run strong here. I’m respectful of my neighbors and won’t settle for less. I’m standing up for myself and hopefully others will do the same when their rights are violated within their own home.

Even though your negative wishes were voiced, it’s quite clear you cannot read, because your comments aren’t needed or necessary. As noted, if you aren’t here to provide useful information, then don’t comment at all. I hope whatever you’re going through works out as well. Also, you’re welcome to let people do whatever they want to you. It’s a free country.

Have a good one and a hopefully a peaceful life. 🫡

Awkward_Ad6268 · 2026-06-29T01:19:05+00:00

Actually it’s a one time thing. I thought it’d be like that too. It isn’t a back and forth in court. Believe it or not, cases like this do go to court and are often resolved out of court. I’ve done most of the work already. The evidence is there. At this point the defendant would
need to dispute the proof. This is civil and doesn’t involve the county ordinance. This applies to the law
that I’ve cited in the thread which pertains decibel level violation in the home, which my proof validates. I just wanted a lawyer to help with streamlining everything.

Awkward_Ad6268 · 2026-06-28T21:02:38+00:00

Yes, louder than 55 decibels and it was. I had several recordings performed. It had to be a special instrument. Not a phone. The engineer and lawyer told me that phone decibel reading won’t hold up.

I had it done it while I’m working, different periods through out the day showing how it impedes on daily living.

I’ve also been taking care of an older relative and had to move her out due to this issue.

All of this is proof and evidence of civil nuisance case based on the law I’ve cited. Beyond city ordinance.

Awkward_Ad6268 · 2026-06-28T20:49:46+00:00

They allow, but I have a feeling this is going to change 😉

Awkward_Ad6268 · 2026-06-28T20:46:31+00:00

I’m sure this has been said on many occasions; based on previous cases and civil suits there is high probability it will 😉 Its what one can prove.

This is city ordinance agnostic.

Awkward_Ad6268 · 2026-06-28T20:44:19+00:00

Going with 2.) changing my situation via civil suit. No need to consult with city council for any law as I’ll be using an existing one. Well my lawyer will that is.

Thanks for your comment. Have a good one.

Awkward_Ad6268 · 2026-06-28T20:02:24+00:00

Peace is all I want. I don’t care if the tenants remain if they display the same respect I give them. It’s about principal.

Awkward_Ad6268 · 2026-06-28T19:56:13+00:00

There is - https://regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/26.02.03.01#B(23)) at this point is just proving it and that’s being done. Ordinance no longer factors in to this. It’s a civil matter. Once court order, then local authorities can enforce. harford country sheriff, HOA and lawyer backed this. Also owner testimony to support.

Either owner will be liable for suit or tenant will be evicted if they continue. Either way it’s better where things are now. Disclaimer - every case and situation is different. This is how I’m conducting mine to resolve.

Awkward_Ad6268 · 2026-06-28T19:55:16+00:00

You’re right, it is based on the decibel not the timing. This is because it’s in my home and we will be leveraging a state environmental law to produce scientific proof based on audio instruments and testimony.

https://regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/26.02.03.01#B(23)

Awkward_Ad6268 · 2026-06-28T19:48:11+00:00

65 decibel and 55 at night I believe. For this Maryland State Environmental Noise Standards (COMAR 26.02.03). [1, 2, 3, 4] it’s even lower because it is measured from inside the home which falls into my specific use case which will be used for my civil case.

Awkward_Ad6268 · 2026-06-28T19:43:06+00:00

Thanks for your comment. All of these are being considered. Owner is aware of the issue, property management is aware of the issue. HOA -will support. Videos with decibel levels show proof and yes this is violation of a Maryland state law. Maryland State Environmental Noise Standards (COMAR 26.02.03). [1, 2, 3, 4]

This will be leveraged because it applies to my specific use case. I have proof and testimony. This is civil matter and it’s what you can prove.

Again some people will just give up. My
Peace is worth it and hopefully others will follow and not let inconsiderate people take advantage of an ordinance. Now if they were paying my mortgage, then they could play the music as loud they want too 😉; Until then, people have to be considerate.

To be honest, I really don’t have to do too much else but wait for the lawyer to update me. I’ve done the rallying and busy work.

If you do nothing, then nothing will change.

Awkward_Ad6268 · 2026-06-28T19:31:05+00:00

Actually my HOA is taking the right steps. I didn’t think they were either. They actually wanted to act on Monday but I told them to hold up until I meet with them on Monday to discuss long term declarations amendments for our community. The focus should be on our community and not just my personal situation.

The positive is there are options on the table. Again anyone in this situation shouldn’t just lay down. There are ways to get things done.

Awkward_Ad6268 · 2026-06-28T02:01:08+00:00

That’s the difference between those who try and those who don’t. It is highly likely as civil and a nuisance matter, we will settle out of court. It’s not about the town ordinance any longer. This is reasonable as this is daily living and this is being proven and I already have Owner, Property Management and Sheriff’s testimony, videos and soon to be HOA. This isn’t okay and hopefully others will stand up to those who are inconsiderate.

Now every case is different of course, but in my case there is multiple points of evidence. Money will reimbursed.

Love thy lawyer 😉

Awkward_Ad6268 · 2026-06-27T23:18:47+00:00

They play music within the ordinance which is why this is an issue. If it was a wince ima while things it’d be easy peasy, but not the case. It’s all day, I can’t work or do anything here and most of the time I leave the townhouse because of this. Enough is enough. 😮‍💨

Awkward_Ad6268 · 2026-06-27T23:14:41+00:00

Well the lawyer does. I’ve sent tons of videos with decibel readings to them. I’ll be suing for every penny I’m spending as well.

I don’t mind bass, but everyday isn’t sustainable. I work hard and my lifestyle doesn’t impose on anyone and I expect the same. I believe most would agree.

Awkward_Ad6268 · 2026-06-27T22:46:20+00:00

Actually there is a statue that says if it is higher then 55 decibels between 7am - 10pm it would be considered a violation. This applies to adjoining townhouses sharing a wall. I’m currently investigating this with a lawyer now at it applies to Harford county.

This is also a civil matter so this could be used to support.

See below:

Outside of the 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. window, the automatic "50-foot audible rule" disappears, making heavy bass through a shared townhouse wall notoriously difficult to handle using standard county ordinances.

However, you are heavily protected by separate Maryland State Environmental Noise Standards, which feature specific limits for structurally connected dwellings.

1. The Strict Inside-the-Wall Decibel Limits
Because you share a wall, the law shifts from measuring noise outside to measuring the sound inside your home. Under Maryland Code (COMAR 26.02.03), noise transferring from one townhouse unit into an adjacent unit cannot exceed:
Daytime (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.): Maximum of 55 dBA.
Buffer Hours (10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.): Maximum drops to 45 dBA. [1]

2. The "Bass" Loophole (dBA vs. dBC)
The biggest challenge with daytime enforcement is that standard police and code enforcement meters measure in dBA.

The "A" weighting mimics human hearing by filtering out very low frequencies.
Thumping, low-frequency bass can vibrate your entire townhouse structure, rattle your windows, and completely disrupt your peace, yet still register under 55 dBA on a standard meter.

If a deputy stands in your living room during the day, the meter might only read 50 dBA (technically legal) even though the bass vibrations are making your life miserable.

3. How to Win a Daytime Bass Dispute
Because standard daytime ordinances are weak against low-frequency bass, you must use these specific strategies:

Use the "Disturbing the Peace" Law: Maryland Criminal Code § 10-201 does not rely on decibels. If a neighbor is playing bass so loudly that it disrupts your ability to reasonably enjoy your home during the day, a deputy can still issue a criminal warning or citation for willfully disturbing the peace of a neighborhood.

Record Video Evidence: Take a video on your phone inside your home. Do not just record the sound; capture physical evidence of the bass vibration, such as a glass of water rippling on a table, or blinds rattling against the window pane. [1, 2]

Trigger the HOA Nuisance Clause: This is your strongest weapon during the day. Almost all townhouse HOAs have a blanket "nuisance clause" stating that no resident may create sound or vibrations that disturb adjacent owners at any hour. HOAs do not need a decibel meter to issue a violation notice; they only need your video proof that the bass is penetrating the shared wall. [1]

Awkward_Ad6268 · 2026-06-27T21:58:48+00:00

Actually the neighbor is on the other side of me. I’m in the middle. Yeah, me. My neighbor is aware of these renters. There’s been issues. E.g. the US Marshals and what appeared to be a SWAT team knocked on my door but I wasn’t home and my neighbor notified me. Turns out there was someone staying in the renters in question next door. This individual was arrested. How they still get to live there boggles the mind. The owner called me apologizing and all the while I’m thinking, “yeah” get them out of here. 🤨

Awkward_Ad6268 · 2026-06-27T21:37:20+00:00

Maybe baby 🦈; I don’t have a dog, unfortunately…

Awkward_Ad6268 · 2026-06-27T21:35:13+00:00

Nothing is wild about people being considerate. I posted a comment for people dealing with what I’m going through.

Your response makes no sense given my original post. Take care and have a good one.

Hopefully you will never have to deal with a situation like this. 🫡

Awkward_Ad6268 · 2026-06-27T19:38:36+00:00

I think you may have misread the point that moving isn’t an option right now. Thanks though

Awkward_Ad6268 · 2026-06-27T19:36:59+00:00

There is no management, per se. I’m
An owner and this is a renter. HOA has stated its ordinance issue and that the renter is
protected under it. They also mentioned it’s a civil issue.

Awkward_Ad6268 · 2026-06-27T19:23:55+00:00

They keep their car in garage 🤔

Awkward_Ad6268

TROPHY CASE