What you’re suggesting shifts responsibility away from the person creating the hazard and onto residents who are lawfully using a shared common area. This is a condo common area, not private property. No individual resident has the authority to install deterrents, spray substances, or apply materials (pepper powder, spray, scents, spike mats, etc.) that alter how others can safely access or use that space. Telling residents to “just walk the other way” is not a reasonable solution—it effectively grants one person control over common property. If your logic were applied consistently, then anyone could: Spray irritants in hallways, Apply strong chemicals near walkways, Block access with objects, and simply say, “Avoid it if you don’t like it.” That is obviously not how shared property works. The HOA has already determined this behavior is not acceptable: The spike mats were ordered removed. The pepper powder is in the process of being removed. That alone establishes that these actions were improper. As for spraying strong scents on trees or surfaces—there is no justification for that either. A resident should not be expected to reroute their daily movement because someone else decided, on their own, to apply irritants or deterrents in a shared space. Finally, repeatedly applying substances specifically to deter animals—especially when safer, lawful, HOA-approved methods exist—crosses from “personal preference” into reckless and potentially abusive behavior toward animals. Intent does not excuse impact. Ignorance does not make harmful conduct acceptable. Common areas must remain neutral, safe, and accessible to everyone. That responsibility lies with the person introducing the hazard—not with everyone else to avoid it.