Karma Hits Nosy Neighbor

When Jack and I moved into a quiet rental on Maple Ridge Drive for a four-month work assignment, the neighborhood felt calm and predictable.

On our second night, a neighbor named Lindsey arrived with cookies and an overly polished smile. After small talk, she abruptly warned us that the HOA allowed only one car per driveway, despite both of ours fitting easily. We laughed it off, assuming she was just overly strict.

Days later, we woke to tow trucks hauling away our cars while Lindsey watched from her lawn, clearly pleased. The driver said an HOA complaint had been filed. Jack calmly pointed out the federal fleet tags on our windshields. The driver froze, made a call, and within minutes both cars were returned, apologies included.

The HOA president later called to apologize, admitting Lindsey had exaggerated the violation. After that, she avoided us completely. We never confronted her—her need for control had already backfired.