A.N. from Trumbull County, Ohio writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
My association at my condo installed a security light on the building, right next to my bedroom window. It illuminates the entire building and shines around my light blocking window shades. Can they do that? They refuse to make this a motion detecting light, and I’m the only building that has this security light. Every other place they provided a motion detecting light. As a result, I believe I’m getting targeted and harassed by the board.
Mister Condo replies:
A.N., I am not an attorney and offer no legal advice in this column. A charge of harassment is a legal matter and if you feel you are being harassed you should seek counsel. That being said, I can’t imagine a court siding with you that having a security light inconveniently placed near your window will support a charge of harassment. Your best bet is to work with the Board and find out why the light near your window is different from the others. It is unusual that an association will run up its electric bill by not using a motion-sensor on an exterior security light but not unheard of, especially if your unit borders and area where security is a high concern. If your light-blocking security shades aren’t offering you adequate light deflection, you might also look at an interior solution that completely blocks the light at night. I am confident that you can find a way to keep the light out and the Board can help keep the community well-lit at night. All the best!