Neighbor installs air conditioner blasting heat into my bedroom in privacy dispute

Recently, I came across a viral video showing a man in Thai Binh City, northern Vietnam, using a long stick to forcibly shut his neighbor’s window. I will not comment on who was right or wrong in that case, as it remains under investigation by authorities. But I was not surprised by the footage, as I know exactly how the person behind that window must have felt — I am facing a similar situation myself.

For me, a window is meant to bring air and light into a home. Mine was a space for potted plants, a wind chime, and the soft glow of morning sunlight. Now, every time I open it, I feel uneasy, as if I am doing something wrong, even though it is entirely legal.

My family moved into this house less than a year ago after nearly a decade of saving. Situated in an old neighborhood with narrow alleys and tightly packed homes, the property was designed with the help of an architect to comply with minimum distance rules from property boundaries, avoid facing directly into another home’s private space, and fully comply with other construction regulations.

Air conditioner compressor units. Photo from Unsplash

The third floor has a small window overlooking the narrow gap between my home and my neighbor’s, intended only to provide light and ventilation for my study. But within days of moving in, I encountered an unexpected problem, my neighbor did not want me to open that window.

At first, there were indirect remarks: "Who opens a window like that? It looks straight into my home, no privacy at all." Then came direct complaints: "This window opens onto my land." I explained my position and even showed him the approved architectural plans, but he refused to listen, insisting I seal the window.

The dispute escalated when I returned home one evening to find an air conditioner compressor mounted right against my window, blowing hot air and generating noise directly into my bedroom whenever it was running. This was no coincidence — it felt like retaliation.

I used to believe that if I treated my neighbors with respect, they would do the same. But not everyone seeks harmony. Some will find ways to make life difficult simply because you are different from them.

I tried to remain patient, speaking politely and even requesting mediation from the local residential committee. After several meetings, he still refused to compromise, repeating: "You cannot open it. If you do, you are looking into my property."

I presented all legal documents proving the window’s compliance, but he still would not accept it. Friends urged me to file an official complaint to the ward office about the air conditioner’s impact, but I hesitated. I was weary of endless disputes and did not want to live under constant provocation. I wanted peace, yet peace does not always come from compromise.

I have invested both money and heart into this home, but lately I have been considering selling it and moving into an apartment. Not because the house is flawed, but because one hostile neighbor can turn a beloved home into a place of stress and dread.