Should your neighbors be able to tell you what you can do with your property ?

My parents live in the burbs and recently got a letter in the mail saying they need to fix the tarp in back of the roof. The letter came from the township stating a neighbor complained.

The tarp isn’t visible from the street which means neighbors behind complained. The tarp is up until my parents can afford to fix the roof. My dad has been very sick and unable to see to this task

But regardless of this background info- should your neighbors be able to have a say in your house your property what’s on it how it looks etc ? Keep in mind my parents do NOT live in a housing community with specific rules about property.