How to Deal With a Loud Roommate

Having a roommate can have many advantages. You can save money by splitting the cost of rent and utilities. You can get to know someone who may offer valuable life insights and become a cherished friend. However, not all roommates are always able to live in harmony and a noisy one can lead to conflict. Here is how to deal with a loud roommate.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Communicate with your roommate. He or she may not even be aware they are being too noisy. Calmly explain your need for quiet in a non-confrontational way. Use examples. That may be all that is necessary to end the problem.

2. Set ground rules. All roommates should be on the same page when it comes to noise. Be specific. For instance, say, “No electric guitar playing after 11pm.”

3. Talk to your neighbors. If you see one in the hall or parking lot, ask them if noise from your unit is bothering them. If so, apologize, then let your roommate know that others in the building are affected, not just you.

4. Earplugs can increase your chances of a good night’s sleep. For the waking hours, a portable music player with earphones can help drown out any unwanted noise.

5. Reiterate the need for quiet. If diplomacy rules and earplugs don’t work, explain to your roommate again that, while you are glad they are on the lease, it is becoming more and more difficult to tolerate their noise level. Be calm, but make your point strongly.

6. Take drastic action if necessary. If all other options are exhausted and the problem still persists, it may be time to ask them to leave. Another option would be to move to another dwelling, one with a more compatible roommate.

Tips & Warnings

• A white noise generator is another way to help mask unwanted noise when trying to sleep. There is a wide variety of machines available that play calming sounds such as ocean waves, a babbling brook or an electric fan.
• Don’t react angrily. After a noisy episode, wait until you have calmed down before speaking with your roommate. A tense confrontation may only make the problem worse.
• If playing music on headphones, be aware that excessive volume for long periods can permanently damage your hearing. It can also drown out things you may wish to hear such as the telephone or a smoke alarm.