How to Handle Loud Neighbors

Living in close proximity to other human beings tends to create conflict from time to time. Noise is probably the most common, especially if you are living in an apartment or condo. Learning to handle loud neighbors can be a lesson in diplomacy, and when diplomacy fails, a lesson in the art of war.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Be direct. If the neighbors are too loud, just knock on their door and politely tell them that the noise is bothering you and why. Most people will understand and curb the noise. It helps if you've already built a rapport with the neighbors, but if not, now's the time to be friendly but firm. Next time you see them in the neighborhood, smile and say hi.
2. Keep a log. If the noise continues or worsens despite the direct approach, keep written documentation detailing the time and date of each occurrence and how you handled it.
3. Write a note to your neighbors and leave it on the door asking them one last time to keep the noise down and informing them that you'll be contacting the landlord and possibly the police if it continues. This way they won't feel like you're going behind their back or telling on them.
4. Report them to your apartment manager and make a verbal complaint. If nothing changes, mail a formal written complaint. Be sure to continue keeping detailed documentation and copies of all letters. Also, record video of the incidents if you can.
5. Call the police if the loud neighbors keep up the disruptive behavior. File a report. Keep filing them if you have to. They may be fined for disruptive noise.
6. Pull out the big guns. If not even the police can deter your noisy neighbors, take them to court. The detailed documentation you've been keeping all this time will help prove your case.
7. Move if you have to. Check your lease for "quiet enjoyment" clauses and check tenant rights associations to find out if you can get out of your lease. Get to a place with some peace and quiet, and be sure to talk to your new landlord to find out up front how strictly they handle noise complaints so that you don't end up in the same situation again.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider soundproofing your apartment or condo.