How to Deal with Loud Neighbors
You can choose your friends, but you usually cannot choose your neighbors. Sometimes neighbors can be so loud that you contemplate pulling an Ozzy Osbourne and throwing a brick through their window. Here are some ways to resolve a noisy-neighbor situation without resorting to violence.
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Things You'll Need
- Patience
- Paper -- for note writing
- A good relationship with your landlord, if you are renters
Instructions
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Good communication is key for a good relationship with neighbors
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Try to suck it up. The minute you begin any sort of process of complaining against neighbors, you will have effectively damaged any relationship you may have begun or wish to begin with them. These are people who you will have to deal with in one way or another as long as you live in your current residence, especially if you share a wall or a ceiling.
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If your neighbors' noise is absolutely unbearable, you will have to speak with them. The best and more respectful way to talk to them about it is face-to-face. Tell them precisely what it is that they are doing that is driving you up the wall and see if you all can come up with a solution. If the problem is their music, they may have to turn it down or you could agree that no loud music be played during certain hours. If their walking above your ceiling sounds like a herd of elephants, they may have to invest in some thicker carpeting.
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Show, don't tell -- and bring evidence. Record their noise from your apartment and play it back for them. Say, "Listen, this is what I hear in my home." They will likely have no idea they are being loud in the first place.
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If you are too scared or too uncomfortable to confront your neighbors face to face, you can leave them a note. This is not the most recommended method, because words are interpreted subjectively and may come off as offensive. Keep your note simple and free of sarcasm or insults.
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If all else fails, talk to your landlord. There is likely a section in your lease that addresses noise in the building and you may be able to prove they are violating this clause and cause the landlord to take action.
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Tips & Warnings
Be polite and respectful and keep calm when speaking to your neighbors. Treat them as you would like to be treated and do not resort to raising your voice or using insults.
Never use violence or vandalize their property. You will likely get sued.
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Comments
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ladypoet666
Jun 23, 2010
Stupid advice to tell someone to "suck it up". The phrase "suck it up" is uttered only by those who are themselves rude as well as uncaring of others. The most effect way to deal with loud apartment neighbors: 1.) Document all loud incidents. 2.) Write a notarized letter to the landlord, describing the complaint in minute detail. 3.) If these 2 steps don't work, then by all means call the police. Uniformed cops showing up at the rude neighbor's door has a strong effect. -
jennyp624
Dec 23, 2008
The people below my apartment are loud at all hours. It is especially the bass from their music that drives me crazy. I can hear it thumping in my living room, although it is not overpowering, just enough to bother me. I wish it were almost louder so I would feel more justified in confonting the situation. What's strange is I can hear the bass coming from underneath, but when I go outside their front door, I can't hear it from outside. I thought I should knock on their door and just ask them if it's their music. Oh, boy. What a hassle. I just don't want to end up with neighbors who have a bone to pick with me because I don't handle this correctly, etc. I've dealt with neighbors' music before by simply calling the police, which I guess was not the best way to handle it, at least without trying to talk to them first. I see playing loud music as incomprehensible in an apartment and that's w
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jennyp624
Dec 23, 2008
The people below my apartment are loud at all hours. It is especially the bass from their music that drives me crazy. I can hear it thumping in my living room, although it is not overpowering, just enough to bother me. I wish it were almost louder so I would feel more justified in confonting the situation. What's strange is I can hear the bass coming from underneath, but when I go outside their front door, I can't hear it from outside. I thought I should knock on their door and just ask them if it's their music. Oh, boy. What a hassle. I just don't want to end up with neighbors who have a bone to pick with me because I don't handle this correctly, etc. I've dealt with neighbors' music before by simply calling the police, which I guess was not the best way to handle it, at least without trying to talk to them first. I see playing loud music as incomprehensible in an apartment and that's w
