How to Ask Your Neighbor to Turn Down the Music

Loud music can be a distraction.

Whether you are living in a crowded neighborhood or in an apartment complex, harmonious living with your neighbors is not always guaranteed. Excessive noise is a particularly vexing problem, as loud music can inhibit your sleep patterns and your work alike. It can be intimidating to confront a neighbor, especially one you do not know very well, but making your concerns known is crucial to finding a mutually agreeable solution to any disputes about loud music.

Instructions

1. Call your neighbor on the telephone. Explain that their music is distracting you and politely ask them to turn the volume down. Discuss the way that their music is affecting you and thank them being good neighbors by dialing back the sound.

2. Speak with your neighbor in person if the problem persists. Reiterate that you called them before to ask them to turn down their music. State that the volume is making it difficult for you to work or sleep and that you hope the problem can be worked out amicably. Offer them the chance to come to your home so they can hear how loud their music is in your space.

3. Research local laws regarding noise violations and send your neighbor a formal letter. State the appropriate ordinances and emphasize that you want the issue to be worked out in a neighborly manner. Recount your previous attempts to resolve the issue via telephone and in person. Be sure to save a copy of the dated letter for your records.

4. Call the police if your neighbor's music continues to be a nuisance. Tell them how you previously tried to fix the problem and that your neighbor is not being agreeable. Ask the police to come to your neighborhood, hear the music for themselves and speak with your neighbor. If your neighbor is not willing to turn the volume down for you, they could be much more likely to do so for the police.

5. File an official complaint if all other solutions fail. Be sure to provide your previous documentation of the problem to lend credence to your complaint. Once your complaint is received by the authorities, they will direct you as to further actions, such as mediation or a court case.

Tips & Warnings

• Remain polite during all interactions with your neighbor to avoid future tension.

• Do not involve the authorities until the neighbor has ignored several polite requests.

References

• LawInfo: How to Stop Your Neighbor From Being a Nuisance
• Tenant.Net: How to Get Neighbors to Turn Down the Noise