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7 Ways to Deal With Noisy Neighbors

Having to deal with noisy neighbors is an unfortunate reality of urban life. Sometimes, even people who live in supposedly quiet suburban neighborhoods will be faced with a loud family next door or blasting car stereos. If you live in a city apartment building, however, the chances are much greater that you’ll have to deal with noisy neighbors. While there are numerous solutions available, not all of them will be effective. It’s probably best to try a basic approach before moving onto more sophisticated solutions. The following is a list of seven ways to deal with noisy neighbors and hopefully resolve the problem:

1. Talk to the Noisy Neighbors

The best solution is simply to knock on the neighbors’ door and calmly explain that the noise level is a bit intense and you need to get some sleep. Ask politely if they wouldn’t mind lowering the noise somewhat. If they’re playing music, ask them to turn it down. If they’re shouting or fighting, your interruption alone may get them to stop. As a precaution, be sure you’re safe when doing this. Take a friend or relative along with you. If things get ugly, someone will witness the confrontation and call the police.

2. Complain to the Landlord or Building Management

Assuming you live in an apartment or a condo, you may be able to seek help from the landlord or building management. This is particularly true if your lease or property management rules specify that you are required to keep the noise down after certain hours. Landlords and building management companies must enforce those rules.

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3. Call the Cops

Most cities have criminal statutes concerning noise levels and disturbing the peace. The police can be called to stop your noisy neighbors from breaking the law. Use this option with caution, though, as it might cause some nasty retaliation. But don’t hesitate to call the cops if you need to do so, especially in the event of hostile threats, violence or potential violence.

4. Suggest Mediation

If your noisy neighbors are willing to talk, but still feel that they have a right to play music as loud as they want, suggest mediation. You can get together at a private office and ask a mediator to help resolve your differences. This solution can work wonders because a professional impartial mediator knows what to do and will make every effort to work out a compromise.

5. Send a Warning Letter

If talking, complaining and rational mediation don’t work, then warn the noisy neighbors that their behavior is unacceptable. Inform them that you will take the necessary legal steps to protect your right to peace and quiet in your home. This warning notice should be issued in writing and you must document when the letter was delivered. Send it by registered mail with delivery confirmation or return receipt. Proof of delivery will be important later if you need to take your noisy neighbors to court.

6. Take Them to Court

Sue your neighbors, if necessary, after all the previous solutions have failed. We live in a very litigious society, so this should be your last resort. It is, however, extremely effective. If your noisy neighbors have ignored your efforts to talk, scoffed at the police, refused to negotiate and still continue to break noise pollution laws, you can take them to court for being a nuisance and creating a disturbance. Be aware that this option may become expensive quickly since you’ll need to get an attorney. What’s more, you will have to keep living with your noisy neighbors even after suing them and (hopefully) winning a settlement for your trouble. As previously indicated, taking your noisy neighbors to court should be your last resort.

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7. Move

You’re out of options and you’ll be forced to live with noisy neighbors forever, right? Wrong. Just move! If you don’t need to sell your condo or house – if you can sublet your property or break your rental agreement – move. This is the most effective option of all, ultimately. Many people change their living situations and lease new apartments for this reason. You can do it, too. Try to find a quieter place to live. Unfortunately, this isn’t an appealing choice if you own your property or passionately love where you’re living. But if moving does make sense for you, go ahead and do it. Of course, there’s always a chance that you’ll experience a similar situation with new noisy neighbors, so perform due diligence before moving into a new place. Be honest and tell the new landlord about the past problem you experienced. Hopefully, it won’t happen again and you’ll get the peace and quiet that you deserve.