Try some more helpful options before pounding on the neighbor’s door and yelling something you’ll regret.
It’s two o’clock in the morning. You’re laying in bed, unable to sleep because you have a major meeting the next morning. You’re experiencing a hammering feeling in your head. At first, you believe it is a headache. But then you realise it’s your next-door neighbor’s music playing a groovy disco rhythm that’s resonating through your bedroom and shaking your windows.
Before you pound on the neighbor’s door and say something you’ll later regret, or worse, resign yourself to coping with the noise, consider these more constructive options.
Table of Contents
1. Speak With Your Neighbor
Your first step should be to speak with your neighbour and attempt to address your disagreements in person. It’s difficult to imagine, yet occasionally neighbours are unaware that they are generating a commotion. Even if you’re about to strike someone in the face, try a little sweetness instead.
2. Obtain a copy of your municipality’s ordinance.
The next step is to get a copy of your local noise ordinances. Most towns and counties have rules that govern when, what kind of noise is made, and how loud it is. Many municipal rules, for example, restrict unnecessary vehicle noise (such as blowing the automobile horn early every morning for a carpool) or dogs howling all night every night. Noisy neighbours will get a warning or maybe a fine. You may find a copy of your local ordinance at city hall, a public law library, or the public library. Make at least two copies, one for yourself and one for your neighbour.
3. Write a Letter to Your Neighbor
If things don’t improve, ask your neighbour to be quiet again, this time in writing. Make no threats, but do mention that if the situation does not improve, you will be obliged to alert the police. A copy of the noise regulation is included. Keep a copy of your letter in case you decide to sue your neighbour as a last option.
4. Propose Mediation
Most communities provide free or low-cost mediation services, which means they will send an unbiased mediator to meet with you and your neighbour to attempt to settle your problems.
Simply contact the mediation agency, and someone will contact the neighbour and recommend mediation. (These folks are excellent at persuading others to give mediation a try.)
5. Contact the authorities
If you’ve done everything listed above and your neighbour has replied by cranking up the volume, it’s time to contact the cops (or the Animal Control officer if the problem is a barking dog). Attempt to summon the cops while the noise is being made.
Of course, the first time the music becomes too loud for you, you may contact the cops on a rowdy neighbour. However, if the police perceive that you have attempted to fix the matter on your own, they will be more sympathetic to your predicament.
6. File a Nuisance Suit
If all else fails, you may catch your neighbor’s attention—and perhaps some money—by filing a small claims lawsuit. If your neighbor’s noise interferes with your enjoyment of your property, you have the right to sue for nuisance. You seek for money in the case to compensate you for the interference with your right to quietly enjoy your house.
Small claims court is simple and affordable, and there is no need for a lawyer. You must demonstrate the following:
There is a lot of annoying noise.
Your pleasure of your property has been reduced.
You have requested that the individual cease making noise (your letter should be enough to prove this).
You may utilise police records, witnesses, recordings, your own testimony, and the testimony of neighbours or other witnesses to substantiate your case
The amount you should request will be determined by how much the noise upset you. Did you get enough rest? Were you unable to engage in your typical pastimes, such as reading, playing music, or conversing with friends? Decide on a realistic cash amount every day and multiply it by the number of days you’ve been affected significantly. In most jurisdictions, the amount of money you may seek for in small claims court is restricted to between $2,000 and $5,000.
If You’re a Landlord
Noisy neighbours are never a good thing. However, when you share walls with an inconsiderate neighbour, the situation becomes much more problematic. The good news for renters is that, in addition to your other alternatives, you have two built-in supporters in the fight to maintain your flat livable: your lease or rental agreement and your landlord.
Do you recall the lease or rental agreement you signed? Your neighbour most likely signed one as well. Standard leases and rental agreements include sections that allow you to enjoy your house in “peaceful pleasure.” A neighbour who blasts the music in an inappropriate way is likely in violation of the lease or rental agreement and may be evicted as a result.
If you notify your neighbour in writing about the noise and are certain that your lease entitles you to a reasonable level of quiet, provide a copy of the lease with your letter. In your letter, inform the neighbour that if the noise continues, you will file a complaint with the landlord or the neighbourhood organisation.
If warning your neighbour isn’t enough, contact your landlord. Most tenants are fearful of being labelled as troublemakers if they complain to the landlord or management about unacceptable noise or other nuisances. However, the noise is likely to irritate other neighbours as well. Get together with them and make a collective complaint to the landlord. It’s simpler, and you could obtain better results sooner. Most landlords do not want tenant squabbles and will not tolerate renters that create problems by violating written leases or rental agreements. Your landlord will most likely warn the loud renter to quiet down or risk eviction.