How To Deal With Noisy Neighbors

If you’re living next to this crowd, chances are you’ve had some issues with noisy neighbors. We’re sure the rowdy parties your neighbor is throwing would be better suited for a poolside in Vegas, and you wish everyone would quiet down and play a nice, heathy game of charades instead. They could be blasting Taylor Swift while you’re trying to catch up on work, and you’ve gotten way too accustomed to hearing an off key version of “Blank Space” when you would rather be hearing crickets. If it’s time to put an end to the noise pollution you have been dealing with since you moved in, we’ve got just what you need.

1. Communication Is Key

We know you want to post anonymous passive aggressive messages on your neighbors’ door. We also know you would rather your neighbors be able to read your mind, and turn the volume down whenever you decide you’re ready to hit the hay.

Here’s the thing. If you haven’t said anything, your neighbors may not think their noise bothers you. The first step is to have a direct and kind conversation with your neighbors about their noise. Knock on their door at a time that you are calm, cool, and collected. You’ll have a much more constructive conversation that way.

2. Make A Connection

During your conversation, show your neighbors understanding. Maybe their current life goal is to be able to play every TV Show theme song ever written on the recorder. That being said, late night recorder playing probably is not the best for your sleep schedule. If you can phrase your confrontation in a positive way, i.e. “I love that you play the recorder! I can’t wait to hear the theme song from Friends.” It will create a connection with you and your neighbor. Hopefully this connection will inspire them to accomplish their life dream while still being considerate of you.

The positive connection can create a mutual respect between you and your neighbor, and communicates that you are both understanding of their noise habits, and are trying to compromise. Plus, if you ever make noise at a time that bothers them, you want your neighbors to show the same understanding and kindness to you.

3. Offer A Solution

It helps if you have an idea in mind for when you can deal with the noise. Be specific about when you need the noise to stop. This way, your neighbors know exactly when you are frustrated by their noise, and can aim to turn down the volume when you need to sleep or focus. Make sure to say “thank you” after your conversation.

Even though your neighbors are doing something that frustrates you, you want to the conversation to end on a positive note. Showing you are grateful will hopefully make them more willing and able to compromise. You may also want to document your request in writing if this initial conversation does not help.

4. Block It Out

Even if your neighbors are being compliant, your apartment may still have thin walls. Invest in earplugs for nights you need to get some solid rest. Plug in your noise canceling headphones to get work done. Grab a “white noise” app on your iPhone, and hook it up to your speakers to drown out excess noise.

5. Check Your Lease

Hopefully speaking with your neighbor face to face solved all of your issues. If it did not, be sure to review your lease. Your lease may have rules specific to noise pollution in your building. Take out your lease and reread the sections on noise. Your landlord may have a “Quiet Hours” policy in effect, which means that all tenants are expected to lower noise levels by a certain time every night.

Knowing what is expected of the tenants in your building will help you know what time noise is reasonable, and what time noise is excessive. Keep in mind that noise over a certain decibel (specific to your city or county) is always considered excessive.

6. Know Your Rights, and Document Everything

Check your local city or county noise ordinances so that you are aware of what noise level is deemed acceptable (and not acceptable) in your specific location. Write down the time and type of noise you hear every time it occurs. You can show this list to your landlord when it clearly shows that one tenant in particular is making excessive noise.

7. Speak With Your Landlord

If nothing else has worked, talk with your landlord about the noise issues you have been having. Present your list of documented noise concerns, and let them know what steps you have already taken to solve the problem. Be sure to be respectful, thoughtful, and calm when expressing your concerns. The landlord may be able to issue a written warning to the tenant in question, especially if the noise violates their lease. It is a good idea to have this conversation (if possible) when your neighbor is being especially noisy, as this will provide first hand evidence.

8. Call the Police

Calling the police (on their non-emergency line) is a last resort for dealing with noise. Be sure to call when your neighbor is making excessive noise so that the police are aware of the exact issue and can shut it down immediately.

So there you have it. We hope these tips help you solve your issues with noise pollution. On the other hand, if your neighbor is Jay-Z and he’s throwing a loud house party, you might want to score an invitation instead.

By Alexa Collins

Sources

Cover image via flickr user adifansnet

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