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When purchasing a house, one of the things that you may not realize is just how noisy your neighbors are going to be. You move in on a Tuesday and things are quiet, but then Friday rolls around and suddenly they are loud because of a party. Or, perhaps the dog and the kids are just barking and screaming far too much. Regardless of what is going on, chances are, you are getting frustrated with the noise that they are making and want to try and get them to stop. But, what can you do? Is there any hope?
The most important thing to remember when trying to deal with noisy neighbors is that you want to try and stay as peaceful as possible. If you get hostile with them, whether it be physically or verbally, it's only going to create a negative situation that won't help you out in the end. The following are a list of things that you can do to try and ensure that you get to live with peace and quiet, but more importantly, that you get that without causing a war with your neighbor. So, here they are:
1. Talk to your neighbor. If you calmly ask them to try and keep the noise down, chances are, they will. The truth is they might not even know they are making so much noise. By letting them know that they are making so much noise, the problem might be solved just like that.
2. If they don't stop making noise, you can then consider writing a letter to them expressing your concerns about the noise. Include a copy of the city ordinance in which it states how loud people can be at certain periods of time. Keep a copy of the letter for your records to use as evidence.
3. You can consider putting foam insulation for soundproofing in your walls. By doing this, you are effectively blocking out the sound from the outside, but also keeping the sounds that come from your house from going out to the rest of the world. It's a pretty good, even balance.
4. Call the cops. If it continues to get back and you just can't stand it anymore, call the cops. But, show them the letter and explain that you have tried talking to them about the noise. Police will be more sympathetic to you if they see that you tried to do it without police intervention.
5. Finally, sue them. Take them to a small claims court and explain that your loss of sleep has gotten in the way of you getting work done or enjoying your life to the fullest. By them breaking the city ordinance, they can pay fines. Consider this a very last step effort.
Neighbors can be very annoying sometimes, especially if they are making a load of noise. The trick to dealing with them is to try and be civil. No matter how bad you want to jump at them, beat them up, and all of that, the importance of civility cannot be stressed more. Use the above tips, in any order, and you can really find success in having that peace and quiet that you deserve.
If you already exerted all polite and civil ways to approach your neighbors with their noise issue, then its high time you proceed to resolve the problem the legal way. Since rowdy and noisy neighbors can cause real nuisance, this matter can be forwarded to the authorities if it really gets out of hand. Here are some tips on how you can do so.
• Read through your city's ordinance.
Go to the nearest local library or city hall and request for a copy of your city's ordinance, which would include noise laws. You might be surprised at the number of possibilities on how your complaint will hold water in the court of law. Some local ordinances would not allow too much vehicle noise. This law comes into affect whenever you see the “no blowing of horns” road signs. Similarly, noisy neighbors should be warned and would consequently face serious fines if the noise doesn't stop after several notices.
• Send a copy of the ordinance to your neighbor
Make a formal letter of warning stating that you are requesting your neighbors to quiet down. Attach a copy of the city ordinance along with the letter. Also express your intent to contact the authorities if your concern remained unresolved.
• Take legal actions
You can call the police and report the situation at hand if there were no improvement. The police would help you enthusiastically if they know that you exerted effort to resolve the issue yourself.
• Preparing for court
There are small claims courts that would welcome your case. If your neighbor's noise causes you extreme discomfort then you can sue them for nuisance. The lawsuit would order them to stop the noise and would require them to pay a good amount to compensate for the nuisance and interference you experience in your home.
You really don't need a lawyer. You just have to prove your case by providing evidences that there is indeed excessive noise and your privacy and comfort is being neglected because of such. It would also help to show a copy of the letter you send your neighbors (as mentioned above). As in any case, to win you need several witnesses, testimonies and some evidence to support your claim.