How do you deal with noisy neighbors?
Question by Michelle: How do you deal with noisy neighbors?
I own a town home and it’s the 2nd one in (meaning I share walls on both sides). The people on both sides of me are renters. I’ve had problems for the better part of 3 years with each and every renter. The renters in the end unit have 5 kids and I hear door slamming, stomping like noises, etc. And then tonight (and this is not the first time) I have been hearing them blast their music for a good hour (inside and out). I originally did tell them when I heard the music and it was turned down and I finally was able to talk to someone about the noise I heard inside (the husband, soon after they moved in, actually asked me if I heard them and I told him yes, but had not said anything up to that point since it had only been like 2-3 weeks, maybe a month). They have now been here just about a year and I’m actually hoping they will be moving since I have repeatedly reported them to my HOA (who in turn contacted the management company for the owner). I still document the noise problems with my HOA even if no one will assist me at this point. The noise stopped for a good 2 months, but has since been increasing again and the management company will not do anything now because they say they’ve done everything they can. I have called the police on them in the past (for when the couple was outside fighting at 5:45 a.m. once), but they are unaware I did that as I had already left for work and made the call as I left. I do not know what to do anymore. I will not go over there anymore as I live alone and the husband can be pretty volatile (after hearing him fight with his wife) and I will not put myself in that position. Any suggestions (serious responders only please)? Thanks.
Best answer:
Answer by Alison
You sure have my sympathy. Noisy neighbours can make your life miserable.
Does your community have a noise bylaw? If so, you can call the police again. They should protect your anonymity. You can’t do a whole lot about slamming doors & stomping feet, but the blaring music sounds like a noise bylaw violation. Is there anything in the rental agreement that might get them kicked out for noise? I think you are wise to stay away from them, but you should be able to continue to complain to someone. I’m not sure what HOA is (home owners’ association?) but you should have some recourse with a residents’ association — are any other tenants annoyed with this? Can several of you approach the management? Tell the management company you will be taking the story to the media if they can’t do something to protect their townhouse owners? If more than one person complains it might have some effect.
I’d be wishing I could move. I bet you do too. Good luck. Hope you find some peace soon!
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