How to deal with a noisy neighbor

From time to time, we all might have to deal with noisy neighbors. We agree that sometimes neighbors can be a real menace, but there is no need to create a big issue every time you confront a noisy neighbor. Here are some peaceful tactics to follow before taking the big step.

Assess the situation

Before making an issue, your must first assess the situation and see if there is really a need to complain about the noise or whether you are being very finicky. Inquire with your other neighbors to check how they feel about the noise and if they are troubled as much as you do. If they are not so bothered as much as you do, then probably the noise is not as bothersome as you assume. As per the rule, loud noise on weekdays after eleven o’ clock in the night is an offense that can be considered as public nuisance. During weekends, you may allow noise pollution up to one o’ clock in the night. Any uncontrollable noise that goes beyond this time and is extremely disturbing to your family can be considered as an offense. Again, if your neighbor is not a regular offender, you must not complain against him/her as this can lead to a lot of friction and spoil the relation between you and your neighbor, especially if you and your neighbor own the house and are not tenants.

Do your best to adjust

Try to avoid a confrontation and see if you can do something to adjust or minimize the noise level. Simple things like closing the windows and doors tightly and using an earplug might be all that you need to push away all disturbances. One time offenses can be controlled like this and you can avoid a fight if your neighbor is otherwise very friendly and adjusting towards you. However, frequent noise at all unearthly hours which is disturbing yours and your family’s sleep to the point of not being able to get adequate rest must not be tolerated in silence.

Talk to your neighbor

Constant disturbances require a definite confrontation. Check if the disturbance is as frequent as every other day and talk to your neighbor in a very friendly manner. Explain to him how you have tried to adjust and put up with the noise as much as possible and how it has gotten to a stage where you can no longer remain silent. You need not be rude as such. Explain in a friendly tone and tell him that you would greatly appreciate if he exercises some control on the noise after a certain hour, so that other neighbors too would not be so disturbed. You may ask your wife to do the talking if she is more open and pleasant towards the neighbors so that they are not offended when confronted. Make it as informal as possible and try to explain as clearly as possible why it is bothering you and how they can reduce the discomfort. Do not put forward unreasonable demands like complete silence after a certain time and so on. After all, everybody is entitled to entertainment and fun and you have no right to walk in that territory unless it disturbs you.

Leave a warning note

If you have a friendly neighbor and you have been polite to him while you asked for the noise to be reduced, this should end the matter. However, things do not always remain pleasant. There would be the stubborn and headstrong ones who wouldn’t want to make amends and would continue, if not increase the noise after you have complained. You can give them some time to mend their ways. If you have reached the limit of your patience, leave a warning note before you approach the police. You may also ask other neighbors to join you if you are planning to file a joint complaint and if they too have been putting up with the noise.

Call the police or move out

If the final warning falls on deaf ears, inform the police and furnish details as to how they have been adamant and have refused to relent to your pleas. Before complaining against your neighbor, ensure that you have not been committing similar disturbances for them in which case they can get back against you. Calling the police must be done only when all the doors have been closed for a peaceful reconciliation and your neighbor does not co- operate at all. If that is not an option, all you can do is to move out.