This guest blog is presented by www.pissedconsumer.com
Loud neighbors can indeed affect the quality of your lifestyle. So, the music or TV might be too loud. Or, you may hear children screaming or dogs barking all the time. Or those living in close proximity might be having dinner parties that go all the way past midnight. All these are frequent noises should be handled appropriately pronto as they have an impact on the brain function and, therefore, your overall health.
Read on to find out how to help manage noisy neighbors. How to make apartment noise complaints? How to write an apartment noise complaint letter? Are there any apartment noise laws that can protect your peace in your own home?
The Most Irritating Sounds for the Human Brain
It has been found that the human brain finds the following sounds particularly maddening :
- A power tool called anglegrinder
- An electric drill
- A baby crying
- A ruler on a bottle
- A fork on a glass
- A knife on a bottle
- A woman screaming
- Loud arguments
On PissedConsumer.com, tenants left more than 175 reviews regarding different types of noise in the apartment. The most people complain about:
- Loud neighbors
- Appliance noise (e.g., washer/dryer, refrigerator malfunctioning, etc.)
- HVAC noise
That being said, kid-related noise is also within the most commonly expressed noise complaints. Like the following consumer, who left an online review on PissedConsumer.com (review #1523738): “People moved in above me in town home they have hella kids! The kids run jump stomp from 6:20am to 12 am it’s ridiculous. Idk how much more I can take. I’ve put in *** of complaints I just want them to sit tf down. As I’m typing this all u hear is running like I went to office nothing was done far as I know. But in the lease it says every complaint is extra 25.00 I’ve put in at least 20.”
Before Taking Action
Before you decide to take matters into your own hands and call someone to make apartment noise complaints, ensure you:
- Review your lease agreement to familiarize yourself with what exactly constitutes a noise violation. You will probably be able to find details about things like quiet hours and audio/TV volumes restrictions there.
- Go through your city/municipality’s ordinances and laws that forbid unreasonable and excessive noise levels.
- Keep a written record of the type and time of noise your neighbors are disturbing you with. This will help the police, or your property manager, have a clear picture of what is going on and enforce lease rules.
Addressing Apartment Noise Complaints
When noise is becoming an issue for you and your loved one(s), you can deal with it in a nice, and respectful way. Here are some ideas:
1. Talk to your neighbors
Most of the times, neighbors that make noise do not even realize they are causing trouble. Talk to them to have noise issues resolved without immediately escalating them.
2. Get a white noise machine
If the noise problems are caused by the way the building has been constructed (i.e., hardwood floors, thin walls, etc.), some noise is probably inevitable. White noise machines not only help you fall asleep and enjoy a relaxing sleep but also buffer disturbing sounds and help shut down your busy brain and create a soothing cocoon.
3. Compromise or suggest a plan
If you find out that there is a good reason for the noise your neighbors are making, you can consider reaching some compromise. For instance, you could suggest that loud power tools are not used after, say, 9pm or before 8am.
4. Give a warning
If after all that, your neighbors are still loud, you could give them a last heads-up before you go on and let the management company, landlord, homeowners’ association, or the police know about your noise-related troubles. It might also help to handle over a copy of the local noise ordinances and make it perfectly clear that you will take this matter to proper authorities if they don’t quieten down.
5. Be 100% sure that this is indeed noise violation
Know that the person you will be accusing for making too much noise can file a complaint with the RPA (Rental Protection Agency) if they feel you are violating their right to enjoy their home reasonably during quiet hours.
Making Apartment Noise Complaints
If you feel you must make complaints about apartment noise on a more formal level, you can file a noise complaint to the landlord or, as a last resort, to the police. Noise disturbances can be communicated with your property manager if they take place during business hours or the police if they occur after hours. Ensure you use the non-emergency line (not 911) unless you wish to report criminal activities or suspicious behaviors.
Note that although you can make complaints about apartment noise anonymously, it is best that your apartment noise complaint letter or claim has your name under it. It will help officers substantiate your complaint and make sure there is someone to testify if things lead to an eviction process (though, quite rare because it is difficult to prove that the noise level has exceeded the one described by apartment noise laws – most issues of this type are usually resolved amicably).
Following is an apartment noise complaint letter for your reference. It includes 2 Sample Letters of a Complaint about Apartment Noise. There you need to include as many details as possible (i.e., the time, type of noise, which apartment the noise was coming form, whether the police responded, etc.).
Note: Remember that landlords always favor 3rd party substantiation – the more fellow renters you get to join the complaints about apartment noise, the more you give the landlord power to act on the complaints.
Avoiding Loud Neighbors
Do consider the following before you rent or buy a property/apartment:
- Rent an apartment on the top floor. You won’t need to deal with things like noisy footsteps and pounding/banging sounds.
- Ask about the building’s Sound Transmission Class (STC) Rating. The higher the STC rating (over 60), the more sound-proof the apartment is.
- Refrain from renting an apartment in loud areas or near noise sources (i.e., the elevator).
- Learn about building-specific noise regulations and see if there is a relevant clause in the lease (i.e., quiet hours). Given the lack of specific apartment noise laws (only general ordinances exist), this is your best shot.
- Find out your jurisdiction’s limits on noise decibel levels. In case you need to file formal complains about apartment noise, the department that has issued the complaint can come and measure the noise levels.
Dealing with noisy neighbors is not always easy. However, approaching a problem with respect and kindness is usually the best way to resolve it. Now, if things become too annoying for you, there is always a more formal path to take.
Reading this helps allot. Thankful to know others have cared enough to join forces in efforts to support renters or home owners suffering lack of sleep, rest, and noise pollution from inconsiderate people.
Exactly what’s been going on for a year and 4 months. I am at the end, seems like following the steps you are supposed to no one is hearing me. They deliberately do what they do every single day. Stomping, banging, slamming, loud talking, everything they can all times day and night. Landlord says my hands are tied. I document everything. I have started packing. Have not slept 5 hours since saturday morning.
I have the same problem. Deliberate stomping is the main thing and its so bad they actually follow me from room to room doing it.
Wow!!!! How childish… I’m so sorry you are going through this. I know how uncomfortable it can be. I hope something gets done soon to make this matter better for you. Blessings to you.
My neighbors deliberately put a speaker or mix device in the walls.
I’ve had enough..I’m going down to police department again today..
I’m so sick of this very immature behavior
This is the exact same thing I’m currently dealing with and the kids just stomp away they let them ride their scooters out in the hallways and then stomp inside the unit loud AF… we’ve tried taping the ceiling to let them know hey your loud but they just retaliated louder and make more noise… they run the dishwasher and do laundry during quiet times and we’ve put complains but nothing has been done
I go thru this to every day to I’m recovering from a triple hart bypass running dropping pounding I wish I never moved here they taunt me iv turned them in dozen times pounded back d mdtrying to talk to them slammed door in my face I went back to my apartment below them and SHERIFF shows up pounding g at my door he. Knew it was there kid he told me he figured it was them shacked my hand and told me to get some rest the second he left the whole family of scum started stomping on their floor like there doing right now land lord says tape it’s tried they say that they only hear normal apt noises they lie when confronted scum balls I pray to the lord all the time but it still hasn’t changed
Have the same problem with woman above me who waits until I arrive home to start stomping. Luckily, management is supportive (I have witnesses to the behavior) and has given her a very stern warning to stop or face fines or eviction. I started giving it right back to her, I figured out that when she isn’t stomping or pacing, she’s trying to sleep or relax so I’ve started playing loud music. Will she complain? Nope because management knows about her crazy *** and won’t take a noise complaint from her seriously. I also play music when I LEAVE so she has to listen to it or leave the apartment to get a break from it. Interestingly, she has been better since doing this (and complaining to management)…people like her tend to think that the world should revolve around them and when they realize it doesn’t….it’s amazing how quickly they can change their behavior.
I feel the same way. My up stairs neighbors I always stomping and bumping all the time too. I have gone to the office and complained about this problem. The landlord says her hands are tied she doesn’t know what else she can do.I’m getting woke up at 6 AM every morning and I have to work myself but I work afternoons. Which means I’m never really able to sleep. I can’t understand how people can be so disrespectful it’s not right and it’s not fair. It should be more that can be done about this issue. Especially when it’s repeatedly reported to the landlord or other authorities
I agree. I’ve contacted the police 3 times and just last week the officer actually went upstairs around 8:30 pm and said to my face that, ” the littler girl is upstairs running around and having fun”. Like really. How can that be okay. I’ve contacted the property manager numerous of times and yesterday she informed me there’s nothing she can do. But I can move to another unit when they become less full. So we I countered that she said the complex was full which is a lie. Then she said I could move somewhere else. With both options I will have to pay the inflation price instead paying what I pay now. I asked her if I could play music will that be okay and she said no because it goes against the their lease agreement and I will get a violation. I also spoke to another resident and he’s going through the same thing. Like seriously there should be something to protect downstairs residents.
I absolutely feel your pain, Try the non emergency number for complaints so that you have a third party to fall back on and you will have written complaints to show to the judge. You probably already know this. With my manager it was Covid-19 excuse, except it was going on two years prior to the pandemic.
Plus we have a Sewer Alarm that goes off, so loud. Always the same line, we are working on it. Well maybe some paper work from the city will help. I don’t sleep well either, what is sad is that we have to get ready for the repercussions, sad but true.
I feel your pain Elizabeth! I have the same type of noise over me that you described… My home was once a very quiet place to live until some government supported people moved in. Now there are sounds of heavy items being dropped, dragged or fell over, overweight kids running and jumping or even falling down occurring all times of the day and night well past midnight. Going upstairs twice and nicely asking for ti to stop didn’t help. Contacting the landlord by phone and even writing with no response and calling the police saying all they can do is ask them to stop… This has been going on for over a year but moving out is my next option.
We must have the same neighbors. I just got rid of one horrible witch and now the new couple aren’t any better. I’m on the bottom floor of an very old apartment complex. The walls and pipes are like paper. They rarely work and I work in health care, so I’m up at 3 every morning. 10 minutes after I walk in my apartment, they realize I’m home and start stomping all through the place. They get especially loud from 10pm till 2am. They wash clothes at 12am.. When I flush my toilet, take my showers, wash my clothes, apparently it’s too loud to them. But river dancing back and forth when I’m trying to sleep isn’t. I pray from a miracle..Like me winning the lottery so I can leave this hell hole, or a meteor taking out this whole complex…😌😌😌😌
You actually can get your management in trouble. If they are not doing anything to stop it. You can actually call the police on your management for not stopping the Noise Pollution above you. There should be a noise ordinance in your state.
I love that! “A meteor taking out this whole complex”. Amen
Exactly what I’m dealing with. Police said there’s nothing they can do about kids running back and forth.. I live on the top floor and it’s my next door neighbors 4 y/o I’m dealing with throwing things at the walls therefore my pictures fall off, running and jumping and making this odd EEEEEE noise vocally “I know the mother said the child is autistic but c’mon I’ve watched numerous videos on YouTube about this sorta thing.. ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR CHILD RATHER THEN NEGLECT IT and it would prob stop acting out…” while jumping off something and running around.. not normal running either it’s heavy footed running.. I can NEVER sleep nor enjoy a peaceful evening after work or a movie.. I’m going to flip on someone very soon. HELP!
I’m on 3rd floor and the people under me are running a loud machine literally 24/7 now.I told the managers and they won’t come and listen to the noise even when its the most loudest at night.called the cops last week.,he came and heard it, I got the police report and took it to managers in the office and they still didn’t address the problem.Lastnight I called the cops at 3:30am and he was so scared to even come inside my apt like something was about to go down.He even ran his fingers across my apt door for fingerprints 🙄 The noise was loud as hell and he straight lied and said he didn’t hear nothing and he wasn’t goin to go knock on the peoples door under me cuz it was 3:30.smfh.Idk what else to do.I. cant sleep in this apt at all because the noise is vibrating my entire apt and its a whisting/ringn noise with it.This would have been solved if it wasn’t poor management at these apts
I live upstairs but unfortunately it’s my neighbors downstairs making all the noises. They would wake me up making hammering construction noises at 1 AM and it will go on till 3-4 AM! And they would have violent verbal arguments at 6 AM!!!! Atleast when I’m cooking or making noises it’s at 7 PM but they are doing this during quiet time. Then have loud parties other night they aren’t hammering. What can I do? These black ppl who don’t know how to behave just moved here and are driving me nuts!!! How inconsiderate can you be to make so much noises every night!!! Should I call the cops? Building manager? I don’t want to confront them in fear of retaliation but it needs to stop!!!!!!! New neighbors from hell. We own our condo but think they rent coz doubt they can afford buying. Brokeass loud asses don’t even have a car…they always have grocery store carts 🛒 in their balcony or front door underneath our stairways. Praying they move out soon. Living above them is a nightmare.
Way to be racist, Karen.
why point out they are black? You lose all credibility.
I have the same problem, I am about to lose my mind. Landlord does nothing. Trying to figure out what I can do.
How do I do I deal with my noisy neighbors because I have said something and the kids are still running around after 8pm and I tell my landlord and she won’t do anything about it because the people on the first floor own the house and I can’t kick them out help !!!!!!
Have you ever heard of the Fair Housing Amendment Act of 1988? (“FHAA”). If anyone in your household has any kid of mental disability and it is exacerbated by the noise of other tenants, then you can request what is called a Reasonable Accommodation Request which is required by the “FHAA” to give you the opportunity for enjoyment in housing, to afford you “Equal opportunity to use and enjoy if. “The Covenant of Quiet Enjoyment. If you are a person who uses Facebook, you can visit my group page called, Victims of Housing Discrimination. There are videos there that explain about Reasonable Accommodation Requests that must be honored by the housing provider unless it poses an undue hardship. I also have a YOUTUBE Channel that you can subscribe to and listen to some of the videos on the “FHAA”. You are paying rent, thus you have the right to have quiet enjoyment in housing. The link to my channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIaUmeTkf-qttv3-lBgJwpw? Have a great day!
thank you so much! I will check this video out.
I live in apartment complex, they built a soccer . Now between the soccer field and the front of my window of the apartment it’s about 50 ft in between and there is 20 to 25 people around the soccer field and it’s too noisy. If you have any legal advice please let me know. Thank you .
I will definitely check it out
Hi there iam sooo tired and stressed I live tryplex first floor above me lives a couple alwzse fairing they have a little girl wish runs all day if they are home she doent have no rules and the chairs in the kitchen they are sooo annoying she managers to do it all day
During pandemic end up to be soooo hard can you please give advice
Apreciated
How did you deal with the noise, please let me know
What if I have the noise recorded on video which shows the date the time and the year? Would that help me
I have stomping and slamming doors. I’ve talked to him left note with please and thank you . I get told I’m a bleeep and f…you fingers up screaming ate me yes I’ve spoked to landlord. Won’t do anything
I understand your pain, I’ve experience the same thing, these neighbors moved in here 12/30/2019 & I’ve recorded the stomping, written letters to landlord, called security, called police 4 times and the landlord says to me after 3 managers have left with this issue unresolved ” please record again then I can do something” how much recorded can I do..nothing is getting done but us losing sleep & enjoying our stay..Ive been residing in my complex 3 1/2 years never had this nuisance until they moved in. On sundays they form a stumping parade in me & my daughter bedroom then go to living room..Its so sad that the laws need to be changed to adhere more to tenants peace time..
I’ve been dealing with the same for 18 months. It falls on deaf ears with property management and police. I am considering a civil suit against the tenants and management. I would really like to get an injunction and have a judge tell them that if they violate the injunction then criminal charges can be filed. A lot of the noise is deliberate and I have multiple videos with audio.
And can u believe that there is absolutely nothing we can do about it and no help from no one the leasing office or the police. I am going through the same situation and the people above me is big adults
I agree , my neighbor wears his work boots all day and even has a little daughter who jumps so hard that my pictures rattle off the wall.Its annoying all day and night,when she jumps it sounds Ike she is going to come through the floor.
It’s so sad that people are forced to deal with the noise or are forced to move, because the landlord doesn’t care enough to handle situations like this. Smh I hope things get better for you. Blessings to you.
Man, I think you said it is a nutshell. It truly is sad. The stress and the effort it takes to move with little help from management or otherwise; or being ignored by management because after awhile they start portraying you as a shrill intolerant person. There should be more recourse.
I’ve had framed pictures fall off the wall and smashing the glass in the frame! Landlord did nothing, and then, when he was finally ready to evict them, COVID eviction bans were in place. I’m moving in 5 days, I just can’t take it anymore!
We’re having that same problem. We live in apartments and the the lady under us and her kids play the radio so loud during the day when my granddaughter has online school. We have tried talking to the manager of the apartments and all she’s tells us is that,that’s our problem
that’s the answer I got 2 it my problem before he moved next door I didn’t have a problem!
How do I get piece after 9pm.
Unfortunately noise laws have not kept up with scientific research. LSE’s Ass Prof Dian Weinhold in “Sick of Noise” compares neighbour noise to the equivalent of a history of smoking and worse that street noise. The problem lies with the human ear being sensitive to high information content neighbour noise even at low levels. This means that neighbour noise has worse health effects than street noise. The health effects include immunological, cardiovascular, blood sugar regulation and headaches to name a few. Policy makers, the judiciary, EPA and law enforcement fail to understand the devastating effects of neighbour noise. Sleep is a human right.
I am disabled and have been sending emails to my landlord and have contacted the police about loud music. I wear earplugs at night and it is every night of the week. She has admitted to it in writing, but unable to get anything done. I have been reduced to sleeping in my car without my service animal. Sleep obviously is not a human right for some people I found out.
This is such a problem for some and seemingly, no one will do anything about it. It has to do with a personality who doesn’t consider their actions or others. Building management companies and managers do not seem to care, they just want to be paid. It doesn’t matter that one neighbor consistently bothers another. If it were THEM experiencing the disruption that would be different.
I have been thru my own trauma for too long and would have moved elsewhere if possible, needing an income-based opportunity which is apparently impossible where many are in need of. It is not the unit, having had considerate neighbors above me prior, but the type who doesn’t care being a problem. Moving does not guarantee that one will not be bothered by a thoughtless neighbor either, having this TYPE being the problem. Not everyone can live on a top floor as recommended and it should not be brushed off as “just apartment living” or construction being the issue, or assuming one is oversensitive.
There should not be just the categorization of either “everyday living noise” or “Nuisance noise”, when a tenant’s “everyday living” can be obnoxious, unnecessary, excessive behavior. It should be considered that if one has a late-night schedule, they will be mindful of others. It is said to be unable to do something about hard walking, yet stomping is apparently a major issue. Not everyone behaves this way and should be addressed that if one cannot follow guidelines or function in a certain way, they will not be tolerated in shared housing, Period. A tenant’s complaints should be witnessed, even late at night, by one able to make changes,
I am frustrated that there is seemingly no resolve of these situations, yet maybe some do not allow disruptive behavior. There should be changes in rules and laws and action taken, that if possible, seems it would benefit tenants, managers and law enforcement.
I agree ; The laws need to be revised in consideration from nuisance..Its sad how people aren’t considered for one another..My neighbors are stomping us out every day..
Oh wow!!! I am so sorry! This is so sad. You definitely shouldn’t have to sleep in your car, I feel like there should be a way to file a complaint against the apartment owner/ complex if the noise issues aren’t resolved after two complaints. And get a free month rent. But things are not that way. It’s so hard just to get things done the right way sometimes. I just pray things get better for you.
I guess we all have the same a$$hole neighbors. There was supposed to be one single elderly woman that moved in next door and she’s a section 8tenant. From the day she moved in 2 years ago its been pure hell. Constant family members in and out all day long, a child has moved in, another toddler thats here everyday running up and down, they sit in front of my door and talk in the phone, etc. It’s effecting my sleep and I now have anxiety. I can’t study or enjoy a movie in my own house.
I’ve complained repeatedly and nothing. All I get are excuses. Someone has to be able to do something! I live in LA and rents are through the roof! If I move I’ll be paying double or more than what I pay now and I can’t afford that. I’m at my wits end
Thank you for pointing out this research.
What if the downstairs neighbors bang on the ceiling at any time,even when we make no noise?We can’t be expected to walk on eggshells 24-7.They have even called police about “arguing”,though no one was and police came in to find us doing nothing.?
Hi. My down stairs neighbors pound on my door like the fucking sway accusing of my kids stomping making noise when my neighbors next to me have kids who scream down the stairs slam my walls making my whole room shake yet I’m getting yelled at by these old assholes down stairs.
you shouldnt live in a top floor apartment if you have childrem
Amen.
YES. I’m sick of parents thinking it’s okay to let their children run around all day, all night when you live in an apartment. Live on the bottom floor so no one has to deal with it
Exactly thank you for stating the facts
There should be a law in an apartment that If u have kids you should live on the first floor period!!!!!!
THANK YOU !!
YOU ARE THE ONE THAT MAKES SENSE HERE
That’s about the dumbest thing you could say ! How about finding out if your “ new neighbors “ have kids before moving in so it’s not an issue otherwise be realistic to the fact kids don’t sit still and you’ll hear noise from the people above you.
I agree 100%!
I agree! If you have children, animals,noisy, or heavy footed please get a downstairs apartment. We all need to be respectful of others especially during quiet time which is LEGAL! Quiet hours start at 10pm depending on your state.
I live on the top floor and it sounds like I live on the bottom! I don’t understand how it sounds so loud in my unit. Neighbors make so much noise deliberately and let their kids run amuck nonstop for hours. They’ll bang against the wall, knock over or throw heavy items so that it literally shakes the floor. No respect for anyone else in the building. If it’s this loud for me being on the 3rd/top floor I cannot imagine what it sounds like in the people’s unit below these assholes!! It’s beyond inconsiderate and I’ve been losing my cool. Probably why they do it more frequently and even later at night after midnight! I get them back by vacuuming at 8am since they’re up all night and think they’re going to sleep til noon .
I agree if u have kids they should not be allowed to live on the top floor better yet kids should only be allowed to live in a complex where theres only kids its my opinion
Wow this is crazy! I am in the middle of this same situation. Above they’re kids stomp and run all the time not just a few minutes but hours of it. I have been complaining for 6 months. I have threatened. They push it back to me, it must be proven? Well now I must set up a decibel counter on my phone or computer to prove. However they have offered me a transfer with no cost but there is nothing available and it’s not easy moving.
The tenant below me is older and quite cranky she is expecting total silence. I had my tv on with a sound bar on low by the way and she’s banging on the ceiling.. then when I didn’t shut it off she came up knocked on my door and I was dumb enough to answer. She went off screaming and yelling she’s tired of it. I said it’s not loud and she said she’s tired of the vibration and my dog walking on the floors. She was psycho yelling stating I’ll go to the office on you?? Bla bla bla.. I told her go ahead they won’t do anything it’s living noise. Seriously this is crazy low level noise while I am living with the horrible upstairs kid noise making me need a hotel.
I am going through the same situation but I am living below and the upstairs neighbors( the ghetto ass trash) stomps, throws stuff on the floor like literally slams it down on the floor porposely bangs her cupboard doors 24/7 365 days. The leasing office Ofer me 2 move free of charge after I went and took a lawyer and after 6 months of complaining. So I will be moving while these ghetto trash will be living comfortably until another innocent family is put below them again to go through the same torment. I pray that I reach considerate people because I don’t think I can deal with this anymore
She may have a point about vibrations tho. My upstairs neighbors got a new speaker. They said the music wan’t that loud and it really waan’t but the vibrations from the speaker into my apartment are driving me batshit crazy. I can’t drown out the vibrations with my white noise machine and my TV is too loud to comfortably listen to and I still cannot drown out the vibrations. And they weren’t even willing to look into lowering the base. I haven’t slept in a week because of their late night music
Yes! I’m so glad you brought this point up. Let’s talk about those who think it’s OK to bang on the ceiling over and over rather than talk like an adult. Not once has he come to us but I know a neighbor recently made a noise complaint so I’m pretty sure I know who it was. I recently moved to be near family and grandkids. When I have company the asshole below me BANGS repeatedly. Mind you, this so called noise is coming from 4 little ones under the age of 5, who are playing during the day and it’s not against any noise violation. Am I suppose to make them sit perfectly still and not play ? I don’t think so ! We were already telling the kids to walk and not run. He just bangs and does so with the slightest noise. We were even in bed one night and my son came in asking why was he banging? Today he did it again , so I banged on his door and confronted him. We exchanged words and minutes later the police showed up. They said it’s a civil dispute that needs brought up to the landlords because it’s a he say she say matter. I was advised not to go to his door again so this doesn’t turn into a physical altercation. We pay rent and have a right to enjoy the company of my family throughout the day without someone banging. Point blank !
Make your kids sit tf down! Get a damn house
If you want to be a “family”
He can actually call the noise control section of the township you live in and have them put a decibel level meter in one of the rooms where he claims to hear your kids running and stomping. If those noise levels are above a certain decibel level as stated by the township, you can be issued a fine every time it happens. He can provide this proof, witnesses, and include them when he sends complaints about excessive noise disturbances to your landlord/owner where in many states is grounds for eviction.
Clearly you don’t know how loud you are, no one is banging on a ceiling, unless you are walking on your heels and banging the ground. Unfortunately, majority of humans walk on their heels and have no regard to how that reverberates in an apartment building. You are making noise, the ego just won’t let you acknowledge this fact.
I’m a downstairs neighbor. Are they only banging on their ceiling at night? Because old ass floors with cheap carpeting can sound like elephants running across the floor. To the people underneath you..
Hello, I live in the City of Atlanta. I have a noisy downstair neighbor who always play drum and loud music at mid-night (12AM-4AM). No one can sleep with those sounds…I put a note on neighbor’s door and also talked with the management team, but neither cared about it. Are you able to help me or provide any suggestions?
Thanks a lot!!!
Hi,
I have the drumming issue with upstairs neighbors. I’ve been in my apartment almost 2 months and have been complaining since I first moved here and nothing. Have you been able to resolve your issue? If yes, how?
I’m in a suburb just outside Atlanta.
Thanks!
disturb the peace law. and quiet rights enjoyment of tenant rights. https://www.kannlawoffice.com/disturbing-peace.html there might be similar law in atlanta. i have similar issue but frequent complaint got him to be less noisy pass sleep hours after we got new management company. they still sucks. they can’t handle it. lazy ass folks. they don’t investigate properly. warn the guy before coming to my apt to witness it. so he turn down and behave a bit yet still causing trouble. He now turn up bass more than sound . it’s hard to prove and you can’t record bass. law prevent car to have bass but they don’t add music bass for living as violation. the company tells me to sue. they just don’t do their job to enforce. some manager enforce but i’m not that lucky. he should be evicted by now but company don’t follow laws. it’s their job but they won’t do it. If you know a police friend. they can take care of it easy. have them witness it and they can give ticket if repeated or send them to jail 90 days for disturbing the peace. most police don’t bring that law up. too bad i don’t have an officer as a friend. They don’t take it seriously too about the noise violation. So hard to deal with these noise issues. that’s why many have this issue. Make sure you warn the people that it affects your life and bother you. they need to be made aware in order to substantial the law.
I have been having the situation ever since dec2019 the upstairs neighbor has 2 boys 4 and 6 they run excessively all day long they stomp bang throw trash onto my patio I called Dallas police was told my option was to move. I have been communicating with the manager but all she says is there are steps rules and regulations to that issue.. I asked to be relocated but was told I could not do that!!
Are you familiar with the Reasonable Accommodation Request as required by the Fair Housing Amendment Act of 1988 (“FHAA”)? This is a Federal Statute and is a change in RULES, POLICIES, PRACTICES and PROCEDURES that afford a person to have enjoyment in housing. Does anyone in your family have any kind of disability that is exacerbated by the bad conditions that you have explained here? If so, you can request a reasonable accommodation. If you are a person who uses Facebook, please feel free to visit my group page called, victims of housing discrimination. There you will be able to hear videos on the “FHAA” and learn more about the laws of housing. I am a Advocate for the mentally ill and also the homeless in regards to illegal housing discrimination. My son and I are also victims of illegal housing discrimination that I proved in a court of law, against a Government entity. This is my main facebook page link: https://www.facebook.com/denise.fitzpatrick.98?ref=br_tf&epa=SEARCH_BOX. I also have a YOUTUBE Channel that you can subscribe to and listen to videos on Fair Housing. That link is: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIaUmeTkf-qttv3-lBgJwpw?view_as=subscriber Have a great day!
They should allow you to move..
Like the movie Jerry Maguire the only thing managment is interested is is show me the money, the rent money.
I’m living in an apartment with a freakin neighbor that lives above me, & she has a son that is constantly running around the apartment over & over & over again & again! This doesn’t stop because the mother doesn’t care to do anything about it! My son & I are looking to move because this is just way out of control! I’m afraid I’m going to do something I’m going to be sorry for if this keeps up! I have a very bad temper & I WON’T put up with any bs from anyone man this is Constant!! My 18 year old son has Anxiety and I have depression & we don’t know what else to freaking do! Right now I’m looking for another place to move to but it’s not freakin easy! The waiting is the problem! I’m about to break!! I’ve told the manager here where I live, but the stupid wench that lives upstairs doesn’t care! She’s still at it making noise!! I’m telling you, I’m at my wits end!!
I am going through the same thing I lost my temper plenty of times I understand
I can’t understand y are they putting family with kids in the upper apartments.
I live in Condo w association private owned. Upstairs. The kid stomps. Even rides his trike. Everything. I have asked. The mom doesn’t care basically told me to fuck off he’s a kid.
I don’t know what to do as there is no building manager.
call the cops but theyll say its kids playing I went through it but they will say its a kid playing theres nothing you can do
I have complained to my landlord and his supervisors for almost 4 years now about my next door neighbor playing her music too loud. The landlord will not do anything. How do I resolve this?
I am experiencing the same issues but my complex told ME to move if I didn’t like it. I get noise from all sides and I am on SSDI for Migraine Headaches. What is a person to do?
We live on the second story of the apartment. There’s only two stories. There are multiple small buildings in the this complex. In another one of the buildings there’s a couple who sits outside at night between the hours of 10pm and 3am who blast their music. They’re on the first floor. Now, this has been going on for about a year now. I’m not sure how they’ve gotten away with it for this long, but it’s obnoxious. It has progressively gotten louder over this time. I continuously get frustrated, but don’t like confrontation. How can I deal with this?
Are we neighbors?!? I have the same situation. They are both drunks. She doesn’t even live here. I have sent a very formative letter to where I send my rent check. The noise stopped for like a month. Now it’s happening again. I feel the need to reach out to the other neighbors to maybe start a petition cause it’s just ridiculous
As the “noisy neighbor”, I’d like to hear what exactly constitutes being a noisy neighbor. I have kids that visit every month or so. During that time, during the day, they walk around the apartment (occasionally running or being rowdy at which time I stop them when I notice it). With Covid, we occasionally have a whole day inside during which I pull out my old Wii and they stomp on the carpet a bit (during afternoon hours). It’s audible, but not outrageous. Again, I make sure it’s not too crazy.
So, during daylight hours of around 9am-5pm, what is considered “too noisy”? My downstairs neighbors have complained a few times. I have told them that I will tell the kids to keep it down as much as possible, but since the kids are stuck inside, it’s not going to be entirely quiet. The last complaint, my neighbor asked how old they were. When I said “7 and 9”, she said “they are old enough to know better”. I was going to tell her to shove it up her ass and talk to the complex manager. Next time I will. But just curious as to whether you all think I’m wrong.
The noise from the upstairs apartments can get really irritating. Especially the heavy footed or stomping playing video games, even lightly. The vibration from the noise is a headache. People with kids should move downstairs unless they are well behaved. I am writing this at 1:54 am because the upstairs neighbor is letting her kid run through the apartment, I guess until he passes out. I have a hard time focusing on my homework because of the noise. I dont sleep which affects me at work because I can’t stay awake. All I want is a little peace and quiet in the apartment I pay rent. Living in an apartment you are going to have noise I get that, and it can seem like its not alot of noise but depending on how cheaply built the apartment is, it can be pretty loud to your neighbor. If your kids are going to play videos games let them play the ones that you sit down with. Put yourself in your neighbors shoes, what if you lived downstairs and she was making noise? Be considerate of your downstairs neighbor as they should be considerate of you as well.
This is a good articles however looks like it’s an old one as many people are workin fb from home and others laid off these days people blow their music from morning around 8 am till 10 pm and not just that a small apartment has a surround system with a subwoofer which is totally inconsiderate for the people sharing 4 walls. This is in Edison NJ am talking about and I think subwoofers should be banned in the apartments.it’s a nuisance
My apartment is on top of the boiler room. Winters are extremely difficult because of the noise level. What are the soundproof regulations for boiler rooms in NYC apartments?
I am literally being driven insane with my neighbors. I live in an apartment that resembles a townhouse. I have neighbors in the rear of me and neighbors adjacent to me. The neighbors adjacent to me are neighbors from the bottom pits of HELL. They thought they were in the right to park in front of my two car garage while also parking in front of their garage. Got so upset with me for calling the police on them, they began talking very ill of me to other neighbors, causing issues with people who had nothing to do with the issue. Right now as I type this in tears, my neighbors are playing their music so loud in bass, my office chair is vibrating. I cannot concentrate of my work as I am currently working from home. My neighbors do not work; all they do is disturb me and cause major issues. I suffer with depression and a chronic illness that I will have for the rest of my life. I saw my gastro doctor for my illness this morning and she told me a test that I took had the highest levels she has ever seen in any of her patients and you know why? Because of the stress I am currently enduring while living in this loathsome property. I have lost my appetite, I am losing weight, I am only sleeping 4-5 hours a night, and I am always in pain. It is hard to move right now because of the pandemic and everyone is moving right now. I wish so bad I could move far away from these neighbors. I am just tired. I have contacted law enforcement, my property management, and even tried to talk to the morons next door to me, but nothing helps. I am losing hope and I do not see any light. I pay rent on time every month, I am never late. My management has never received a complaint about me, never. I am respectful to all of my neighbors. I just do not understand why this is happening to me. I am so tired. Why do bad people always win? They always get away with everything while good people are left to suffer and lose. I really hope something changes for the good soon because I just do not know how much more I can take.
I completely relate to your story. My situation has left me so depressed. I’ve been in my apartment for almost 4 years and in January I get a new neighbor who is pure evil. He recently verbally assaulted me for asking him to turn down his huge big screen tv that shakes my floor. Both me and my dog have anxiety. I’m miserable and all management says is to call the police. It’s just not fair. I agree that it always seems as if the bad people win. I sent a certified letter to the corporate office yesterday. I’m hoping that they will terminate my lease and let me leave with no penalty. I am mentally and emotionally exhausted.
I’ve gotten anxiety also. And it sucks that no one is sticking up for us.
I recently posted a detailed comment about what you need to do in order for management to take your complaints seriously. You need to send a certified letter stating that you’ll legally withhold your rent if the noise issues don’t stop. Police should follow noise ordinances and issue tickets/summons if the noise is over a specific decibel level but most cities don’t really care. In the end, owners want their rent money so if you can get another tenant to complain with you and have at least another witness, management will be forced to do something. My long comment explains all of the situations.
We are also living this nightmare and getting no help from management. All appeals to neighbors above have been futile. It is impacting our sleep and our health. Noise for hours on end. It sounds like they are bowling with frozen turkeys. Jumping and stomping, things clattering. The walls of our apartment shake. We can’t afford to move. Noisiet neighbors ever. They ignore formal complaint notices. Tried noise canceling headphones, fans, white noise machines and its still too loud. .
I recently posted a detailed comment on this issue. In order to get anyone to take you seriously, you need to send a certified letter stating that you will withhold your rent if the noise issues don’t stop. This is the only way.
I totally agree with all of the complaints, I too have neighbors from HELL. I call them vampires they sleep all day and up all night. Their children run and stomp all day from 12:00pm well into the night at least until 12:30 or more. The parents do not work smoke dope and it smells awful. Management does nothing I pay my rent on time each month, they use vouchers. I use to like my apartment wanted to be a lifetime renter but when management only cares about money and not the welfare of good neighbors it is time to leave and warn everybody. PANGEA Park Townhomes in Illinois are horrible and I will be leave soon, closing on a home.
Apartments are where you learn that many, if not most, people are basically selfish, not good. To learn someone’s true character you have to witness them in situations where they have a choice to not impact others. It’s a wonder societies function in other areas.
Unfortunately living on the top floor is no guarantee against neighbor noise. Kids running around, music, tv, conversations, and slamming doors can all be heard through floors. Building codes are not stringent enough and are not well enforced in a lot of places.
We’ve been in the same 2nd floor apartment (out of 3 floors) for 11 years . The first 8 years was a lady above us who was very quiet…..we were spoiled and didn’t know it.
Fast forward to 2018, and a family of 3 newly enter the apartment with a 2 yro boy. Earlier on the first year, we endured boys crying – it was annoying but we said nothing. Then the 2nd year, the boy is walking and starts running around and jumping. Here’s where he’d -we think- jump from the couch or chair and create huge THUDS that really bothered my wife. Finally one night I go upstairs, and quickly tell the husband, can please try to keep the running and stomping noise down? He says ok quickly….noise stops for 15 min and starts up again. So that’s what its gonna be like. I never went back up until tonight, a year and a half later with my wife upset as usual. I’ve recently been pounding on the ceiling when the noise either: 1) goes on past 2000 or 2) goes on more than an hour before 2000. This evening I pounded on the celing and yelled “PLEASE BE QUIET”. Husband runs out and says “you gotta problem, come up and talk.” I bring my wife. I have my wife explain, but I find out
1) we are the bad guys for yelling and pounding the ceiling – when pounding above he would antagonistically stomp in response as hard as he could
2) he has a right to play with his 4 year old after work, too bad if its loud
3) He will quiet him down when he puts him to bed at which time is not our business
4) He doesn’t come down to our unit and tell us what to do, so it rude and presumptuous for us to do the same with him
5) When I told him I’d been up before, he conveniently claims he does not remember (BS).
After which time we go downstairs, and his son starts running around for 30 more minutes. Wife now talking about looking to move.
I believe only #1 is correct for him, it was rude to pound the ceiling, but we’ve been enduring this for many months. He was very agitated when coming upstairs, but I wonder if he has any shame at all about the noise and the racket he allows and knows. It is 3-peron living in 700sqft 1 bed apartment. We are 2 people living in the same sized apartment below.
If you want to stop noise complaints you have to determine whether they’re excessive noise disturbances or not. You will also need to keep a log with dates and times you hear constant running, banging, jumping etc. and have to send that information via certified letter to the owners or management office where you rent. Normally, management doesn’t want to get involved or might not even know what they need to do.
When you rent in most states, if not all, you’re given what’s called a “Covenant of quiet enjoyment” meaning that you can enjoy your rental and do whatever you want to inside of it as long as it doesn’t disturb other tenants. Even if it’s not written in your lease, it’s implied. There are more and more cases in my state where tenants wrote certified letters to management stating that they will legally withhold their rent if the noise issues aren’t solved. It’s better if you have another tenant along with you to write the complaint but management is supposed to send a notice to cease. Most tenants making noise don’t think anything can be done to them so if it continues, you need to stay on top of it and write a certified letter again. Management would then need to send a notice to quit, basically evicting them for breaking the lease terms.
You can also get the police involved because most cities have noise ordinances where noise can’t be above a specific decibel level before 10:00 PM and after. You need to explain to someone at the police department or noise control department what the situation is and that you want someone to come with a decibel meter. If they find that the noise is above the specified decibel level, the tenants will be issued a ticket. You can download a free decibel app and stand in the middle of the room where the noise is coming from to get an idea. In my case, it was supposed to be under 45 decibels after 10:00 PM and it was registering at 67 on the meter. The tenants didn’t enjoy getting tickets so that’s more proof that there’s a problem when you send a letter to management.
I’ve dealt with this issue successfully every time and hope this helps someone. The ten hour cat meowing videos and devil laughing on repeat with a subwoofer are fun and will piss off your upstairs neighbors but why even bother? Put pressure on management because in the end, they only want their rent. If you are brought to court and have all the logs, a few police reports, copies of the ticket or summons given to those tenants, a witness, who do you think the landlord/tenant judge will listen to?
I’m glad I found this post in 2022. My noise issues stem from the nymphos I have living next door. Apartments do have quiet hours from 11pm-6pm but these kids don’t sleep or work and go at it all hours the late night/early morning. Kid only has one move and it’s jackhammer. I’ve talked to them in person and asked them to move their bed a few inches from the wall but this was temporary. At 2am I was woken up from a deep sleep with their pounding on my wall. I was super po-ed and banged on the wall and yelled expletives (not my best moment but I’m super cranky if someone disrupts my sleep.) and the “pounding” stopped. I work Monday-Friday, 8 to 5 at a hospital and need my sleep, so my next step is an office complaint. Not sure how to put these in a complaint (I’ll be sending a certified letter) because recording would be super creepy and cringe so any advice would be wonderful.