When is it OK to call the cops on your neighbors for noise disturbance? (loud music)?

Question

I live in an apartment townhome and my neighbor that resides below me loves to blast her music. It's so loud that I can hear the music loud and clear in my place. My ears start ringing and I get a headache. I've already called the cops once on them and did the same this evening. They seem to turn it down once the cops visit them but within a few days it starts again. I have never approached them about the music. I am just wondering if calling the cops was maybe too drastic or not.

Initially I did consider approaching her, however, I reside alone. She always has plenty of people over and she is 6'5 and quite large. So, I am somewhat intimidated and was afraid she would tell me where to go.

Answer 1

No way - it sounds like it was totally reasonable of you to call the cops. Even during the day, that kind of volume is unacceptable. Keep calling the cops when she is being ridiculous. Good luck!

Answer 2

It is well within your rights to call the police when your peace is being violated, but if the neighbor is going to keep doing this (as it seems she will) you probably don't want to have to keep summoning the authorities. As for other solutions...

Is there a landlord/building manager? Try speaking with her/him about the noise, if s/he hasn't already noticed it. If not, then why not write a thoughtful, kind, eloquent letter explaining your feelings. You can leave it in the neighbor's mailbox.

Actually meeting with (not confronting) this noisy neighbor may work best. Do your best to be polite and don't show that you are intimidated; let her know that you'd like to be on the best of terms with her and that the level of noise coming from her apartment bothers you. Keep your cool and smile and most likely she'll come around.

If she doesn't, or if you decide not to meet with or write to her, then there are always two other options: you can either soundproof your apartment or keep calling the cops.

Hope this helps and best of luck!

Answer 3

I would get 2 or 3 other neighbors that agree with you and knock on her door. Explain to her that we all live in the building together therefore, we must all try to get along... Tell her you don't want to have enemies in a place wehre you hang ur hat... Tell her you and the others want to get along... Tell her there are certain restrictions that go on when you live in a condo with others. One of them is playing music at an unreasonable level..

Calllign the cops may have been a better choice. Ya know, if this person doesn't know her place, than she probably needs the cops called on her... She has no respect for other peoples peace and quiet..

Answer 4

I usually will call if loud music goes after 1am on weeknights and 3am on weekends. People partying at that time will know they are doing something wrong, so can't be too pissed. It also depends on how often. I usually give each neighbor about two loud parties a year, since everyone needs to have some fun.

By the way, talking to people is not always the right thing. It can be quite dangerous, especially since the people will likely be drunk. Plus, a bad neighbor can get much worse if they decide to bug you.

Answer 5

Maybe go talk to them first, in a peaceful way, and don't get upset no matter what. Just ask nicely, explain the major reasons for the request, and take whatever answer is given.

If that doesn't work, check with the landlord and police to see if you have a right to "peaceful enjoyment of the premises" as a rentor. If so, you have the law on your side. Your mileage may vary, but my experience with this was that on the first call, the cops said if I registered a complaint with my name attached, then on the next call they could escalate their action beyond just asking them to quiet down.

Fact is, though, you may also have to have the landlord on your side. That's a complete crapshoot.

Good luck. What? Oh, sorry. ***I SAID GOOD LUCK!!!***

Answer 6

Before you call the cops again... go down and talk to her... let her know that you can hear it very clearly... she may not realize that the insulation in the apartment allows you to hear everything... Or maybe she does... and she is covering up some sounds that could be worse than the music! Give her a chance first then call the cops!

Answer 7

I'd always start with just talking to them about it, because even if they're jerks then at least you tried to be friendly first. Try talking to other neighbors, management, etc . . . IF there's a particular loud music incident I'd just go ask them first before calling the cops, but don't be afraid to call if your neighbor is just being lame.

Answer 8

I've had the same dilemma myself, although the neighbors in my situation owned their own home(so there was no landlord to call). Plus, the noise wasn't just loud music- it was cursing, arguing, and(I believe)physical fighting. I had to call the cops because taking care of things myself would have put my safety in danger. You have every right to complain, though- and to call the cops as this is a persistent problem. Maybe they need to be fined in order to learn their lesson.

Answer 9

contact management as well, let them know you are calling the police. but if it keeps up, keep calling the police. if there are regular complaints and it is loud enough that the police feel that the complaint is justified, they will start issuing citations after repeat violations. when it costs money, people are more likely to listen.

also, in most areas, if it is frequent and ridiculously loud, the police will not require that it be at certain hours. so when you call, make sure you tell them, it has been on for hours, it is on almost every day.

Answer 10

Calling the cops was ok, but I would consider calling management. I am sure your apartment management has policies. As a matter of fact if you complain anonymously as 3 different people, maybe they will act. Some people have no common decency or respect for others so do what you must. It took about 3 complaints to management for me to get results.