What can I do for her?

Question

What can I do for her?
I have a ladie friend that is living in an apartment on her own. She is in her mid 30's. The problem she is having is the person next door is playing the music all night long and it is making her very ill from lack of sleep. It's been going on for three years. Last year her mother has been diognosed with cancer. She has to travel 30 miles to help her. She goes down 3 times a week by train. She has tried the following:

Called police
Asked the nieghbours
Called management
Told him to turn the noise down

None of these worked keeping in mind she tried more than once with each. She said she can't afford to get soundproof walls or get someone out to record the noise. She still lives there because it's the only place she can afford to do her College Courses. I have no idea what to do. She's always calling and texting me. I care for her well being and I want to help. But I have no idea what to do. Ps. I asked her to move in with me but it's too far away.

Answer 1

She needs to record the noise herself, and keep a diary of dates, times etc. This builds up a catalogue of proof to present to the police, council and whoever else authoratative that will listen. Problems like this are awful, but she will need to keep a log of everything before people take her seriously. Sad but true. Wish you both luck..

Answer 2

she's tried the legal route, now try the other. When the music stops and the neighbour goes to sleep your friend should put her stereo and radio and telly up against the wall and play on full blast. Cover the equipment, on her side, with cushions and duvets so that the FULL BLAST of the music and noise is going through the wall. Oh, make sure that they radio and TV are all set to different channels, as well, for maximum noise. Now, go away for two days and enjoy yourself and catch up on sleep.
When you get back, you will probably find that your neighbour is a little more willing to talk and negotiate.
I did this and it worked. I had to do it five times and went away for a weekend as well. When I got back my neighbour was begging for sleep and peace and quiet and I had no problems after that.
It's a shame the legal route isn't working but I am a great believer in fighting fire with fire. Your friend has the option to stay with you so she can get some escape... her neighbour might not have this so will have to endure her noise.
Hope it works. Try it. At least it makes you feel less powerless...

Answer 3

Where does she live? In UK there are recognised allowed noise levels, someone actually comes and if it is higher than allowed it becomes an offence. Don't think the system is perfect and to be honest don't know a lot about it. I only THINK it is the council that employs these people but it has been on several tv documentaries and in the news where people suffering like your friend have had their problem solved. Perhaps others reading may know more about this than me and reply. If in UK I am sure Citizens Advice or her local council would point her in the right direction. Anywhere else in the world unfortunately I know nothing about.

Answer 4

Don't know where you're writing from but I've been through this in the UK (Yorkshire) and can tell you that the police and council can be sympathetic but generally are powerless to help. They can't be there 24 hours a day and confrontation usually makes these people worse. There must be somewhere else to live.

Answer 5

In every town there is a noise ordinance, be it decibal level after a certian time, if it gets past ten, and themusic is still going she needs to call the police thats why she pays taxes, and if she has to call the police every night then so be it...

Answer 6

Keep on complaining - maybe she could stay with you a couple of nights so she can get a break. But, yeah, tell her to keep up with complaints. She will be heard, and if not, she might need to consider moving. Fight first, tho....Good Luck and I wish her the best.

Answer 7

is there a local mediation service you could use? they normally get the two parties together to discuss it calmly. Or she could ring environmental health and get them to come out? tell her to go the citizens advice bereau as they will be able to give her more advice about what she needs to do to take it further. Does the guy next door rent his house? maybe she could approach his landlord and tell him about it, and maybe he'd eventually be evicted. The best of luck to you both

Answer 8

just use a normal video recorder with dates times etc if all else fails get the heavies in to them a bigstrong guy with a threatening voice will do it if not shell have to move out!!

Answer 9

i went through the same thing no one would help so i kept a diary of it and recorded the noise, then she has evidence then to back it up. wish ur friend luck

Answer 10

Sue for nuisance, claim damages and a restraining order. Nothing is quite as persuasive as a blow to the pocket.