What can I do about neighbor who will get off our backs?

Question

Our next door nieghbors hate us! We have lived at our residence for about 21 years and them about 20 years and they just recently for the past year or so have alot of anger for us. They say we are too loud, and not to park on their side of the street (because our car is to loud) and it goes on. I'm 24 years old and the man of their house got in my face the other day and began to yell and scold me as if I were a child. Then he finaly threatened me with the police. We are not even that loud and we try to avoid problems with them but they are constantly complaining as if they have nothing better to do but to worry about what we are doing all day! What can I do? Thanks!

Answer 1

If you are loud quiet down, if your not, tape record it and when the police come, they will look like a fool and you could have them arrested for harassment.
As for your car, If the police don't have a problem with it, then your fine.
As for the conflict with your neighbor, it would seem there is a further issue than just noise. Maybe you could talk to them without harsh words and find out what the real problem is.

Answer 2

Perhaps try being more quiet out of respect? I'm not saying you have to completely change your life just because the old farts next door complain about everything but perhaps go over there, knock on their door and ask them if both families can have a discussion and try to work out some sort of arrangment that both parties can be happy with. It will make you and your family seem more mature natured to them and meet each other half way. That's the problem with everone these days. They are so ready to call the cops or threaten a law suit, how is anyone supposed to EVER get along with that crap happening? No one ever seems to want to talk to each other like adults anymore because they fear someones anger but by talking it out and coming to a comfortable choice everyone can live with only helps improve relationships all together. Good luck

Answer 3

Try not to escalate the problems at all. Make sure you keep your noise at a respectful level, if they call the police on you, the police will come and see you are being within your rights and do nothing. In fact, if they continue to phone the police they can get in trouble for wasting the cops time. There's not too much you can do about your car, I assume you have a reason for parking it on the other side of the street? If they get in your face or yell at your simply ignore them and walk away. If they are on your property calmly ask them to leave and if they don't call the police at that point. Most likely these seem like the kind of people who get off on making people upset and just like to complain about every little thing. If you ignore them, they will lose interest in the harassment quickly.

Just make sure you remain within the law

Answer 4

See if you can have a meeting with them, at some time when they're not mad at you. And it would be good to bring along some neutral party to help arbitrate.

Try to find some compromises that would work for both of you; what noise bothers them? And is there anything you can do about it?

If they continue to threaten to call the police, encourage them to do so. If your noise doesn't violate any ordinances (such as late night or early morning), an explanation from an officer might dissuade them; especially pointing out that you can park anywhere you want on a public street.

I know this sounds simplistic, and may not address any deeper issues the neighbors are having with you. I wish you luck.

Answer 5

I would report him to the police, just to have it on record that he got in your face and screamed at you-just in case things escalate.

We had to move to get rid of a nightmare neighbor. She was senile and rang our doorbell 50 to 100 times a day. I called the cops on her and they did speak to her several times. We talked to her and her 3 daughters, but it did nothing to stop her since she was totally nutty. We moved and it has made our lives so peaceful! You cannot imagine how relieved we are to be away from her.

I'd avoid the nightmare neighbor at all costs and go about your business without even looking at them. I'd also not hesitate to call 911 on your cell phone in front of him the next time he even gets near you. You have every reason to believe things could escalate, they often do.

Tell the police you are being threatened and you need help right away. The police can educate that loser about parking on public streets. There are laws regarding noise and loud cars, too. I'd ask the police to explain those laws, as well.

Best of luck to you. Stay safe. And if pepper spray is legal in your state, I'd invest in some.

Answer 6

It is sometimes very hard to get along with other people, but it is very important to do so. After 21 years and only problems now. Try and do everything from your side to consider your neighbors. Try this for a month. Be as quiet as possible and after the month ask them if it is better. If not, there is nothing you can do and you are just living next to a grumpy lot. Keep your side clean, that way no one can point the finger at you. Trying to aggravate the situation is not going to solve anything.

Answer 7

We had some gnarley neighbors like that.... "their side of the street." The city owns the street - not the people. You can park directly in front of their house if you want to.

As for the noise... there really isn't much you can do but be respectful, especially at night. But let 'em call the cops if you don't have anything to hide. And if they come, ask questions about harrassment and restraining orders against your neighbors. Don't be scared of the cops, they work for you, too.

Answer 8

Abide by the laws/rules. Make sure you know what the noise curfew is and abide by it. Can you fix the car? If you can you should. If they are just being *******, MAKE SURE you abide by the laws. Then, during the times you can make noise, do it full throttle. Piss em off more but there is nothing they can do about it. Some places have a decible limit along with times that it has to be quiet.

Answer 9

you may need a mediator. If things have gotten out of hand, you will not be able to speak to each other in a civil manner. I think bringing in a mediator will allow both you and your neighbor to voice your concerns, and hopefully come to a conclusion that works. Don't add fuel to the fire though. If you are being loud tone it down and see how things go.Good Luck, one of the worst things in life is to be miserable in your own home because of neighbors. Hope you can work it out.

Answer 10

Let them call the police. It will just make them look paranoid.....unless you really are being too loud? Your town has noise ordinances and you would probably do well to learn them (ours is no noise above ---decibals past 9 pm). Also, try to figure out what changed within the past year to cause such animosity.