How do I deal with drunk neighbors?

Question

I have a neighbor, which the mom is always getting drunk and cursing at her husband. Our doors and walls are very thin and I would say about 4-5 times a week, she's out there cursing and yelling while being drunk. I have a 15 month old who's is subject to this kind of behavior and I'm not sure how to deal with it. One time another neighbor had to call the cops because she was up at 3am yelling, "I'll kill you bit**, I'll kill you!" Any serious answers greatly appreciated.

I live in a condo, but most of the people are renters. I really wish I had their landlord's number, I would have called him and complained.

I wish I could move, but that is NOT an option. Selling property these days has become too difficult.

Also, she does have 4 children and I'm positive that their home when she gets drunk.

Answer 1

Do you live in an apartment? If so, you need to start filing written complaints with your landlord.

When these screaming matches ensue - call the police - she's disturbing the peace. You have a right to the quiet enjoyment of your domicile - such behavior can't be tolerated around young children ... even hers, if she has them.

Answer 2

Well, with alcohol being the contributing factor, you probably can't do much yourself. You could try talking to her while she's sober, and she might be ashamed enough to agree to keep it down. Problem is, next time she gets drunk, she isn't going to be thinking about her conversation with you. Unfortunately, calling the cops is about your only option. It's a good option in that it gets legally documented, so eventually that piles up against her. It's really too bad that your 15 month old has to be exposed to that. Your options, albeit less nice, would increase if you didn't have to "behave" in front of her. I'll not even go there, because vengeance isn't even a real option, and I trust you are sincerely seeking only serious and helpful answers. So, you can try having a talk, but it probably won't bear fruit. I guess I'd put the local cops in your phone contacts, and don't hesitate to use it. After enough calls, she'll get a ticket. After enough tickets, she might adjust her behavior. Best of luck with the situation.

Answer 3

She may not care that her children are listening to her crap, but your child doesnt have to. I deal with the same crap with this mom that is always exchanging curses with her 20+ year old "children". After being humiliated by the calling of the police the noise has come down. But because someone has already has called the cops in your case and the noise continues, you can take it further.Most noise complaints can be resolved by coming out and simply asking the person to keep the noise down. If the noise continues, a citizen's arrest may be necessary to handle the situation. In this case, call the police department and an officer will come out to have you sign the necessary forms. The officer will then take the necessary action. HIt her where it hurts, the pockets. I am sorry your baby has to hear this b*llsh*t!

Answer 4

well, i am sure you've already would have considered moving if you could..

you could try to speak with them, but that will probably get you no where considering they can't speak to each other w/o yelling/cursing

call the cops may be your only choice but then that doesnt always work and they may take revenge

if they have minor children living at home call child protective services on them and make a formal report that the parents are always drunk and etc.

i've lived next to people that you just cant reason with, i endured it for a long time -- wouldnt wish that on anyone -- i called the cops when they made noise and finally luckily bought a house and got away from it. good luck with dealing with this. i feel for you on this i really do.

Answer 5

You said that she's "the mom" - are there children in that house? If so, mention that to the police when you call.

I wouldn't even bother writing a letter. Chances are unlikely it will accomplish anything than cause her to flip out and yell at the walls for your benefit. Go through the apartment management and the police. Keep a diary of what happens, what time. Be detailed and make copies so you can surrender it to the powers that be if they ask for it. Arm yourself with as much information as you can.

I've had neighbours similar to this woman, and you have my sympathies. Good luck!

Answer 6

I would recommend contacting the police about this. Make sure to do it during the day, while the woman is at least at a higher chance of being sober.

Also, you can talk to the managers of the condo. There is serious consequences to such frequent disturbances, and they can definetly do something about it, especially if she doesn't stop.

Hope i helped.

Answer 7

I would call the police for noise disturbances and public intoxication if applicable. If you fear for the children please do them a favor and call social services are in your area. No child should be in a situation like that. Do so annonymously though, she could be dangerous. Don't try to address her directly. You'll never be able to reason with a drunk. Maybe a tipoff to child services will whip her into shape if she realizes what her drinking has caused her to put on the line... best of luck.

Answer 8

Tell your Home Owners Association and they will inform the landlord.
You should talk to your other neighbors too and have them sign a paper if they are bothered by the noise. Yelling and noise personally doesn't bother me but at 3 am, it's just unacceptable.

Answer 9

An anonymous letter maybe. Usually, people like that don't take to well to people telling them they are loud and obnoxious.

A letter stating your situation with the child, and telling them that the noise needs to stop, or the cops will be called.

You could also move.

Or try to get them to start smoking weed. Not much yelling and fighting when your high.

I would go with the letter... or the weed.

Answer 10

They are drunk in public. Call the police for people disturbing you and let them handle it. It's also a good idea to get this on tape so you have some evidence.

Answer 11

Oh you must live where i live. Is her name Drucilla? I have the same problem.. It Will take a while to get rid or her.. Just keep complaining. That what i had to do.. it took two year to get her out.
She would get so drunk, she passed out in the courtyard many times.. Her husband who smoked crack, and drank would pick her up and take her in the apt..