This is a common problem if you live in an apartment, townhouse, or simply very close to your neighbours. We have all complained about some “loud neighbours above me!!” —whether it’s loud music, someone doing DIY at ridiculous hours, barking dogs, or screaming children. Sometimes the problem is that you cannot get any sleep with the neighbours being too loud at night. But what can you do while at the same time staying calm and sane?
START SMALL: Before resorting to calling the police, the usual first steps are to connect directly with your neighbour by phone or text, or (if personal contact won't endanger your own safety) to knock on the door and make a polite request. It is best to see if you can find respectful communication around common ground, and perhaps make some mutual agreements around when or how loud—or share the fact that you work all day and need a restful sleep in the evening. It is worth trying to start here.
GET IT IN WRITING: Do not be afraid to put the agreement in writing so you are all on the same page. If you are making efforts to communicate with them, and the noise still continues, it’s probably a good idea to start a paper trail. Start making notes or a log of the times of the noises and how often it is happening. It’s an annoying task, but if you have to go to the next level, you’ll need all of the evidence that you can gather.
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CHECK YOUR LEASE AND COVENANTS FIRST: Have your thoughts in order by first reviewing your legal documentation such as the lease agreement, HOA agreements and/or Resident Policy Handbook. When you speak to the manager, have a written complaint ready to give them that matches the rules and regulations in the documents that would address the noise situation (such as a noise curfew). Read the fine print, so you can make a good case.
POLICE INVOLVEMENT: After discussing the situation with the Property Manager, ask them for their stated protocol for contacting the police. Know where they stand and be sure the Property Manager (PM) is informed of your decision to call the police if the situation calls for emergency or quick action. Bottom line—listen to the PM and respect their point of view.
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY: By taking personal responsibility for your own life and safeguarding your family and/or your sanity, it may be time to entertain a different, quieter living environment. Sometimes brainstorming about ideas and options will lead you down a path to a different and fun lifestyle.
NEW COMMUNITIES: There are new types of communities springing up all over Australia that can offer more privacy and space, such as 55+ active apartment communities, intentional communities, upscale manufactured homes, and tiny homes. You could also consider converting a travel trailer or motor home, house-sharing or even house-buying with friends, or looking at new forms of rent-to-own firms that help people to rent/buy a home. You might be surprised if you do some homework and scout around… and be sure to prioritise safe and quiet!
We hope you enjoyed our tips on what to do about the neighbour’s loud music at night. Don’t forget to check out our other tips especially around cleaning and organizing, such as how to get your household budget in order, get organised for a work-at-home environment and getting things in order for plant watering while away on vacation.