One of the most common complaints of apartment-dwellers is annoying neighbors. Living in such close quarters, it's easy to get irritated. Here are some ways to handle noisy neighbors, and some strategies to avoid at all costs.
Accept Some Degree of Apartment Noise
Before getting worked up over the noisy neighbors in the apartment, make sure to have realistic expectations. Everyone living in an apartment building is bound to hear noise from other units' televisions, music, and children occasionally.
Downstairs neighbors will hear more of their upstairs neighbors, especially as the neighbors walk across the floor or move furniture around. Turning on a fan or soft music is a natural form of apartment noise control for drowning out everyday sounds.
Give Noisy Neighbors the Benefit of the Doubt
It's probably the case that the neighbor who is driving everyone crazy doesn't realize how far his noise is carrying. It's easy to forget that apartments are so close to one another and that noise really does travel. Don't assume the worst of a loud neighbor.
Also remember that noise level is difficult to control with children. Toddlers have temper tantrums occasionally, and babies inevitably cry in the middle of the night. Don't be too harsh on a neighbor with kids, because they are probably doing their best to keep it down.
Be Considerate of Making Noise
On the flip side, pay attention to the noise that is coming from your own apartment. There may be a lot of times when music is played too loud, vacuuming is done too late (or too early), or guests start to get a little too raucous. Be considerate so the neighbors can return the favor.
Meet the Neighbors and Be Friendly
Making a friendly gesture like stopping by with a plate of cookies will surprisingly reduce apartment noise. Neighbors who know each other will probably be much more careful not to bother each other unintentionally.
Address Noise Calmly and Face-to-Face
If a loud noise needs to be addressed, go to the offending apartment personally and knock politely (not bang repeatedly) on the door. Be civil and pleasant, not accusatory. Being polite will usually elicit a polite response.
Try to frame it as a question and if possible, blame it on a third party so it seems like less of a personal affront to the neighbor: "Would you mind turning down the music in the back room? My baby is having a hard time sleeping since it's right above his crib."
Report Noisy Neighbors to the Landlord
If a noise issue becomes a constant problem or doesn't improve after a personal request, it's time to bring it up to management. Make sure to be objective and fair in your report, and be able to cite the frequency of the problem and provide details about it.
Things to Avoid when Dealing with a Loud Neighbor
There are some definite "don't"s when it comes to handling life with a loud apartment neighbor. Don't:
- Seek revenge or try to "outdo" a noisy neighbor
- Confront them repeatedly about the same issue
- Bang on the ceiling with a broom to get them to quiet down
- Gossip about them to other neighbors in the complex
- Assume the worst of the annoying neighbor
- Suffer in silence
Doing these things may work temporarily (or at least make you feel better,) but they're never good long-term solutions. In fact, they will probably only exacerbate the situation.
Some noise is inevitable in apartment living, but sometimes it gets out of hand. When dealing with a noisy neighbor in the apartment, always be civil and polite. Ultimately it may come down to either having to move or just living with the noise, but these strategies have the best chance of resolving apartment noise issues.
Apartment dwellers might also be interested in Getting Rid of Cockroaches in Apartments.
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