| Everybody has probably had them, noisy | | | | your differences. |
| neighbors that is. Just as you are going to | | | | |
| sleep they are starting the party. Or maybe | | | | Just call the mediation service; someone |
| they just have a loud dog or are just plain | | | | there will contact the neighbor and suggest |
| inconsiderate. The good news is that you have | | | | mediation. (These people are very good at |
| options in dealing with this situation beyond | | | | convincing others to give mediation a |
| having to confront the person or put up with | | | | chance.) |
| it. | | | | |
| | | | 4. CALL THE POLICE |
| 1. CHECK YOUR LOCAL ORDINANCES | | | | |
| | | | If you have done all of the above and your |
| Get a copy of your local noise laws. Most | | | | neighbor has responded by turning up the |
| cities and counties have ordinances that | | | | volume, now is the time to call the police |
| control the times, types and loudness of | | | | (or the Animal Control officer if the problem |
| noise. For example, many local ordinances | | | | is a barking dog). Try to get the police to |
| prohibit unreasonable vehicle noise (like | | | | come while the noise is occurring. |
| honking the car horn early every morning for | | | | |
| a carpool) or dogs barking all night long | | | | Of course, you can call the police on a noisy |
| every night. Noisy neighbors are in for a | | | | neighbor the first time the music gets too |
| warning or even a fine. You can look up your | | | | loud for your taste. But the police will be |
| local ordinance at city hall, a public law | | | | more sympathetic to your situation if they |
| library or the public library. Make at least | | | | see that you have tried to solve the problem |
| two copies of it, one for your neighbor and | | | | on your own. |
| one for yourself. | | | | |
| | | | If you are somebody who doesn't want |
| 2. WARN YOUR NEIGHBOR IN WRITING | | | | confrontation, here are some other tips to |
| | | | help you survive the noise: |
| If things don't improve, ask your neighbor to | | | | |
| tone it down. If this doesn't work, put it in | | | | 1. Use white noise: White noise such as a fan |
| writing. Don't make threats, but state that | | | | or something that produces an even sound will |
| if the situation doesn't improve you'll be | | | | help distract your attention from the noise |
| forced to notify the authorities. Enclose a | | | | and often help you go to sleep. |
| copy of the noise ordinance. Keep a copy of | | | | |
| your letter; you'll need it if, as a last | | | | 2. Soundproof your home. There are many |
| resort, you later sue your neighbor. | | | | professionals who can help you soundproof |
| | | | your home in a way that is efficient and |
| 3. SUGGEST MEDIATION | | | | effective. |
| | | | |
| Most cities offer free or low-cost mediation | | | | 3. Use earplugs. This may be your last resort |
| services, which means they provide an | | | | before approaching your neighbor but for many |
| impartial mediator who will sit down with you | | | | people it works. |
| and your neighbor and try to help you resolve | | | | |