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