Assume that the neighbor doesn't know and would like to be told. A face-to-face conversation can be difficult, but will likely yield the best results. If you feel intimidated, a handwritten note make sure you sign it—anonymous notes usually just anger the recipient or email is your next best bet. If tackling the problem head-on doesn't work, get a copy of your local noise ordinance.
Email the ordinance to your neighbor if you have an email address or send a copy with a note repeating your request to keep the noise down and explaining that you'll be forced to notify the authorities if you don't get results.
Be sure to provide details on the problem, including the dates, times, and a description of the noise. If you rent or live in a planned development, send a copy of the lease, rental agreement, or other document that addresses noise to the neighbor. In a planned development, noise is typically addressed in the community's Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions.
If reminding the neighbor of the rules doesn't work, report the problem to the landlord or homeowners' association in writing. Landlords and homeowners' association boards usually take written complaints seriously.
If you can get other neighbors to sign on to your complaint, the landlord or board will probably order the problem neighbor to quiet down or face fines or eviction. If you value the neighbor relationship at all, or just want peace in the future, consider mediation.
You and the neighbor can sit down together with an impartial mediator and resolve your problems in a way that you can both agree on. Mediation services are available in most cities and are often free. Simply call your local mediation center, and it will then contact the neighbor for you. For more information, see the Mediation, Arbitration, and Collaborative Law section of Nolo's website.
Still no response from the neighbor? Stereo turned up another notch? Now is the time to bring in the police or, if the problem is a barking dog, the Animal Control Department. If you've exhausted every possibility of solving the problem on your own, the police will know your complaint is serious and that you need help. Try to notify the police while the noise is occurring, so they can measure the decibels or hear it for themselves.
Some people simply hold the phone out the window. Sometimes cities won't act until the noise affects two or more persons to prevent complaints from excessively sensitive people. As a last resort, you can sue in small claims court. It's easy and inexpensive, and you don't need a lawyer. If your neighbor keeps disturbing you, you can sue, and ask the court for money damages or to order the neighbor to stop the noise "abate the nuisance," in legal terms.
For money damages alone, you can use small claims court. For a court order telling somebody to stop doing something, you'll probably have to sue in regular court. Of course, what you really want is for the nuisance to stop. But getting a small claims court to order your neighbor to pay you money can be amazingly effective. And suing in small claims court is easy, inexpensive, and doesn't require a lawyer.
How much money should you sue for? Find out how much you can sue for in your state's small claims court. You can learn more in the Small Claims Court area of Nolo's website. You can ask for a landlord's help in quieting the neighbor. Standard rental and lease agreements contain a clause entitled "Quiet Enjoyment. It's the landlord's job to enforce both sides of this bargain. If the neighbor's stereo is keeping you up every night, the tenant is probably violating the rental agreement and could be evicted.
Especially if several neighbors complain, the landlord will probably order the tenant to comply with the lease or face eviction. Usually, problems with barking dogs can be resolved without resorting to police or courts. If you do wind up in court, however, a judge will be more sympathetic if you first made at least some effort to work things out informally.
Here are the steps to take when you're losing patience or sleep over a neighbor's noisy dog:. Sometimes owners are blissfully unaware that there's a problem. If the dog barks for hours every day—but only when it's left alone—the owner might not know that you're being driven crazy. If you can establish some rapport with the neighbor, try to agree on specific actions to alleviate the problem. For example, make an agreement that your neighbor will take the dog to obedience school or consult with an animal behavior specialist, or that the dog will be kept inside after 10 p.
After you agree on a plan, set a date to talk again in a couple of weeks. You might want to follow up in writing—perhaps via email—with the details of the arrangement, so you know you're on the same page.
Mediators, both professional and volunteer, are trained to listen to both sides, identify problems, keep everyone focused on the real issues, and suggest compromises. A mediator won't make a decision for you, but will help you and your neighbor agree on a resolution. Many cities have community mediation groups which train volunteers to mediate disputes in their own neighborhoods. Or ask for a referral from:. In some places, barking dogs are covered by a specific state or local ordinance.
If there's no law aimed specifically at dogs, a general nuisance or noise ordinance makes the owner responsible. And someone who allows a dog to bark after numerous warnings from police may be arrested for disturbing the peace.
If you can't find the relevant law online, go to a law library and check the state statutes and city or county ordinances or call the local animal control agency or city attorney. Police aren't normally very interested in barking dog problems. And summoning a police cruiser to a neighbor's house obviously will not improve your already strained relations. But if nothing else works, and the relationship with your neighbor is shot anyway, give the police a try.
Almost every community prohibits excessive, unnecessary, and unreasonable noise, and police enforce these laws. To find your municipality's noise rules, look up the local ordinances, either online, at your local public library or the city or county law library usually located near the courthouse , or by calling the office of the city attorney, mayor, or city manager.
Most local noise ordinances designate "quiet hours"—for example, from 10 p. So running a power mower might be permitted at 10 a. Some universally disturbing sounds are commonly banned or restricted. The Health and Safety Authority deals with queries regarding noise in the workplace and it has published a set of FAQs on this issue. You can read more in our document on health and safety at work.
While the law does not specifically mention an exact level or standard of noise that is illegal, it is clear that if neighbourhood noise is affecting your quality of life, then you have a right to complain. If you plan to complain about excessive noise, it is generally recommended that you keep a detailed diary of the times when it occurred, the duration and, if possible, the levels involved.
You should first approach the person or business causing the noise, explain that it is a nuisance and try to come to a mutually acceptable solution. There is a small fee. Consult the Clerk of the local District Court about an appointment for the hearing of your case.
You will need to refer exactly to the legislation under which you are making the complaint — Section of the Environmental Protection Agency Act and the Environmental Protection Agency Act Noise Regulations At least 7 days before the date for the hearing of your case, you must serve notice on the person or business you are complaining about, using the Environmental Protection Agency Act - noise form of notice.
It is important to use this form of notice only and to complete it fully and accurately. A person making noise in the course of trade or business may have a defence if it can be shown that all reasonable care was taken to prevent the noise or that the noise is in accordance with a licence issued under the Act.
If the court finds in your favour, it can order the person or body making, causing or responsible for the noise to take measures to prevent or limit the noise.
Any such orders must be complied with. If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 07 Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm. You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre or Request a call back from an information officer.
Introduction This document outlines the main types of noise that can cause a nuisance and the legislation that deals with such noise. Noise from commercial premises, processes or works The Act gives power to the Environmental Protection Agency EPA to take steps to ensure compliance with the terms of a notice to control noise in relation to any premises, process or works and to recover the cost of such an action. Alarms Installers of alarm systems are required to have licences from the Private Security Authority.
Dogs Section 25 of the Control of Dogs Act deals with nuisance by barking dogs. Transport and workplace noise Noise from motor vehicles The Road Traffic Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles Regulations require vehicles to be fitted with a silencer or other device suitable for reducing to a reasonable level noise caused by the escape of exhaust gases from the engine and they prohibit use of a vehicle that causes any excessive noise in a public place.
Workplace noise The Health and Safety Authority deals with queries regarding noise in the workplace and it has published a set of FAQs on this issue.
Complaints under the EPA Act While the law does not specifically mention an exact level or standard of noise that is illegal, it is clear that if neighbourhood noise is affecting your quality of life, then you have a right to complain. The effect of noise on hearing depends on how loud it is sound intensity and how long it lasts duration. Avoiding noisy situations is the best prevention. Turn down the volume. At Home Turn down the volume of the TV, radio, or music.
If listening to loud music, take listening breaks to reduce your exposure. Use quieter products power tools, toys, recreational vehicles whenever they are available.
Reduce equipment noise by replacing worn, loose, or unbalanced machine parts. Keep equipment well lubricated and maintained. Use hearing protection devices such as earplugs and earmuffs when you cannot avoid loud sounds. Make hearing protection convenient. Stash earplugs in your car or workshop for easy access. Keep children away from loud music or equipment at home.
At Public Events Move or stay far away from the loudest sound-producing source—such as loudspeakers or cannons at college stadiums—especially if attending with children. Limit the length of time of exposure to loud sounds. Pay attention to signs and information flyers warning of possible loud noise and the use of hearing protection.
Bring hearing protection devices with you. Keep them in your car, pockets, or other easy to access place. What about During Pregnancy and for Infants and Children?
More about Noise Reduction. The actual sound reduction may be lower than the number listed for the device even when worn correctly.
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