{"id":369369,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:24","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/neighbors\/what-to-do-about-a-neighbor-s-noise-faqs.html"},"modified":"2025-06-02T09:34:00","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T14:34:00","slug":"what-to-do-about-a-neighbor-s-noise-faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/neighbors\/what-to-do-about-a-neighbor-s-noise-faqs.html","title":{"rendered":"What To Do About a Neighbor’s Noise"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Can You Legally Do About a Neighbor's Noise?<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

If your neighbor’s noise is unbearable and violates local noise ordinances, you have several legal options. Start with a direct conversation, which might resolve the issue amicably. If unsuccessful, consider mediation or inform them of the local noise laws in writing. As a last resort, contacting the police or filing a lawsuit in small claims court are options. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

There\u2019s bound to be a time when a neighbor tests your patience with loud parties or a dog that barks nonstop. If the noise isn\u2019t too bad, stock up on earplugs and hope to get a good night\u2019s sleep. But if the noise is relentless and unbearable, you may need to take further action to stop it.<\/p>\n

Taking action doesn\u2019t necessarily mean you have to take legal action<\/a>. While this may be the only option for some, there\u2019s a good chance that a simple conversation or other interventions can resolve your issues.<\/p>\n

Here, we\u2019ll discuss what you can do about noisy neighbors<\/a>, including practical solutions that don\u2019t involve the local police or an attorney. We will also explain what to do if legal action is your only recourse.<\/p>\n

If your neighbor is drastically interfering with your property rights or harassing you<\/a>, it might be time to contact a local real estate lawyer<\/a>. They can explain your options and help you decide what to do next.<\/p>\n

Common Complaints About Noisy Next-Door Neighbors<\/h2>\n

If it feels like you\u2019re constantly asking your upstairs neighbors to turn down the music, you\u2019re not alone. Most of us have had to tolerate our neighbor\u2019s noise at some point. Whether you live in an apartment building<\/a> or condominium, you\u2019re bound to encounter noise issues.<\/p>\n

The same is true for people living in a single-family home. Just because you don\u2019t live adjacent to your neighbors doesn\u2019t mean you don\u2019t have to contend with loud noises, loud music<\/a>, and barking dogs.<\/p>\n

Some of the types of noises residents complain about include:<\/p>\n