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