How Loud...

[mnmarty03]

...do people have to be before you can call the cops on them for disturbing the peace?

I recently switched apartments in my buildings and I love my new place - except that my neighbors are loud. There are always about 10 people hanging out in their apartment or in the parking lot around it (our apartments open to the outside). They often have their music up loud enough so that I can hear it through our wall that we share. And it's the bass that I hear mostly. Quite often they have it loud way past 10 pm.

Last night I was already crabby when I went to bed. All I wanted was a good night's sleep, cause when I'm that cranky, usually a good night's sleep is all that'll cure it. Instead, I got to listen to their music all night long and to them talking/laughing as if I would also be in the same room with them.

I got sleep, but was woken up countless time by their party and this morning feel as if I was the one to party with them.. even though I didn't! I didn't call the police because they weren't be super duper loud (just loud enough to piss me off) and because I just moved in...if no one has called the cops on them before and now someone does - I'm afraid they'll know it was me. And I already feel uncomfortable living alone (and they know that) near them.

Sigh. So, how loud do they have to be before I can call the cops? I have to get sleep for my job.. I can't go to work tired like I am today. It isn't an option.

[MisaLady]

If they are loud enough to be disturbing your sleep, and it's past 10pm, they're too loud. Before calling the police, though, I'd talk to them. If that does nothing, talk to the manager. Still nothing? Call the cops.

Just want to say that I feel for you. Our bedroom window is right next to the front door to our building. Let's just say we deal with a lot of noise...

[mnmarty03]

Thanks. I've thought of talking to them, but I will not do it when there are so many people there (which is 9 times out of 10). Like I said, living alone they make me uncomfortable. Even when they are just hanging outside in groups and I'm walking to my front door. I may go over sometime though if no one is around except who actually lives there...

As far as the manager goes, i don't think she'll do anything. Last time someone told her about something going on she said to just call the cops.

What does everyone else think?

[MisaLady]

I should have mentioned... I'd talk to them at a time when it's not happening. Likewise for the manager. "Hey, you know, the other day, it was really loud and it was awfully hard for me to sleep. These walls are a lot thinner than they look... would you mind toning it down a little the next time you had people over?"

But, aside from being nice, the biggest reason to do it is because the police tend to ask. It keeps you from looking like an idiot. "Well, did you ask them to turn it down?" "Well, no..."

[FrugalMomof3]

Well I dont know in VA but here in PA after 10pm on weekdays and 11pm on weekends is the curfew for kids and loud music.

I would call the cops on them but the only thing they will do is tell them to turn down the music, I would also ask that you tell that cops you dont want them to know who called as this would cause trouble.

[nodmicks]

We had neighbors in a four plex years ago that one of us in the other three units needed to call in frequently. The cops do (at least in that city) notify the landlord. Eventually the landlord evicted them.

We did try talking to them repeated ly before we started calling. They were very nice but the partying never changed.

Good luck!

[Marie78]

I would ask them to be more respectful after 10pm. I live in apt. complex too and the manager is very helpful. She does not allow that kind of behavior after 10pm. We thankfully don't have anyone in our building like that right now, but we used to and we never called the office manager, but the neighbors did and she evicted the tenant after a few months of his loud music and too many friends over. Thank goodness. If the office manager does nothing I would call the cops, I would also ask around and see if some of your other neighbors are bothered by them, chances are you are not alone with your annoyance . Good Luck.

I almost called the cops a month ago when I heard a domestic argument get out of hand in the building next to ours. The yelling was so loud I could hear all their problems, and I didn't really want the woman to get hurt, the guy kept getting more and more agitated sounding. I had the phone in my hands to dial 911, when the cops pulled into the parking lot. That made me realize that I would have done the right thing, because someone else made that call too.

[leezza]

If you feel a little scared about talking to them........

Do you have a large well built friend that could play your brother???? Have him go over and talk to them on your behalf.

I would say Misalady has the right order of things:

*Try talking to them yourself, or have someone do it for you.

*Talk to the manager, in writing and keep a copy for yourself.

*Call the Police

Good Luck,
leezza

[katybug]

I've wondered that too, but for different reasons. When I was in college the people across the hall from me were smoking pot and they were smoking SO MUCH it was coming in my room! I had to put a towel under the door! I don't like cigarette smoke and this was unbearable! Weed smoke STICKS. The Police were called (not by me) and they didn't do it again. I'm pretty sure they were kicked out.

Recently, we were awaken on a school night (weekday night) at arould 2 a.m. to fire crackers going off for at least 20 mins straight and it wasn't near a firework holiday. I knew exactly which neighbors it was, and if it was Friday or Saturday I may have not minded so much. But I also grew up in a household where people also worked weekends and don't sleep well, so I'm sensitive about people being selfish jerks.

[shoiji]

I hear you about the noisy neighbors. I just recently moved also. Away from a bass player with speakers almost as high as the ceiling. Nothing more annoying then trying to relax and hearing the playing which really sounded horrible. Check you lease to see what it says about noise level. Don't be afraid to speak up for yourself. If you see the neighbor out and about just introduce yourself and say something like I hate to be a stick in the mud but can you keep it down after 10:00 I am a light sleeper.

There is nothing more annoying than an inconsiderate neighbor. Fortunately it has been quiet so far here. The apartment below me is empty so I am keeping my fingers crossed that who ever moves in will be quiet.

I hope you can get things straightened out.

[Goodwin17]

Oh my worst pet peeve is loud neighbors!! Until recently I lived in apartments the majority of my life. I grew up in a college town, and let me tell you, I've called landlords, sent my husband to talk to neighbors, and called the cops more times than I can count. Good luck with it.

[Natalie]

I was going to say that, too. Have a male friend there when you talk to the neighbors. And, he can be a witness to how loud the neighbors are, and what time of night, too.

Another suggestion. Living alone... have that male friend record your answering machine message, too (using plural terms -- so callers will think there's more than just you there). If those who know you ask, just tell them it's just a good idea.

[mnmarty03]

Thank you everyone! What I love about our community is that I can ask random questions and you all answer me! Thank you thank you!

I think you all are right with how things should be handled - talk to them, talk to the manager, then call the police. As I said I don't feel comfortable going over there when it's happening.. and if it is as bad tonight as it was last night, then I will call the police regardless. I will tell them the truth, I feel uncomfortable going over there alone. Especially when there's been drinking (uh, must have been cause my recycling box which is outside my door has beer cans in it this morning - and I haven't had a drop of alcohol since June!).

Hopefully they will be quiet today and I can get a note/message to my manager and maybe get a chance to talk to them. Problem is that there are always people over there when I'm home.. and again, they make me very uncomfortable.

I definitely agree about the man type... and actually, my fiance is nearly 6 feet tall and is built like a football player. He would definitely go over there for me, no matter who's there or what time it is. Sadly, he lives in Germany and won't be living w/me until Feb or March 2009. Sigh. Other than that I do know a couple of guys who would help me out probably..one of which lives only 2 blocks from here. But I won't see them again til Wednesday next week. 4 people helped me move in to this apartment the other night and witnessed them standing around in groups and said they weren't surprised to hear about the noise issue.

As far as the lease goes, there is a fine ($100 I think) for anyone who has the cops called on them for disturbing the peace. My manager here isn't very strict about things, and I'm not sure she realizes all of what goes on around here. The owner is more strict, but she lives in Minnesota... if I talk to the manager and the neighbors and nothing is being done, I'll call the owner.

Thanks again. I'll follow everyone's advice. Sad to say, but I hope they either learn to shut up or get evicted. They make me uncomfortable and are the only people at this property who make me feel that way. Well..whatever happens I'll be okay in the end!

[katybug]

my fiance is nearly 6 feet tall and is built like a football player.

DH is nearly 6'4" and built too. I always sent him to do the talking to!

~KB

[mnmarty03]

That's funny KB!

Well, last night they were quiet. Or at least I was so out cold sleeping I didn't hear them.