How to Deal With Noisy Neighbors

A noisy neighbor may be a dog barking in the apartment next door, heavy footsteps stomping overhead, or loud parties late at night. Whatever the cause, noisy neighbors are one of the biggest challenges to apartment living. There’s a reason 69% of tenured renters surveyed said they stayed in a rental long-term because their neighbors were quiet. Luckily, there are several practical solutions on how to deal with loud neighbors. 

1. Understand your noise tolerance

Before taking up any noise issue with your neighbor, gauge whether or not what you are hearing truly exceeds reasonable levels or if it’s simply different from what you’re used to. Sometimes, moving into a new environment means adjusting to unfamiliar sounds or noise levels. Say you are moving from a house into an apartment for the first time — that can be a huge difference in noise levels. Try tracking when the noise occurs and how disruptive it is to get a clearer picture of the issue. This documentation will also be useful later if you do wind up needing to escalate the situation. 

2. Soundproof your space

See if you can muffle the sounds from your side. Soundproofing is a good way to reduce noise levels and make your living space more comfortable without having to approach anyone else. 

Add rugs and carpets

Soft flooring is good at absorbing sound, which can help reduce the impact of noise from downstairs neighbors or loud footsteps. Choose thick, plush rugs or carpets to help muffle sound, and layer them if you need to. You’ll also get the added benefit of getting an even more comfortable space. 

Install noise-canceling curtains or heavy drapes

Window treatments are actually another great option for helping block out noise in your apartment. Go for noise-canceling curtains or heavy drapes made from dense, thick fabrics that absorb sound rather than reflect it. Steer clear of lightweight materials like plastic shades, which tend to amplify sound instead of dampening it. 

Use foam or fabric panels on shared walls

Acoustic panels can dramatically reduce sound transmission from room to room or between apartments. These foam panels are lightweight, and you can tack them up on walls with adhesive strips so you do not damage the wall beneath. 

Add acoustic tiles to ceilings

If you have a noisy upstairs neighbor, you might want to think about adding temporary acoustic tiles that stick to your ceiling. These are renter-friendly and can also make a big difference in reducing the noise from above. 

2. Invest in a white noise machine or earplugs

Sometimes, the quickest solution might just be the simplest one. A white noise machine or a fan can potentially make just enough ambient sound to help mask unwelcome thumps or thuds from neighbors. Noise-canceling headphones can also be a good option if you work from home or need extra quiet during study time. Ear plugs may also be a good idea, especially if loud noises are keeping you awake at night. 

3. Have an honest and calm conversation

If the noise continues and other solutions aren’t working out, it might be time to talk to your neighbors directly. Open communication is a great way to resolve issues without causing more conflict. 

Choose your time carefully

You do not want to try and start up a conversation with your neighbors during a loud party or in the heat of the moment, especially if you are already stressed or upset. Instead, approach them at a neutral time for you both to discuss the situation in a calm and clear manner. 

Be polite, yet clear

Going in politely and using “I” statements is a good way to keep the conversation positive. Instead of blaming, say things like, “I’m having trouble concentrating during work because of the volume of your music in the afternoons.” This helps lower defensiveness in the other person. You might also try offering alternatives. “I work during the hours of 9 and 4. Would you maybe be able to play your music after that time?” 

Give the benefit of a doubt

Finally, assume your neighbors are unaware of the situation. Many people don’t realize just how loud they are or how much sound can travel through walls and floors. By approaching them in a calm, collected way and offering solutions that can work for you both, they might be more willing to work with you. 

4. Write a friendly note

A face-to-face conversation may be uncomfortable for some. An alternative option is leaving a polite and non-confrontational note. Use the same advice as speaking to someone directly: be polite but clear, assume your neighbors aren’t aware of how loud they are being, and offer solutions that might work for the pair of you. Here's an example:

5. Document the noise problem

If the noise continues despite all your efforts, start keeping a detailed record in a notebook or on your phone or computer. You’ll want to note specifics like dates, times, and descriptions of the disturbances. If you can, try to record the noise, especially if you plan to reach out to and involve your landlord or property manager.

6. Notify your landlord or property manager

Should you still be suffering through late-night wake-ups and stomping from your neighbors, it’s time to escalate the situation. Share your documentation with your landlord, as well as any and all steps you’ve taken to address the situation. Many rental agreements include clauses about acceptable noise levels and quiet hours, so make sure to reference these rules when discussing the issue with your landlord. 

7. Escalate to local authorities when necessary

If the noise is ongoing or downright excessive, such as frequent, loud parties during prohibited hours, and your landlord or property manager isn’t doing anything, reporting the issue to local authorities may be your last resort. Check your city’s noise ordinance laws to confirm whether the noise exceeds permitted levels, and have your documentation on hand if you need to involve local authorities . Should you ever feel threatened or unsafe, do not hesitate to reach out to the non-emergency police line. Your safety is always the top priority. 

When you are trying to figure out what to do with noisy neighbors, remember that sometimes sound is temporary. Things like renovations, a new baby, or crate training a puppy will eventually resolve themselves. Furthermore, building a good relationship with your neighbors can go a long way toward solving issues without escalation. At the same time, the noise issues you face can sometimes remain unresolved. In these cases, it might just be best to consider moving out, if possible. Fortunately, finding a new apartment that fits your needs and lifestyle is easier than ever. You can even apply online to multiple rentals with our reusable form to save time.