Downstairs Neighbors

Updated on December 30, 2011
E.K. asks from Kirkland, WA
10 answers

Sorry for all the questions lately. One more...

Our downstairs neighbors are ridiculous! The spend all night slamming doors and cupboards, playing music, etc. They wake up my baby at least once, sometimes more, every night. I've been down twice since they moved in, politely asking them to keep it quiet. Any tips for getting them to understand without being a total jerk?

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So What Happened?

Thanks, everyone! We live in married student University housing (I'm a professor in the Seattle area), so I'm not sure what regulations there are. I'll email and find out. And we do have white noise going in her room; it does help a little.

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J.A.

answers from Sacramento on

911 is for life and death emergencies. If you thought getting the police involved was appropriate, I'd call the non-emergency line.

6 moms found this helpful

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☆.A.

answers from Pittsburgh on

What are the regs for your apartment complex?
Find out so you know for sure.
Any way you can get hold of them via phone when it happens?
Definitely complain to the main office.

Just wanted to mention that you can try (if you haven't already) white noise or soft music in your baby's room to help block out the noise as most babies go to bed much earlier than adults...so this could be happening in "non-quiet" hours too, I'm sure

3 moms found this helpful

C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

mama:

Talk to the management office...let them know that the noise ordinance is being violated.

If they (mgmnt) don't do anything - then politely ask one more time. If they don't listen - then call the police (non emergency number as this is not life threatening - it's just a nuisance) when they are playing the music - they can't do anything about the slamming doors and cupboards, but the music - they can.

2 moms found this helpful

L.G.

answers from Eugene on

911. One visit should settle it. Many cities have rules about excessive noise after 11 PM.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.K.

answers from Seattle on

there usually isn't a noise ordinance in the morning, and i am assuming you and baby are up then. maybe a little loud sesame street music, loud walking, door slamming, while they are sleeping early in the morning might make them more aware of how easily noise transfers between units. :)

(not recommending you start a war, but sometimes ppl just think you are being over the top until they experience it)

good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

Actually depending on where you live, 911 is often the only number to call. In Atlanta you call 911 for noise or anything else police worthy. I would ask one more time, talk to the landlord and then call 911 if it didn't stop.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.P.

answers from Portland on

Are your neighbors young students? This is typical of that age. They've had no experience with needing quiet. I suggest that you go down one more time and suggest that one of them come up to your apartment to hear how loud it is. Appeal to their sense of what is right; of being a good neighbor. Emphasize the baby's needs.

1 mom found this helpful
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N.I.

answers from Portland on

There is a noise control law so if your landlord doesn't do anything then try calling the police.

N.

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J.C.

answers from Anchorage on

Most apartments have a quiet time when all noise needs to stop, usually around 10. find out what your rules are and report violations to the land lord.

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W.C.

answers from Seattle on

Talk to your landlord. In Seattle there is quiet hours by law and it includes morning hours. The landlord should know and after you find them out talk to the neighbors. If the noises persist, talk to the landlord again. Make a formal complaint and keep complaining until the noises reduce to a livable level.

Also try classical Bach and Mozart. It will sooth and regulate her mind. Does help--studies show.

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