My Neighbor’s TV Is too Loud – What Do I Do?

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My Neighbor’s TV Is too Loud – What Do I Do?

Lisa Bernstein · Oct 16, 2009

Have you ever heard sound wafting into your apartment and thought: “my neighbor has their TV’s volume turned up too loud. Now what?” This common scenario can be annoying and not always easy to fix. By keeping a level head and asserting your rights, you may be able to successfully combat this all-too-familiar problem.

Evaluating the Problem

Start by determining why the volume is so loud. Is your neighbor unaware of the problem? Do they know that you can hear their TV? Are they elderly and hard of hearing?

Knowing the reason why the TV is too loud will help you to correct it. With an elderly neighbor, or one with a hearing impairment, the loud TV may be the result of their hearing problem. In this case, sensitivity on your part will help to rectify the situation in a manner suitable to both parties. When the problem is caused by inconsiderate behavior, you’ll have to be more assertive.

Approaching the Offending Neighbor

Wait for your neighbor to turn on their TV before speaking to them. Knock on their door, preferably at a decent hour. Bring the matter to their attention.

When the Problem Persists

The next time your neighbor’s TV is too loud, knock on their door again. Remind them of your previous agreement to keep the volume at a reasonable level.

Mention that your lease and state law guarantees you the quiet enjoyment of your home. Listening to someone else’s TV is a violation of your rights. Let them know that you’d prefer to work things out with them directly, but if the problem persists, you’ll be forced to take other measures to ensure compliance.

Escalating the Matter

When all else fails, complain to your landlord. Before taking this step, create a log showing when your neighbor’s TV was too loud. Also note the dates and times that you spoke to your neighbor about the problem. You’ll need this information to assert your rights. General complaints, without details to back them up, are less effective.

Call your landlord. Follow up with an e-mail or letter reiterating your conversation. Remind your landlord of the terms of your lease and the laws entitling you to the quiet enjoyment of your home. Urge your landlord to enforce the terms of the your neighbor’s lease. The entire complaint process should be recorded in writing, in case further action is required to assert your rights.

Don’t be afraid to contact your landlord repeatedly, if the problem continues. Going on the record with a longstanding complaint will help you to break your lease, if you’re forced to move out due to this issue. Keep after your neighbor and your landlord, in a tactful way, and the odds of prevailing will be in your favor.

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Lisa Bernstein: As a long-time apartment dweller and seasoned condominium trustee, I have dealt with numerous landlord-tenant, property management, and day-to-day apartment complex issues. My extensive, direct experience has led to invaluable insights into apartment life from both the tenant and management perspectives.

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