What Can We Do About Loud Neighbors?
Question: We have neighbors with a band. They’re loud, they practice late and they do not respect our requests for quiet after 10 PM. What can we do?
Answer: Real estate may have boundaries but the same is not quite true of sound — it travels and it can surely impact neighbors.
This is a case where everyone needs to ask what’s reasonable. People have to work, most people sleep at night, and asking neighbors to stop band practice at 10 PM seems well within the realm of respecting one’s neighbors.
However, if the band keeps playing then you have little choice. If this is a regular event, use your tax dollars and call the police. But, before going to the police, sit down with your neighbors. Explain that you have needs also, that you’ve asked for their help and that you have little choice in the matter if they cannot help you. Explain, as well, that if every so often they’re having a party or practice and notify you in advance then you would certainly accommodate them. In other words, be good neighbors and evolve a situation where everyone gets something — but no one gets to be abusive.
© Copyright 
Comment by Hannahh Kelly on 31 May 2010:
There