ABA Family Legal Guide

Home Ownership

Managing Neighborhood Problems

Handling Disputes

What can I do about noise?

In densely populated areas, noise is one of the most common sources of neighborhood tension. Some municipal ordinances limit noise to a given number of decibels. If the police have a decibel machine, you can ask them to measure the noise your neighbor is creating. This provides useful documentation should you need to proceed against your neighbor in court.

Timing is critical, though. Accordingly, many municipalities regulate noise levels during certain "quiet times" when most people sleep. They typically begin between 10:00 p.m. and midnight and last until 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. on weekdays; on weekends, they often extend to 9:00 or 10:00 a.m. But some noises may be unreasonable at any time, such as playing an electric guitar so loudly that it makes a neighbor's walls shake.

As with any nuisance, start by asking the neighbor to turn down the volume, and explain why. Keep a log of the noise--when it occurred, how loud it was, and how it affected your household. If the neighbor doesn't respond to a letter, consult with your town council about local ordinances that might need enforcement. Consider a lawsuit only as a last resort.