How to Deal (and Not Deal) with Noisy Neighbors

If you have noisy neighbors, try talking to them either face-to-face or with a written note, or try soundproofing your apartment. If a face-to-face conversation doesn’t work, you may want to alert your landlord or property manager.

Dealing with noisy neighbors is frustrating, but the situation is totally manageable. We’ve heard it all: the dog who literally never stops barking, the drummer who loves to practice at midnight, and the couple who can’t seem to work things out. It’s enough to make you want to move apartments altogether.

But with the right approach, you can keep the peace and quiet without escalating things. Here are five practical tips to handle noisy neighbors—plus a few things you definitely shouldn’t do.

How Do You Deal With Noisy Neighbors?

Tip #1: Pick your battles

Before confronting or reporting your loud neighbors, decide if the issue is really worth addressing. Remember: you’re living in a community, which means some level of background noise will always be there: crying babies, barking dogs, footsteps overhead. When you’re sharing a wall, the noise is unavoidable.

But if the noise is excessive—like all-night parties, music blasting at 2 a.m., or constant disruptions that keep you from sleeping or working—it crosses the line. Being part of a community means respecting others around you, and interrupting a good night’s sleep or disregarding your neighbors doesn’t fit that bill. At that point, it’s fair to take action.

Tip #2: Talk to your neighbors

Confrontation can be uncomfortable, but a polite, direct conversation is often the best (and easiest) solution. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before approaching your neighbors:

At the end of the day, the goal is to find a compromise, like agreeing on practice hours for a musician, or asking them to lower the volume after a certain time.

Tip #3: Leave a letter

Can’t get a hold of your noisy neighbor? A written note can work, too. It gives you a chance to be clear and calm without getting flustered in the moment, and be straightforward with your request. Avoid sarcasm or passive-aggressive comments, and ask a friend outside of the situation to read it over before you deliver it.

Tip #4: Suggest a compromise

Healthy neighbor relationships are built on compromise. Instead of demanding silence, propose a solution. For example, if your neighbor practices with their band every evening, ask if they can wrap up by 9 p.m. It’s often easier for people to accept boundaries over hard bans.

Tip #5: File a noise complaint

Filing a noise complaint is one of the last resorts you should take when dealing with noisy neighbors.

If you live in an apartment complex, check your lease agreement for noise policies and report violations to your landlord or property manager. They may issue a warning, fine, or, in extreme cases, eviction.

If your neighbor isn’t part of the same building, you can file a noise complaint with your local police. Typically, this starts with a warning, but continued violations may result in fines or citations for disturbing the peace.

What Should You Not Do When Dealing With Noisy Neighbors?

While it’s tempting to fight noise with noise or lash out in anger, that usually makes the situation worse. Here’s what to not to do:

Don’t try to compete with their noise

Blasting your speakers to drown out your neighbors’ sound might be a good temporary solution, but in reality, you’re just adding to the problem. Plus, you run the risk of your neighbors complaining about your noise.

Don’t be passive-aggressive

A nasty note on their door may feel satisfying in the moment, but it rarely leads to resolution. If you leave a letter, keep it polite and constructive.

Don’t approach them with anger

Yelling or confronting neighbors when you’re upset often escalates the conflict. Take a breath and approach them calmly, or wait until you’re collected.

How Do You Block Out Noise From Your Neighbors?

Sometimes, even after conversations and compromises, you’ll still need ways to reduce noise on your own. A few renter-friendly soundproofing tricks can help:

What’s The Best Way to Deal With Noisy Neighbors?

Noisy neighbors are part of living in shared spaces. The key is knowing how to handle the situation in a way that protects your peace without damaging relationships.

Whenever possible, start with communication and compromise. It’s more effective than conflict. If that doesn’t work, you have backup options through your landlord, property manager, or local authorities.

And if you need quick relief in the meantime, apartment-friendly soundproofing hacks can help you reclaim some quiet.

FAQs about How to Deal (and Not Deal) with Noisy Neighbors

What counts as “excessive noise” from neighbors?

Excessive noise is anything that consistently disrupts your ability to rest, work, or enjoy your home. Occasional sounds are normal, but daily loud music, late-night parties, or constant pet noise may qualify as excessive.

Can my landlord evict a noisy neighbor?

Yes, if the neighbor is violating lease terms. Landlords usually start with warnings and fines, but repeated disturbances can lead to eviction.

What if my neighbor gets defensive when I bring up their noise?

Stay calm and avoid escalating the situation. If they’re unwilling to compromise, document the issue and bring it to your landlord or property manager.

Can I break my lease because of noisy neighbors?

In most cases, no. Noise complaints alone don’t usually qualify as legal grounds to break a lease without penalty. However, if the noise is extreme and your landlord refuses to address it, consult a tenant rights attorney in your state.

Do soundproofing hacks really work?

They won’t eliminate noise completely, but they can make a noticeable difference. Rugs, curtains, and white noise machines are inexpensive ways to soften sound in your space.

What if the noisy neighbor is also my roommate?

The same principles apply: start with communication, then agree on quiet hours or compromises. If it doesn’t improve, you may need to reconsider your living arrangement.

Can I record noisy neighbors as evidence?

Check local laws before recording. In many areas, you can document noise levels (like decibel readings) but cannot legally record conversations without consent.

When should I call the police on my noisy neighbors?

Only after you’ve tried other options, like speaking directly to your neighbor or reporting the issue to your landlord. Police involvement is typically a last resort for ongoing, disruptive noise.