Sometimes noisy neighbors are really annoying. They disrupt your sleep schedule and daily activities. They may not realize that the noise they are causing is bothering you. So, it's best if you start dealing with it by being polite. If you've tried it a few times and it doesn't work, maybe you should try a harder method. The rest of the neighbors will be very grateful to you!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Resolving Problems with Neighbors Directly
Step 1. Discuss the noise problem with the neighbors
Approach it calmly and politely and raise your complaint. Ask them not to make any noise and come up with a plan together to solve the problem.
- Convey your problem to the neighbors calmly. If you've never met them face-to-face, make sure you introduce yourself first. Say, "Good morning. Introduce me Mira. I live next door.”
- Bring up the issue of noise bothering you, but do so carefully and respectfully so that they don't offend. Say something like “I don't think you noticed, but the walls that line our homes are so thin. So, I can hear the sound from your house clearly. My sleep is disturbed because of the noises.”
Step 2. Tell your neighbors that noise coming from their house is bothering you
You may be studying. You may have young children or elderly relatives living at home and are disturbed by loud noises. Give them understanding to reduce the noises.
- For example, if you are a student, explain to your neighbors that you need some quiet time to study late into the night. Be honest with them and say something like, "Without trying to spoil your fun, I'd really appreciate it if you could cut down the loud noise between 10 and 3. That's my most effective study time."
- Another way to deal with noisy neighbors is to mention that other family members are bothered. Be sincere and say something like, “Hey, I happen to have a baby and even though I like rock music, my baby can't sleep at that loud noise. Can you turn down the volume? I would be very grateful.”
Step 3. Avoid confrontation to start a conversation
Don't blame or accuse him, and certainly don't threaten your neighbors. If you confront them directly, they are more likely to respond in the same manner. Remember that you want to find a solution, not a hostile deadlock.
- Don't use offensive words like “you are” or “you should be”, but focus on how you feel and share it with your neighbors. It's a good idea to have a conversation after a noisy party, don't try to engage them in a discussion in the midst of the noise.
- Avoid approaching neighbors in an angry or upset manner. If you're still so angry that it's impossible to have a productive, mature conversation, wait a few days until you've calmed down a bit.
Step 4. Suggest compromise
Can they reduce noise before or after certain hours? Can you or a neighbor use headphones to help reduce noise? Follow the noise complaint complaint procedure established by your residential building to help guide you through compromises.
- Learn the rules of the apartment complex and/or residential area in which you live. Ask neighbors to respect any quiet hours that may be enforced.
- If you're not sure how to come to an agreement with a neighbor on your own, use the rules set by the developer as a guide for resolving the issue.
Step 5. Write a letter
If the problem persists, try writing a letter to a neighbor. Even though it seems formal, a letter can be a means of communication to convey your complaint clearly and effectively without causing a direct confrontation.
- Take the time to write a letter. Use the same approach as when you had your first conversation, be polite and factual. Confirm your desired solution by filing the complaint.
- Keep a copy of the letter as written evidence of the actions you took to resolve the problem.
Step 6. Make notes for each interaction
Record the conversation with as many facts and details as you can remember, and do so immediately. You will be able to show that you are trying to solve the problem yourself.
A complete record of any actions you have taken will be helpful if the problem persists or you need to make a formal complaint at a later date. It's important that you record the date and time in addition to tangible evidence of any communication you've had, such as a text message, email, or letter
Method 2 of 3: Finding Noise Problem Solutions through Authorities
Step 1. Seek the help of a mediator
If the noise issue cannot be resolved solely between you and the neighbors involved, seek a solution with the help of a third party. Sometimes the RT head or apartment manager can help facilitate the conversation so that conflicts between you and your neighbors can be avoided.
- If the building you live in does not have a mediation procedure, try talking to the building owner/supervisor or RT head about the noise issue.
- The RT head or building superintendent can act as an intermediary and notify a neighbor of a complaint he or she has heard without mentioning your name, sometimes accompanied by a formal reprimand.
Step 2. Contact local authorities if other approaches don't work
You can send SMS 1717 for public complaints in the Jakarta area. For other areas, you can contact the nearest police station or make a complaint via the internet.
- When filing a complaint, make sure you provide complete information. If you live in an apartment complex, please provide your full address including the apartment number. Make sure you provide info to the security guard at the gate if necessary.
- Give a brief explanation of what happened. Tell them the problem you are having. Say something like, “I want to make a complaint because I am disturbed by the noise from my neighbor who is having a party and is not following the rules set by our community.”
- If you want to remain anonymous to protect yourself against possible retaliation, say that you don't want officers to contact you when they arrive at the scene. The officer will contact your neighbor regarding the complaint, but will not involve you and will not reveal who you are.
Step 3. Engage the police to deal with noise issues with your neighbors
If the problem is resolved between you, your neighbors, and the building supervisor or RT head, don't involve the police. However, if all family methods don't work, call the police.
- The number 112 is reserved for emergency situations, not for loud music. Call the police if the party continues or if there is a band playing all night.
- You should only call the police if the noise will continue after they arrive. If not, contact the authorities dealing with non-emergency issues, or the head of the RT/RW to make a complaint about the noise made by the neighbors.
Step 4. Take legal action
Legal action should be a last resort after you've tried other ways to reach an agreement, but couldn't find one. Use the notes you've made during your past trying to resolve noise issues with neighbors as supporting documents to build a civil case for a small claim court.
- Sue a neighbor in court for damages or a court order to ask the neighbor to stop the noise, or “abate the nuisance” as the law says.
- It can be difficult to claim damages for noise because determining compensation is very subjective. If you still want to try to file a simple lawsuit, use the notes created from the previous steps. Point out that there have been instances where the neighbor you are suing causes excessive noise and noise.
- Show that you've asked him to stop making noise several times, but to no avail. Show evidence of police involvement and your interactions with neighbors that have not been effective in solving noise problems.
Method 3 of 3: Avoiding Noisy Neighbors
Step 1. Choose an apartment on the top floor
Often the price/rent is higher, but this can be the most effective way to avoid noisy neighbors. The noise doesn't affect the apartment on the upper level as it does on the lower floor. Keep this in mind when you are looking for an apartment.
Step 2. Study the neighborhood in which you will be renting or buying a home
Learning about the neighborhood you want to live in before buying a property there is the best way to find out how noise levels are there. Pay attention to your surroundings.
- On the street you plan to live on, check to see if there are basketball hoops, skateboards, or other equipment that makes noise or areas where young people might congregate and potentially cause noise.
- Avoid roads that have bus stops, red-light intersections, clubs, open fields, or houses under construction. In other words, avoid busy locations with heavy traffic.
Step 3. Tell the building owner/supervisor before signing anything that you need peace of mind
When you are looking for a place to live, let the superintendent know that it is important that you live in a building that is relatively quiet.
- Estimate how willing the building owner/supervisor is to meet your personal preferences. If he goes to great lengths to find you a quieter location, this could be an indicator that he's willing to make sure you're comfortable.
- If you hear passionate lines like, “This is a youth apartment building,” be prepared to be surrounded by several student parties. If you're not interested and prefer to stay as far away from the noise as possible, it's probably best to look elsewhere.
Step 4. Use another method to reduce the noise level
No matter how hard you try to keep yourself away from noise or noisy neighbors, at times, annoying noises can still penetrate the walls of your home and annoy you. There are neighbors who suddenly want to renovate a certain part of their house or put something on the wall, or insist on mowing the lawn at 7am on Saturdays.
- Purchase headphones that have the best sound insulation or a white sound machine to reduce the volume of sound that might penetrate into your home.
- Another way to absorb sound and reduce its impact is to install a bass trap or sound-absorbing material on the wall.
Tips
- If the noise occurs after 10pm, you can take legal action.
- Don't try to be a hero. Approaching a drunken neighbor at 3am is not a good idea. Doing so can exacerbate the problem, not reduce it.
- If you and your neighbors are renting together, try sending a copy of any correspondence and complaints to the landlord/supervisor or property manager. Noise, especially outside normal hours, may violate building or local contracts and regulations, and can help get your attention.
- Seek support from other neighbors. Chances are you're not the only person bothered by noise. If you've come to the decision to file a formal complaint, get their support as well. Their support will add weight to your case.
- Try to get to know your neighbors (noisy or not) before problems arise. This step will help you communicate better in the event of a problem.
- Remain calm and reasonable. This attitude will be more effective in helping you calm the atmosphere and avoid conflict.
- Use your judgment to decide what steps need to be taken. If nice talk is getting the desired result, maybe you just need a polite reminder every now and then. If you feel threatened or your neighbor is aggressive whenever you bring up a discussion, it may be best to contact the authorities immediately.
Warning
- When making a formal complaint, ask them not to mention your name. Even a reasonable person can seek revenge if confronted by the authorities.
- When making a formal complaint, ask them not to mention your name. Even a reasonable person can seek revenge if confronted by the authorities.
- If you suspect the noise may be accompanied by domestic violence, or someone could be in trouble, call the police immediately, and explain your concern. Don't try to be polite by not getting involved.
