by Carrie Monroe

Created on: August 03, 2011   Last Updated: August 04, 2011

One of the worst things about apartment life is dealing with noisy neighbors.  Not only do you share walls with people but also floors and ceiling.  Noisy neighbors can make you feel like you are living under a herd of elephants.

It isn't just a problem for apartment dwellers.  Many condominium and townhouse owners deal with some of the same noise problems.  The benefit of being a renter is that moving is an easier option than for a condo or townhouse owner.

Nothing is worse than being woken up from sleep or not being able to fall asleep because of noisy neighbors.  Noise from neighbors can often disrupt sleep.  If this is a problem consider buying a set of earplugs.  These are great for keeping out noise that may keep you from falling asleep or staying asleep.

If you find the sound from neighbors annoying but not disruptive consider white noise.  There are many ways to add white noise to your apartment including fans in the summer, a humidifier in the winter or a white noise machine.  The whir of a fan or humidifier gives your ears something to listen to and can mask some noise from neighbors.

There are some sounds you can’t do anything about.  For example if the person living above you sounds like an elephant crashing around when they walk you can’t ask them not to walk.

Many apartment complexes have quiet hours.  These may be from 10 p.m. to 8 p.m depending on the building.  Often this means residents can’t use common area amenities such as pools, fitness rooms and laundry area during this time.  If noise from amenities such as laundry rooms is a problem ask your building manager to enact and enforce quiet hours for these areas.

If neighbors are playing music too loud, watching TV too loud or having loud parties this problem is best addressed through the apartment manager.  Often a rental company will choose not to renew a lease for a renter with too many noise complaints.  Going though the apartment manager makes sure complaints are documented and also protects the person making the complaint.

Sometimes noise complaints should be reported to police.  A party that has gotten out of hand or domestic violence would be reasons to call the police.  Often apartments have policies about renting to people who have had the police called on them.

Sometimes noise problems can be avoided by choosing the right apartment in the first place.  A four-plex or duplex

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