Noisy neighbour - sense check

Redscope77

I'm looking for a sense check to see if I am being a grumpy old man or if others would be annoyed.

I live in a detached house.  Once a month (at least) my neighbours throw a big garden party with at least 20-30 guests. The parties usually starts around 6pm and finishes in the early hours of the morning.  

Like most parties there is loud music.  The music generally has a heavy base which means even with all windows, doors and curtains closed and my tv on loud I can hear the music in my house. It does impact my ability to sleep and generally relax in the evening. 

The parties are usually on a Saturday night (without pre warning), do I have a right to be annoyed with the noise or do I need to learn how to not get irritated by it?

Help Please

The follow-on question, if people say I have a right to be annoyed, is how do I approach the noise issue without it effecting a future sale of my house or resulting in an argument with neighbours.  

It's worth noting, I only hear general/common noise otherwise.  They keep themselves to themselves and I perceive them to be nice people...... i don't know how a noise dispute will impact this.   ...... It's a mind-field 

comeandgo

I don’t think they are being excessively noisy, but I don’t mind loud music being played by others.  Could you use ear covering headphones to listen to your telly rather than turning it up loud?  For bed time again, some headphones that you can sleep with?

Stubod

..ask them for an invite?

theoretica

You specifically mention without pre-warning, that would be one way to approach it.  Could you let me know when you are going to have one of your late parties with music?  It will let you plan ahead, and if they say something about not thinking they were noisy you can point out that bass does carry and penetrate. 

Is this just a summer thing or do you expect it to continue?

Redscope77

Stubod said:

..ask them for an invite?

Ha ha.  I'm way too old, I would stand out a like a sore thumb.

Redscope77

theoretica said:

You specifically mention without pre-warning, that would be one way to approach it.  Could you let me know when you are going to have one of your late parties with music?  It will let you plan ahead, and if they say something about not thinking they were noisy you can point out that bass does carry and penetrate. 

Is this just a summer thing or do you expect it to continue?

It's been going on for quite sometime.  It could be due to lockdown and all that.  I don't know.  

At the moment I am just trying to figure out if it's me. 

I'm really not good with confrontation 

JCarmello

Playing loud music outside after 10pm is a no no.
Even as a student we knew that's not fair.

Do you have a good relationship with the neighbours otherwise? They may not appreciate how it's affecting you. Presumably as we move into Autumn they'll be looking to move their gatherings inside anyway.

I once had the police called on me for listening to Radiohead at 2 in the afternoon at a normal volume.
That is unreasonable.

Redscope77

JCarmello said:

Playing loud music outside after 10pm is a no no.
Even as a student we knew that's not fair.

Do you have a good relationship with the neighbours otherwise? They may not appreciate how it's affecting you. Presumably as we move into Autumn they'll be looking to move their gatherings inside anyway.

I once had the police called on me for listening to Radiohead at 2 in the afternoon at a normal volume.
That is unreasonable.

The parties go on to 1:30/2pm often.   

MrX

Well I know I wouldn't like it if it was that often.  Everyone likes to have a good time, but it shouldn't come at the expense of others being able to enjoy their own home/garden.  You could/should say something, but I suspect that if they are the type of people to be doing it regularly already, then they probably aren't going to change.  However, it would definitely be worth saying something just in case it escalates.  For example, if you end up asking the council to investigate then the first thing they will ask is whether you have tried to speak to them.  Also, make a log/sound recordings of when it happens. 

Noise nuisance can be become a real issue especially if it affects your sleep and affects you being able to do things in your own home. eg reading, listening to your own music or TV etc. 

Ultimately the first step is to say something.  Preferably you yourself, or if you really can't them maybe a letter, or you will need to ask your council for advice. 

Are other neighbours also affected do you think?  Maybe someone could ask on your behalf?

jonners666

I actually have a very similar situation with our attached (Semi) neighbours - they too have a party / gathering roughly once a month that disturbs my (but not my wife or daughter's) sleep. 

I've found that I can't hear it if I pop earplugs in. 

They are not the most approachable of people, so I'm dealing with it like this for now. If it gets worse though, I might have to say something. 

Redscope77

MrX said:

Well I know I wouldn't like it if it was that often.  Everyone likes to have a good time, but it shouldn't come at the expense of others being able to enjoy their own home/garden.  You could/should say something, but I suspect that if they are the type of people to be doing it regularly already, then they probably aren't going to change.  However, it would definitely be worth saying something just in case it escalates.  For example, if you end up asking the council to investigate then the first thing they will ask is whether you have tried to speak to them.  Also, make a log/sound recordings of when it happens. 

Noise nuisance can be become a real issue especially if it affects your sleep and affects you being able to do things in your own home. eg reading, listening to your own music or TV etc. 

Ultimately the first step is to say something.  Preferably you yourself, or if you really can't them maybe a letter, or you will need to ask your council for advice. 

Are other neighbours also affected do you think?  Maybe someone could ask on your behalf?

This is why I am looking for a sense check. On the nights it happens I can't relax and I certainly can't enjoy my home.  
I don't want to be the "grumpy old man" complaining but I can feel it's getting to that point.    
Confrontation is a big deal for me and part of me thinks it would be easier to move.