Noisy neighbour - sense check

Redscope77

jonners666 said:

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. 

Interesting how your wife and daughter are not irritated by it.  Any tips on how they deal with it?

JCarmello

What age are they? Are they generally approachable? Are they home-owners or tenants?
Is there a reason you think that they might be confrontational if you brought this up with them?

jonners666

Redscope77 said:

jonners666 said:

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. 

Interesting how your wife and daughter are not irritated by it.  Any tips on how they deal with it?

I'm afraid not - my wife says she can't hear it (or can only just hear it) and she sleeps with earplugs anyway. My daughter's bedroom is on the opposite side of the house (whereas our bedroom and living room attach to the neighbour's house). 

I think I just have more acute hearing than my wife. 

I'm also getting the garage converted into an office (opposite side of the house) and am planning on just sleeping in there on nights when I can hear them! 

Redscope77

JCarmello said:

What age are they? Are they generally approachable? Are they home-owners or tenants?
Is there a reason you think that they might be confrontational if you brought this up with them?

They are in their mid 30's.  He's 6ft and clearly works out.  They tend to keep themselves to themselves so I don't really interact with them.   In fairness I have no idea how they would react if I approached them

Redscope77

Oh they are home owners.

jonners666

re going to the council - my friend from work has had an ongoing battle with her neighbour in her block of flats re noise complaints. Her neighbour plays music like this almost every night - so loud that my friend can hear it over her TV.

The council have installed noise monitoring and said it's not above the threshold level, and that unless it is EVERY night, they won't / can't do anything...

Which is one reason I don't want to go down that route - potentially escalate the situation, not have a resolution, and have to declare it if we sell...

MrX

Redscope77 said:

They are in their mid 30's.  He's 6ft and clearly works out.  They tend to keep themselves to themselves so I don't really interact with them.   In fairness I have no idea how they would react if I approached them

What about posting a polite letter?  Simply saying what you have said here. i.e. words to the effect of - you don't want to be a party pooper but when the music/partying goes on past midnight it affects your sleep and your health.  Therefore, would it be possible to consider that next time. 

A simple request, worded politely, and see where it goes.  You can either sign off as you or as 'your neighbour'.  But either way you'll know by the next party whether it worked or not.  If it doesn't work then you only really have 2 options.  Speak to the council, or the police on the night in question, or unfortunately you'll have to move.  However, who's to say it will be any better in the next house?

Good luck either way.  Having experienced the same I know how frustrating it can be.  I used to find myself waiting for it to happen and couldn't relax until I was certain it was a going to be a quiet night.

greensalad

I'm normally one who sides with the noisemakers in these sorts of situations (because I think far too many people expect total silence from their neighbours and its just not reasonable).

However I would say amplified music outside the house after 11pm is a no-no. 

People should have a right to enjoy their garden and if that means having friends over and having parties with music, then so be it. 

I would go round and simply say that you are more than happy for them to have the parties but can the music be turned off at 11pm. That is totally not unreasonable.

Reginald74

greensalad said:

I'm normally one who sides with the noisemakers in these sorts of situations (because I think far too many people expect total silence from their neighbours and its just not reasonable).

However I would say amplified music outside the house after 11pm is a no-no. 

People should have a right to enjoy their garden and if that means having friends over and having parties with music, then so be it. 

I would go round and simply say that you are more than happy for them to have the parties but can the music be turned off at 11pm. That is totally not unreasonable.

This seems like the approach that's most likely to proceed. Or even: after 11pm would you mind taking the party inside?

Skiddaw1

Yes, I think I'd politely approach them and ask if the music could be confined to inside the house after 11.00. Nothing unreasonable about that in my opinon. They may genuinely not realise they're causing problems (and I'd be betting you aren't the only neighbour being irritated by it). Hopefully, things will settle down come the autumn.