One of the hardest aspects of living in a downstairs apartment is dealing with the noise coming from upstairs neighbors. Whether it's the noise of normal daily activities, like walking or talking, or partying at night on the weekend, the first thing to do is try talking to your neighbors. Fortunately, in most cases, this is enough to fix the problem, otherwise there are other actions you can take if this advice doesn't work.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Handle the Problem Yourself
Step 1. Keep in mind that some noise is inevitable
The upstairs neighbors have the right to enjoy their home like everyone else, and the fact that you hear them may not be their fault. Living in an apartment building means having to accept a certain amount of noise during the day.
- Uninsulated or improperly installed floors can amplify noise, making normal sounds (such as footsteps, kitchen noises, or voices) appear even louder.
- Hearing a loud sound of footsteps at dinner time is quite another thing than the revelry of a late night party during the working week.
Step 2. Read the rental agreement to see if there is a noise regulation
Some apartments and condominiums have measures that require residents to limit noise. Before addressing neighbors or your landlord, check to see if anything like this exists, as it may be of help in backing up your claim.
A noise regulation could include observing a rest time, establishing to cover the floor with a certain amount of carpets or even restrictions on noisy animals
Step 3. Choose a good time to discuss the matter with your neighbor
Don't face it in the middle of a party or late at night, when tempers might turn on; above all, don't start an argument when you are angry if possible. Instead, plan to have a relaxed conversation the next morning or even in the evening if you or your neighbor aren't particularly early risers.
Step 4. Speak politely to the person in question and try to resolve the problem
Your neighbor may not even be aware of causing the noise, so try to remain calm and friendly. Introduce yourself, in case you don't know each other yet, and give them some specific examples of the type of noise you heard.
- Try saying something like, “I'm the downstairs neighbor. I don't know if you know, but sometimes we hear some music late at night. We felt it particularly high a few nights ago, while last night the situation was calmer ".
- Suggest how to proceed for the future. For example, you could let him know that you work very early in the morning and ask him to turn down the volume after 10.30pm.
Step 5. Leave him a note if you don't feel comfortable talking to him face to face
The best way to handle the problem is with a one-on-one conversation, but if you are not sure of the outcome, send him a friendly note. Make sure it is no longer than 4-5 lines, be specific about the type of noise that annoys you, and make sure you avoid sarcasm, threats or passive-aggressive language.
- Make a copy of the letter and specify the date, in case the problem persists.
- Your ticket could be organized more or less like this: "Hello tenant of apartment 212, I'm the tenant downstairs and I was wondering if it was possible to wait after 6.30 in the morning to start the treadmill. Apparently, it's right above my bedroom and the noise wakes me up. I hope it's not a problem. Thanks".
Step 6. Knock the ceiling with a broom handle for unusual noises
If your neighbor is engaging in an unusually noisy activity, they may not be aware that you can hear them or they may be unavoidable noises. If this happens while trying to sleep, a tap on the ceiling may be enough to stop the noise.
If the noise occurs during normal daylight hours, it might be better to simply wait for it to stop, especially if your neighbors are normally quite quiet
Method 2 of 3: Go to the authorities
Step 1. Keep a journal in which to indicate whenever you hear excessive noises
Write down the time, day and type of noise, also specifying if any actions have been taken such as banging on the ceiling or talking to neighbors. Having paper documentation can help if it is necessary to report the problem to the homeowner or to the police, as it will serve as a demonstration of continuous noises.
The diary should contain notes like this: “Sunday 7th August - noisy party that lasted until midnight. I knocked on the door but no one answered”followed by“Wednesday 10th August - sounds of a marital quarrel. No action taken"
Step 2. Ask other neighbors if they have ever had any problems
You may find that you are not the only one to hear from your neighbors, especially if the problem is with loud music, a barking dog or furious arguments. If so, asking other neighbors to join you in protesting the landlord could support your cause.
Try talking to the noisy tenant's landing neighbors, as well as those who live upstairs
Step 3. Talk to the condominium administrator or the landlord if the noise continues
As a rule, the noisy tenant will receive a notification informing them that an anonymous complaint has been filed. However, the landlord may also be able to suggest a solution that has worked in other cases, he may offer to mediate during a confrontation or to speak to the person in question for you.
Be aware that this could exacerbate the conflict
Step 4. Call the police as a last resort
Emergency number operators are expected to respond to a variety of issues, including disputes between neighbors, but they also find themselves having to solve many more serious problems. So it's best to avoid calling the police unless you have repeatedly asked neighbors to limit noise and in case the situation interferes with your quality of life.
The police can act as a mediator in case the neighbor in question is aggressive or you are concerned that the situation could become explosive
Step 5. Decide to move if no other option worked
If none of the proposed solutions has had the desired effect or if your neighbor has become hostile towards you, it may be necessary to move house. Ask your landlord if there is another apartment you can move into, for example upstairs, otherwise you will have to terminate the rental contract.
- If your landlord is aware of the situation, they may be willing to help you find another apartment or they may accept that you terminate the contract without charging you the penalty.
- If moving house is not an option, you will need to soundproof your apartment.
Method 3 of 3: Dampen the Noise
Step 1. Put on a pair of earphones and listen to music for short-lived noises
It is a perfect solution for a recurring but temporary noise. Instead of getting irritated by the sound of your neighbor's clarinet during his class hour, try listening to your favorite music with a pair of earphones. This way, you will override the noise in question and be able to focus back on what you were doing.
- If you're feeling a bit irritated, put on something relaxing, like classical music or blues.
- If you're looking to watch TV, get a pair of wireless headphones or turn on subtitles.
Step 2. Try turning on a white noise generator to override the less loud sounds
If your neighbors are usually noisy when trying to sleep, try setting up such a generator in the bedroom. It is a machine capable of emitting a soft noise (for example of flowing water or sounds of nature) which can help to cover in a pleasant way the noises coming from the floor above.
You can find white noise generators at most home improvement stores, baby equipment stores or online
Step 3. Wear a pair of ear plugs if you need more peace of mind for sleep
For louder sounds that cannot be dominated by a white noise generator, earplugs can help you find some peace of mind. The foam models for professional use fit into the ear canal and protect against noise better than other models.
You can purchase earplugs at drugstores or home improvement stores
Step 4. Soundproof the ceiling for a permanent solution
If no other solution worked, talk to your landlord about the possibility of soundproofing the ceiling. Most of the options will involve installing a second layer of material (or a false ceiling) above the existing one. While it may not completely eliminate the noises coming from upstairs, it could greatly decrease them.
- Some options include the installation of acoustic panels fixed to a metal frame, the addition of a second layer of plasterboard on the ceiling or the painting of the latter with a damping effect product such as Green Glue.
- Soundproofing will not be the perfect solution for all cases, but it may be worth discussing it with your landlord to see if he approves the work.
