I live in a ground floor apt in a neighborhood of apts recently purchased by another leasing company. As part of the new owner's plans, an extensive and very loud renovation of the apt directly above ours was started apx. 3 weeks ago. I never received any notice of the work that would take place in the apt above us; only that there would be improvements on and around the property.
The noise begins apx 7:30a and lasts until apx 7:30p. And goes 7 days a week. Workers pace in front of my full sized sliding patio door and have actually stopped to watch my activity at different times of the day. I work from home and on occasion, leave to go out on appointments.
As recent as last night (4/3/2011) one of the workers brought in pots & pans and spent the night in the apt. This evening, I was witness to the same person standing on the balcony drinking from a bottle resembling a Jack Daniel's.
I want out! We (neighbors) have complained to the office / property manager and get no where. We have called police 3 times about domestic violence in the apt behind us, 2 shootings within 20 yards of my door.
What rights do I have?? Is there anything I can do regarding my right to a peaceful and quiet enjoyment of property?
Any advice would be very much appreciated.
Thank you in advance!

Advice starts with where do you live? All cities and towns have regulations at to when work can occur and at what times. Like where I live they can't start until after 9am. And can't do it on Sundays and holidays.

Have you paid a visit to the zoning and planning office to lodge a complaint to start with?

They CAN do it daytime's within the allowed time window.

As far as some of the other questions... more people will answer once you tell us what Country, state and city you live in. Nobody can offer very specific info without knowing those things.

Yes call city hall and/or code enforcement and find out the rules on for the time of day they may start,

As noted, there are generally rules about this. Such rules are usually very local, at the county or municipality level.

As for the crime issues, they will not allow you out of your lease.

As for the workman watching you, get drapes or blinds.

If you want out before your lease expires you have to a) prove a breach of the lease (and I don't see one yet) or b) buyout your lease.