My husband, teenage son and I recently relocated and moved into a rented townhouse that we have been very happy with For the first couple of months, we enjoyed quiet neighbors on both sides of us. But one set of neighbors moved out, and about 3 weeks ago, new neighbors moved in. We have lived in a house for the past several years and I am just not sure if we are expecting too much from people or if we have a legitimate complaint. Our new neighbors are constantly stomping up and down their steps late at night. Also they play music rather loudly until past midnight a few times a week. We have decided to overlook all of this in the interest of trying to be good, tolerant neighbors, realizing that when you live side by side, you are bound to hear some noise. But this is getting a litlle overwhelming. I cannot believe people can be so completely unaware of others around them. When we moved here, I cautioned my son to not bound up and down the steps in order to be considerate of our neighbors. We also try to keep our music, TV, computer, etc at a reasonable level. Last week I did have to call and complain about our neighbors because they parked their car so close to our garage door, that I had just inches between my car and theirs as I tried to park in my own garage!! They had the entire space in front of their own garage and yard to park in, but chose to park in front of my yard and garage! The car remained there all that evening and into the next day. I tried knocking on their door, planning to politely introduce myself and ask if they would please move the car because it truly was too close for comfort! Although they were home and I knocked three different times, no one would come to the door. (Honestly, I never actually SEE my neighbors, I only hear them!) The townhouse management put a note on their garage to remind them of our parking policy and I have had no additional parking problems. I don't want to be an old complaining neighbor and I certainly do not want to call the management again. I just need to know if there are any suggestions on how to deal kindly and reasonably with a situation like this. It is after 11 pm on Sunday as I write this and the noise is loud enough to be heard over a fan I have running in the room. Am I expecting too much? I would appreciate any advice!

Yes you are expecting too much, call the management team, callt he police, it is not going to get better.

I don't believe you are expecting too much at all. Playing loud music after midnight is inconsiderate if you live in an attached home or not. I have neighbors 2 houses down that are this way, it doesn't make it right no matter how much distance you have. In fact, I think living in an attached home should make you MORE considerate of your neighbors! I bet they wouldn't like it if you acted that way.

You might want to try knocking with the purpose of introducing yourself. Maybe just say "hi" and bake a plate of brownies. If they can relate to you on a personel level, they may be more considerate of you in the future.

Good Luck

Generally quiet time is from 11PM to 6AM. Any excessive noise during that time should be reported.

Since you haven't really talked to your neighbors, I think learning has a point that you should try to approach them as neighbors first. They might not be aware of how their lifestyle is affecting you or how loud they are or even how thin the walls are.

However, if the nice approach doesn't work, then don't hesitate to call in the big guns.

RUN!! Get out as soon as you can, things will probably get worse or you will have to just live in this mess as long as you stay there. I suggest moveing out to a rural or country setting to get the piece of mind you want and well deserve.