They say no matter your neighbourhood, you always end

up with that one nightmare of a neighbour that you have to grit your teeth and

endure. Whether it be hoarding junk, arguing, encroaching on your property or

having questionable characters passing through at all hours of the day and

night, there is nothing quite as annoying as sharing space with people that do

not subscribe to your basic values and ideals.

And how about that noisy neighbour who mows their lawn

at 6:00 a.m. on a Sunday or plays music full blast when you are either trying to

sleep, study, watch TV or have company over. No amount of reasoning seems to do

the trick. In fact, if you speak to some of them, they may even resort to

telling you about the different kinds of ‘fabrics’ that they want to string you

up with.

How does one deal with that noisy nuisance? You first

have to know when and how to pick your battles. That means not everything is

worth complaining about as some things are a part of everyday life, including a

neighbour with a teething newborn that cries in the night. I’m pretty sure they

are more stressed out about the constant crying and the lack of sleep than you

are by the inconvenience.

If it’s a man and woman argument, stay as far away

from that as possible as couples in heated exchanges are liable to say and do just

about anything and you do not want to get caught up in that domestic exchange.

That being said, some noises can definitely be toned

down and if they do not, they are just plain inconsiderate. Before any other

course of action, talk to them and share how you feel without going off track.  Avoid name calling at all cost, just deal with

the facts and try to get your main points across without sounding like you are chastising

them.

If talking does not work, trying

writing them a letter. Documentation of itemised grouses is a good way to keep

track of incidents and it shows a track record of noise infractions. Sometimes when

people see things written in black and white it helps to put it all into

perspective. Once they are willing to hear you out, then you in turn must be

willing to hear them out and let them have their say. This may lead to a

compromise and an abatement of the situation.

However, if talking and writing produces no results

you may have to take the next step which is making a formal complaint. If you

live in an apartment complex, the overseeing strata should hear your grouse(s)

and if there is a monthly meeting of all owners/tenants you can raise the issue;

chances are, you aren’t the only person affected.

If it is a home, take your complaint to the nearest

police station as your neighbour has basically interfered with your right to

the peaceful enjoyment of your property and can be fined or charged.

That said, the first plan of action should not be to

confront the neighbour with the chance of escalating the situation, let’s all try

to talk like reasonable adults.