Noisy Neighbours – What Can You Do?

Having noisy neighbours can be very annoying because such people will disturb your peace. It can be children screaming and shouting because they lacked parental guidance, youths playing loud music or even adults holding parties late into the night.

What would you do if you face this situation? To maintain the peace, the preferred course of action should be taken without compromising the sensitivity of your neighbours. However, if the situation worsens, drastic measures need to be taken.

Talk to your neighbours

The easiest and fastest way is to get yourself in touch with the neighbours and try to talk to them over this issue. Let your neighbours know how you are being affected by the noise.

For example, if you are a college student, explain to your neighbour that you need peace and quiet to study at night. Be sincere in explaining the problem that you are facing and help them understand the situation.

The easiest and fastest way is to get yourself in touch with the neighbour and try to talk to him or her face to face with the issues that bother you. Let your neighbor know how you are being affected by the noise.

For example, if you are a college student, explain to your neighbour that you need peace and quiet to study late at night.

Be sincere to explain about the problems that you are facing and help them o understand the situation.

Make a police report

If you have neighbours who always make noise late into the night, you can report it to the police if they refused to tone down even after you have talked to them.

Under Malaysian law, this is classified under nuisance. To be more specific, making excessive noise or causing a racket during wee hours between midnight and 6 am.

Keep in mind that reporting it to the police does not automatically mean that the case will be classified as a nuisance. You would still have to show that your neighbour’s actions have seriously affected you.

Avoid hostile standoffs

Do not blame or accuse your neighbours to the point of harassment or violence. Remember the age-old adage that violence begets violence.

While you have no choice but to confront your noisy neighbours,

take the diplomatic approach rather than being confrontational. They are far more likely to respond by being confrontational towards you. Remember, you are trying to find a solution, not a hostile standoff.

Stay away from using harsh words or blaming them. Polite words are better for alleviating situations.

Choose the right time to meet your neighbour. Avoid angry or disgruntled attitude when approaching your neighbours. If you feel too irritated to have a productive, mature conversation, save the conversation when you have calmed down for a later date.

Prevention better than cure

A good way to avoid moving into a noisy neighbourhood is to check out the place you plan to live in before buying or signing a long tenancy.

While it is easier to spot a home that will have traffic noise due to its proximity to main roads, railway tracks or construction sites, finding out if you have noisy neighbours will be harder.

If possible, visit the property at night to have a better gauge as the residents would likely all be at home by then. If there are noisy residents, you will know.

Talk to the people residing there. A friendly chat or two may reveal problems that is goes beyond noisy neighbours.

Source: StarProperty