Neighbor’s Kids Are Too Loud? (Doing This Might Help You)

When your neighbor’s kids are too loud, it can be difficult to find mental peace and freedom—especially after a long day at work. There could be so many things you could enjoy doing if only those kids were a little quieter. So, what can you do to resolve this matter?

Even though it’s stressful, you should begin by approaching your neighbor and explaining the situation to them in a friendly manner. And, if this doesn’t work, you can complain to your landlord or call the cops on them. The latter should be the last resort, as it could mean that they’ll get in serious trouble for violating a nuisance law. 

We can’t judge you if you feel exhausted from this situation. So, in this article, we’ll disclose how to approach your neighbors, what you can say to them, and what the laws that apply to your situation. We’ll also tell you how you can file a complaint so that you know exactly what to do next. 

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How to Talk to the Neighbors

Let’s talk about how to properly talk to your neighbors so you can get the situation resolved in a friendly, neighborly way… hopefully. 

What to Do When Your Neighbor’s Kids Are Too Loud?

The best thing you can do when your neighbor’s kids are too loud is to try to resolve the problem by approaching the parents or legal guardians of the kids. It’s proper to speak to them about the matter without reaching a level of confrontational arguments.

Even though this situation is frustrating to you, what you need to do is to breathe. Simple. A stressed mind can’t make correct decisions, so you should try to calm down first and form an action plan.

Resort to always talking to your neighbors before taking other means to make them quiet down. Sometimes parents are so busy being parents that they often forget their surroundings. So, they might not even be aware of the noise that their children are causing.

Furthermore, if the issue continues, you may want to talk to your landlord or your building manager and file a formal complaint. In this case, you should always document every single event and add the necessary details. These include names, dates, and hours.

And, while the issue resolves, you can buy tools to soundproof your house or to help you block the noise, such as earplugs and noise-canceling headphones. 

How Do You Deal With a Loud Child That’s Not Mine?

To deal with a loud child, you have to talk to the parent and make them aware of the issue without sounding controversial or being confrontational. Talking to a child about their noise may seem tempting, but it’s often not the best idea. 

These conflicts always bring out the worst in people, especially when it comes to parents that fail to see anything wrong with their children.

Be diplomatic: explain the issue as much as possible and use their language. That way, they’ll understand you better without feeling attacked.

Moreover, if the nuisance continues, you should check out if your landlord or building staff can help you resolve the problem.

You may want to check if the landlord or building staff guarantees you a quiet and safe environment, in which case, you are entitled to claim your rights.

How Do You Shut Up Loud Neighbor Kids?

To shut up loud neighbor kids, try to speak to the parents first. If this doesn’t work, you may want to recur to administrative processes that will deal with your loud neighbors. Yet, some states specify penalties for nuisances, and loud noises count as one of them.

If you already spoke to your landlord or with your building manager about the issue and they haven’t done anything, the best you can do is to check the laws that apply in this situation.

Meanwhile, try to find noise-blocking headphones until the matter is over.

Some states, such as Texas, have laws that forbid public and private nuisances.

You can file a lawsuit under one of its clauses, if applicable, and the court can resolve the issue for you by ordaining the parents to control their children or fine them.

You might also enjoy our post on What to Do if Your Neighbor’s Generator is too Loud

Can You Tell Your Neighbors Their Kids Are Too Loud?

It’s recommended that you try speaking to the neighbors first before escalating the matter to administrative staff. Furthermore, the correct way to speak to them is by avoiding any confrontational language and always maintaining cordiality.

Sometimes, it’s hard to get people to understand what you’re going through. Dealing with the situation with anger is not recommended, and it will lead to a huge misunderstanding that both parties will regret later.

You should use proper language when speaking to them. Or, use a strategy: invite them over to your house momentarily.

Make them feel welcome at your house by providing snacks or drinks, and then discuss the matter with them in a polite fashion.

While this practice is highly encouraged, it’s not unknown that some people can’t accept that they’re in the wrong. In this case, you have the option of trying again. If it simply gets worse, you can call the cops to give them a warning.

How Do You Get Kids to Quiet Down?

Knowing the reason why your child is being loud may help you quiet them down. Children love to play and scream, and we can’t get them away from that. But, you can use that in your favor to explain the importance of silence to them.

Talk to your child according to their age, but make sure that you speak to them as if they were grown-ups. They love to be acknowledged constantly, which is why they often seek the approval of elders.

So, use this in your favor and talk to them about why they should lower their voice.

For instance, if your child is screaming because he or she is playing, you can try to quiet them down by playing the silence game.

It’s not unusual to hear about this, and surely your mom used to play with you like this when you were a kid. 

Moreover, if you want to talk to them, make sure that you crouch to their level so you can make eye contact with them.

If they scream or talk loudly, whisper so you can catch their attention. Then, tell them, in your own words, about how they should play quietly. 

Of course, in the case that your child is fighting with his brother or friend, you should teach them the importance of companionship.

It’s not okay to fight amongst each other, so make sure that they understand this concept well so that these fights cease happening in the future.

What to Do About the Screaming

Now that you know how to approach your neighbors let’s talk about what to do when kids are out of control. 

The Neighbor Kid Screams Constantly

If the neighbor’s kid screams constantly, you should try to find the reason why. If they’re simply playing, you can try to speak to their parents about the issue. But be careful. Sometimes kids scream because they are children with special needs.

Many health or genetic conditions may lead to kids that, unfortunately, have problems with growth and development.

In these cases, it’s good to be empathetic and try to find ways to help your neighbor reduce the noise from their home. 

While this may be a possibility and a valid reason to be more tolerant of the issue, it’s not unusual that it bothers you.

Try to find mechanisms that block noise, like a white-noise machine or noise-canceling headphones. 

On another note, if we are talking about perfectly healthy children without the afflictions described above, you may want to politely ask your neighbors to lower the noise.

Do it in a very nice way so that things don’t become conflictive. 

Experts recommend that parents teach their children the proper way to express themselves and how to manage their emotions.

They must help their children identify their emotions with examples of emotional intelligence if they want this to succeed. 

So, if you’re a parent dealing with a difficult child, know you’re not alone. While it’s true that parenting is very stressful, it’s also true that your child needs to learn how to be empathetic with others by considering their surroundings.

Start teaching your kid, and you’ll see the results grow.

Neighbor Kids Screaming All-Day

Having kids that scream all day can be frustrating, but you can solve the problem. Talk to the parent of the child or their legal guardian, and give them details about how this matter is affecting you. Be polite, and don’t become defensive about it.

You can try to talk to your neighbors about their screaming kids, but you have to do so politely. Be creative: why don’t you go to their house and offer them some baked goods?

Nobody can say no to a good baked good unless they’re allergic. 

Moreover, while you’re starting the flow of the conversation, try to introduce the topic after the neighbor is already calmed down and ready to receive your words. Be honest about what’s going on, but also guarantee them that you understand their position. 

Compassion is a great tool you can use to deal with loud neighbors, so use it to your advantage. If you’ve run out of resources, then you are entitled to take administrative action.

In the case of living in a rented home, contact your landlord and tell them about the issue.

The landlord should take the necessary measures to resolve the matter. But, if they don’t, you can check your local state or city laws that forbid loud noises and the disturbance of peace inside your home.

Sometimes, a judge can give them a fair warning, and it’ll do the job.

If your last resort is moving out, you can try lowering the noise by using special headphones, or you can soundproof your room with special panels that are often used in studio rooms.

This can help you during the time you need to find somewhere else to live.

You might also enjoy our post on What to Do if Your Neighbor’s Wind Chimes are too Loud

Neighbor Complaining About Child Noise Outside

It can be stressful to deal with a complaining neighbor, but it’s necessary. You should listen to her or him politely and don’t act defensive about the situation. Let them know that you are all ears and that you will try your best to understand their situation.

We get it – it’s stressful, and it makes you very anxious. Keep in mind, always, that a complaining neighbor usually means no harm and only wants you and them to feel peace. Although there are exceptions to the rule, you mustn’t begin with hostility. 

Keep your mind and ears open. Ask them how the issue is affecting their lives, and ask them about the times these occurrences happen.

If possible, document every complaint of the neighbor so that you can both reach a proper agreement. Don’t forget to apologize for the noise.

Listen to their suggestions closely, and then analyze how your home has been lately. Has it been too loud? Have you noticed that your child is acting erratically?

If you’re a parent of a special needs child, explain your issues to your neighbor, and maybe they’ll understand.

If you reached an agreement with your neighbor, try to be friendly with them by helping them soundproof their home.

You can get them soundproofing panels or soundproofing headphones to help them deal with the matter while you make ends meet on your end.

In other cases, some people complain only to become bothersome to others. However, certain clauses protect you and your loved ones.

But make sure to have all documented evidence of the occurrences so that you have something solid to present to your landlord.

When a neighbor becomes too obnoxious, it’s time to think whether they’ve reached a point of crossing the line or not.

In such cases, you are entitled to sue them for harassment, and the rest of the problem will be resolved in court.

What Do You Say to a Loud Neighbor and Their Children?

Tell your neighbors about the way the loud noise has been affecting your daily routines. Try to speak to them in a tone that’s not defensive, and make sure to let them know that you understand that children love playing but that you need them to lower the noise.

It’s often difficult to go speak to the neighbor about what bothers you but remember it’s very necessary.

Make sure to always use polite language, and never get defensive or use foul vocabulary to attack them. While you’re looking, be honest, and also be kind.

Maybe you can approach them by asking how they’ve been lately. Ask them how they’ve been in their household or if they’re stressed.

Letting them talk to you is a good way to approach them before hitting them with the complaint because parents are often super stressed. 

People sometimes lack an ear they can talk to. After a while, try to introduce the topic. Let them know that you understand their issue currently, but also be honest about how the noises have been affecting you. 

Look to reach an agreement, like letting their kids play only for a few hours, and so on. If they become hostile, avoid using derogatory comments.

Always look for them to understand your position, and don’t give them any reasons to discredit your thoughts. 

How Do I Complain About Noisy Neighbors?

To complain about noisy neighbors, you can try to contact the manager of the building you live in or your landlord. In the case where you don’t live in a rental home, you can try to reach the non-emergency police line to complain about the noise.

As you already see, there are many ways to complain about noisy neighbors. If you spoke to them and the dialogue didn’t work much, you can talk to the landlord of your property and make a formal complaint, preferably through an explicit written document. 

But, if the landlord refuses to do anything, you can complain at the non-emergency police line, which is usually marked as 311 in most states.

You don’t have to give out your name if you believe it’s not necessary, so you don’t have to worry about this.

What to Do if a Child Keeps Screaming Outside?

If a child is screaming outside and it’s bothering you, try to block out the noise by using a loud fan. That way, it’ll mitigate the noise until it stops. But, if this is a constant occurrence, you may want to proceed with talking to your neighbor politely.

Using a soundproof mechanism or a soundproofing tool can help you mitigate the impact of the sound. However, if this is impossible, maybe you should try talking to your neighbor politely and see how the issue can get resolved.

But, if the situation is because of a crime, do NOT attempt to approach the property. Call the police, and if you have the chance to record, do so.

But don’t give yourself away if there are lives on the line unless necessary.

Where to Send Complaints

Now that you know how to approach the neighbors and their kids let’s explore whether or not you can formally file a complaint.

Can You Complain About the Neighbor’s Children’s Noise?

If the neighbor’s children’s noise has been bothering you for quite some time, you can complain to them and speak about the issue with respect. However, if the problem persists, you can write a complaint to your landlord and wait for the results.

Usually, speaking to your neighbors nicely can resolve the problem without much fuss. But, in other circumstances, you may need to contact your landlord directly.

And, if the problem persists after this, you can call the police on your neighbors to resolve the problem.

Can Neighbors Complain About Noise During the Day

Neighbors have the right to complain about noise, or any other nuisances, during the day or the night. Usually, when a neighbor reaches that point, it means that either they tried other means or simply the noisemakers didn’t comply with their request.

When complaining about noise, it’s recommended to speak to the culprit first politely and nicely. By the same token, it’s good to avoid physical conflict or verbal insults when trying to find a solution to the problem. 

Moreover, neighbors can complain either day or night. The results will highly depend on how often the noises were and on how much the person is being affected by them.

It’s no secret that having altered environments can make people stressed, so it’s time to become considerate.

Noise From Neighbor’s Child at Night

Most cities have a selected time-lapse in which neighbors should refrain from making a loud noise that extends 50 decibels. In the case that someone makes loud noises during the night, you have the right to complain to your neighbor about the issue.

However, keep something in mind: if we’re talking about the noises of a newborn baby during the night, there’s not much you can do than wait a few months until the baby grows enough to have long sleeping schedules. 

You shouldn’t add more stress to new parents, so you should wait. And, while you wait, soundproof your room. Use noise-canceling headphones or install soundproof panels around your house.

That way, the noise won’t be so bad, and it won’t affect you as much.

Yet, if the noise is coming from inconsiderate neighbors, then complain to the right authorities and make sure that you document everything. Whether it be through documents, audio, or video recording.

How Do I Write a Complaint Letter About Noisy Neighbors?

If you’re looking to write a letter to your landlord, make sure to include the address of where you live, the subject matter of the issue you’re going to describe, and include explicit details about how the noise is affecting your household. 

You may want to consider forming a small alliance between neighbors that suffer from the same loud noises.

In such a case, write a letter that represents the whole community and make sure that each one signs it as a form of agreement to what’s exposed in the text.

How Do You Write a Nice Letter to a Noisy Neighbor?

When you write your complaint letter, you want to make sure to address your neighbor politely. You will greet them first, and then you’ll give them notice of how the noise that they’re making is bothering you. After, politely ask them to cease the noise.

You have to make sure you specify your name, date of occurrence, and address so that the warning is useful in case you may need to submit it as legally valid documentation. The more details about the events that bother you, the better. 

And make sure to use concise language. The more precise the information, the better. Make sure it sounds both formal and straight to the point.

You want to finish by asking them politely that they stop the noise, lest you take other measures. 

You might also enjoy our post on How to Shut Down Your Neighbor’s Party

The Laws About Loud Kids

Now that you know how to approach your neighbors, it’s best that you understand the laws that protect you.

Child Nuisance Law

There is no nuisance law specific for children’s noise, but there’s an attractive nuisance law. However, for noise, there is a nuisance law within each state and city. This law ensures the right of quiet for every tenant or house owner inside their homes.

Nuisance laws and regulations vary by state and country. They specify the hours in which someone isn’t allowed to make any noise during the night.

And, if someone violates these laws, they risk having a visit from the police or from suffering further consequences.

Moreover, the attractive nuisance law is a law that forbids someone from having an attractive yet dangerous environment for children.

In other words, this law applies to properties that have things that compel children to come in while exposing them to suffer injuries. 

In such cases, the owner of the property is legally liable and could count as a personal injury. So, it’s best to avoid this by making sure that you don’t add anything attractive to your property or expose the people around or within your household to dangerous situations.

Child Noise Complaint

You have the legal right to file a complaint in court if the noise from your neighbor’s children is still bothering you, and you notice that they haven’t done anything to take care of the matter after you told them about your concerns, 

Each tenant or homeowner has the right to some quiet and peaceful time within their home. Often, rental leases include this guarantee, which is why you also hold the right to complain to your landlord about a neighbor that violates this clause.

Landlords have to make sure that nobody’s rights are infringed upon in this matter. So, they have to take action. And, if they don’t, you can also sue them for not fulfilling their obligation.

Moreover, if you decide to file a legal noise complaint, know that you have to document everything from when you went and spoke to your neighbor politely, to the many warnings you sent them via written text, to the emails you sent with a notice of complaint, etc.

This evidence will help you demonstrate the nuisance that your neighbor is presenting to you and your fellow neighbors as well. This evidence can be recorded in documents, video or audio recordings, and digital texts such as emails. Keep them safe, and keep them close.

Neighborhood Kid Problems

If your neighbor’s kids are becoming too much of a nuisance, you can file a complaint with your landlord, and they should resolve the matter quickly. In other circumstances, you may even need to contact local law enforcement, so the issue gets finally resolved.

Often, neighborhood kid problems may include having them trespassing on your property or going inside your house uninvited.

And, oftentimes, parents see that there’s an issue going on and do nothing about it, which is highly frustrating. 

In such cases, you can either contact local authorities or resort to complaining to your landlord. Your landlord has to guarantee that you enjoy your full right to the quiet enjoyment of your home.

Doing the contrary may risk them getting sued for not fulfilling their obligations.

Moreover, some cases require that you set established visible boundaries between your neighbors and your property. Normally, one would resort to installing a fence to divide your home and the rest.

So, it’s best to get proper orientation on the matter.

Can You Call the Police for a Noise Complaint?

You can call the police at their non-emergency line to complain about noisy neighbors. Furthermore, you can give your complaint anonymously if you believe that giving out your name is too risky or simply unnecessary. 

If you’ve tried everything to make your neighbor cease the noise and they haven’t budged, you can complain to the non-emergency line of the police.

Often, you can contact them by calling 311, but it will depend on your state or country.

Related Questions

How Do You Keep Kids off Your Property?

To keep kids off your property, the correct measures to take are to install new fences around it, security cameras, or get a watchdog. They’ve helped many homeowners scare unwanted visitors away, so they are highly recommended.

You can install a “No Trespassing” sign, which will keep them at bay. Usually, having this sign will protect you from being sued because you are warning unwanted visitors that they are not welcome.

Therefore, if something bad happens to them, you are not to be held responsible.

How Do You Stop Kids From Walking in Your Yard?

To stop kids from walking in your yard, you have to become aware of your rights as a house owner. For example, having signs can protect you from a future lawsuit in the case that any of the trespassers hurt themselves within your property.

You can also resort to installing security cameras or installing sprinklers. Of course, it’s recommended that if you get the security camera, you make sure to put a visible notice in your house.

This way, you’ll avoid complications if something legal comes up.

How Do You Silence a Loudspeaker?

To silence a loudspeaker, you have to muffle it. Fortunately, there are many interesting tools you can use to do this, including a stuffed animal. Moreover, you may want to use tape if you don’t want to muffle your speakers permanently.

You can use a stuffed animal, acoustic or polyurethane foam, or tape to muffle your loudspeakers and cut the annoyance that its noise provokes.

They’re effective methods, and each comes with its own complications, so learn more about this matter.

Final Thoughts

We all know that neighborhood kids can be troublesome, and it’s so stressful. But we always have to remember to keep calm in any situation. A calm mind can make concrete decisions, and it’s no different when it comes to talking to your neighbors. 

Moreover, if the situation becomes truly bad, you can file a written complaint to your landlord and detail everything that has been affecting you and your neighbors as well. 

If the situation gets worse, you have the full right to call the cops on them. And you can even sue them for the damages caused by the loud noise. 

However, if the situation stems from a special needs child, you need to be empathetic and be a source of help to the neighbor, not a cause of stress.