Neighbors Won’t Turn Down Music? (Doing This Usually Works)

A noisy neighbor with a loud taste in music is one thing we all try to avoid. They interfere with not only our sleep but also our sanity. So, what is one supposed to do when your neighbors won’t turn down their music?

Approach your neighbor about their loud music in a calm and non-confrontational manner. Explain to them how the music volume is affecting your peace. If they choose not to listen, you can involve a mediator, landlord, or eventually, the police.

However, before you involve the police, it is important to try and solve the issue yourself. Not only will this attempt to maintain your neighborly relationship, but it will also act as evidence if you ever do have to involve the police. Follow these steps to obtain your sanity again.

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How to Ask Your Neighbor to Turn Down Their Music

The most important thing to remember when asking your neighbor to turn down their music is to approach them in a non-offensive, non-confrontational, and calm manner.

The last thing you want to do is escalate the situation.

Is It Rude to Ask a Neighbor to Turn Down Music?

It is not rude to ask your neighbor to turn down their music, as long as the music is being truly disturbing and you ask them to turn it down in a polite way. 

Typically, if you can hear your neighbor’s music, it is likely too loud. But, if you are hearing just a faint whisper of the music, you may be the unreasonable one. 

You should also keep in mind what time of day it is and if there are any special holidays going on.

If it is the middle of the day on the 4th of July, it may be somewhat appropriate for your neighbor to play music a little louder than usual. 

So, you need to assess the situation before asking your neighbor to turn the music down. 

If you conclude that it is an unreasonable time and day to play loud music, you need to approach the situation in the kindest way. 

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

How Do You Politely Ask Your Neighbor to Turn Down Their Music?

The politest way to ask your neighbor to turn down their music is to first apologize for interrupting their day. Then, go on to explain that you are able to hear their music in your home and are wondering if they could turn it down just a little bit. 

If they strike up a friendly conversation with you, you can then ask for their number. No, not for a date, but to text them whenever the music becomes too loud.

They may be completely unaware of how loud their music is and the fact that it is able to travel into your home.

Additionally, this will prevent you from having to visit their home in the future which may be better for both of you.

These days, people do not like to be visited in person and you may be interrupting your neighbor’s festivities if you constantly come around when their music becomes a little too loud. 

When Can You Ask Neighbors to Turn the Music Down? 

You can ask your neighbors to turn down their music typically when it is becoming late in the day. Anytime after 11 PM is a fair time to ask someone to tone it down. 

Many cities have local ordinances that state what time of the night you should quiet down your activities. This time is typically around 11 PM, depending on where you live.

Additionally, your neighborhood may have different rules and regulations that the citizens need to abide by.

How Do You Tell Neighbors Their Music Is Too Loud?

If you need to tell your neighbors that their music is too loud, you should approach them calmly in a non-confrontational manner. Explain to them how their music is affecting you and that you would like to come to a reasonable solution.

Allow them the chance to apologize as they may not even be aware that their music is able to travel into your home. Then, try to come to a reasonable solution that will suit both of you. 

Perhaps you can suggest that they close their windows while they play loud music.

Or, you can suggest that they only play loud music for a specific amount of time so you at least know that it is going to end eventually. A little hope goes a long way. ,

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How to Tell Neighbor to Turn Down Music?

You should visit your neighbor’s home when you feel the need to tell them to turn down their music. Introduce yourself, and let them know that their music is disturbing you in a calm and non-confrontational way. 

Although you may be extremely frustrated at the moment, this will be your neighbor’s first time hearing about the situation so they do not deserve to be attacked.

It is possible that they are completely unaware that you are able to hear their music. 

Calmly let them know how loud their music is and that it is, in fact, affecting you. Try to come to a solution that will benefit both of you. Refrain from making any threats that involve calling the police. Yet. 

How Do I Warn My Neighbor About Their Music?

If this is your first time speaking to your neighbor about their music, you should refrain from warning them against any consequences of what will happen if they don’t turn down their music. 

Instead, you should approach them in a non-confrontational manner that simply explains to them that their loud music is affecting your peace. 

If you approach them in any other manner, it may cause them to become defensive and you might decrease your chances of them respecting your wishes. 

Noise Etiquette

Now that we have established the appropriate way to talk to your neighbors about their loud music, let’s discuss common noise etiquette between neighbors.

This will help you determine if your neighbor is actually being a pain. 

You might also enjoy our post on What to Do if Neighbors Are Complaining About Noise

What Is the Noise Etiquette for Neighbors?

All neighbors should respect each other’s right to live in a peaceful environment. Whether you live in an apartment building or a social, young neighborhood, you should still follow the basic rules of noise acceptability.

Here are some basic rules to follow to respect your neighbor’s rights:

• If you are having a party in your home, turn down the music around 11 PM
• Do not play loud music outside if you have neighbors close by 
• Do not have lengthy conversations outside late at night if you have neighbors close by 
• If you live in an apartment, avoid hammering anything past 8 PM
• Try and wait until at least 10 AM to mow your lawn 

Are Neighbors Allowed to Play Loud Music During the Day?

Neighbors are generally more allowed to play loud music during the day than at night. However, some places have specific decibels that people are not allowed to go over during specific hours of the day.

For example, the Noise Control Act of 1971 put in place by the state of New Jersey, states that no one can play music over 65 decibels during the day.

At night, you are not allowed to go over 50 decibels between 10 PM and 7 AM.

Therefore, it may be more difficult for you to control your neighbor’s loud music during the day, unless your city has specific laws regarding noise. 

What Time Should Neighbors Be Quiet?

Most cities have local ordinances that state excessive noise should be limited by 10 PM. These ordinances may vary between neighborhoods. Some neighborhoods may even have unwritten laws where all neighbors agree on a specific time.

If you believe your neighbor is not respecting these ordinances, you can respectively bring them to their attention.

Some people are just not aware of these things nor have the common sense to realize their music may disturb other people. 

My Neighbor’s Music Is Shaking My House

If your neighbor’s music is shaking your house, it is definitely too loud and you should not refrain from speaking to them immediately. When the music reaches that point, it is just obnoxious.

If your neighbor plays music that loud, it’s possible they may be more difficult to deal with as opposed to someone who just plays their music a little too loud.

Still, you should approach your neighbor in a friendly and calm manner to avoid them from getting defensive. 

Laws Regarding Noise Volume

Apart from basic neighborly etiquette, there are also laws that state when music can be played at volumes a little higher than normal. Let’s jump into them. 

What Is the Law on Playing Loud Music at Night?

Most cities have local ordinances that state you cannot play loud music after 10 PM. If you have to eventually involve the police, they can use this law in their favor.

You can also use this law in your favor when you approach your neighbor about their loud music. But, of course, in a non-confrontational way.

If someone continuously breaks this law, they can get charged with either public or private nuisance, depending on how many people they are affecting. 

Are There Local Ordinances About Neighbor’s Music?

Generally, there are local ordinances in place to control your neighbor’s level of music. To find out if your city has one, check on your city’s website or do a simple search. Most cities will enforce that loud music needs to stop at 10 PM.

For example, in Chicago, a local noise ordinance states that quiet time is between 10 PM and 8 AM if you live in a residential district or 600 feet from one.

These ordinances even exist in the city that never sleeps, New York City, so it is likely that your city has one. 

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Is It Illegal to Play Loud Music at Night?

Playing loud music at night is generally considered illegal. Since there are many local noise ordinances that state when you are allowed to play your music until, if you disobey these laws then you are breaking the law. 

Although your neighbor may be breaking the law by playing loud music after a designated time, this does not mean that you should call the cops on them right away.

Having a friendly and open discussion with your neighbor may resolve the issue, instead.

Is It Illegal to Play Music After 11 PM? 

Most areas state that is illegal to play music after 10 PM. Although, some cities may extend that time until 11 PM. But, in most cases, it is always illegal to play music after 11 PM. 

It is rare for a city to have local noise ordinances that state you can play music until 12 a.m. or later. This is typically too late for anyone. So, the average time to turn down music is typically 10 or 11 PM.

Can You Get In Trouble for Playing Music Too Loud?

If you are playing music too loud outside of the designated time when you are allowed to play music, it is very likely that you will get in trouble. 

If you visit your neighbor’s home complaining to them that their music is too loud and they don’t do anything about it, you have the right to call the police.

The police will likely not charge them immediately and instead let them off with a warning. 

What Is the Punishment for Playing Loud Music at Night?

If your neighbor has been warned several times about playing loud music at night, they can possibly be charged with nuisance. You may even be able to sue them. 

If your neighbor is convicted of nuisance, they can possibly face a fine or a criminal sentence depending on the court’s decision. The average jail time for nuisance is no longer than two years and less than $1,000 in fines.

How to Solve the Noise Situation Without the Police

Although it is so easy just to call the cops on your noisy neighbor, we are not at that point, just yet. To respect your neighborly relationship, try these strategies first. 

What Can I Do If My Neighbor’s Music Is Too Loud?

If your neighbor’s music is too loud, you can start documenting the incidents when this happens. For example, you can write down that their music was too loud on July 5th until 2 AM.

Documenting the incidents will hold up as evidence if you ever need to involve someone else. For example, if you live in a condo, you can present the evidence to your landlord or property manager.

You can also present this information to your HOA if you have one. 

How Do I Turn My Neighbors Music Down?

If you live in an apartment, and your neighbor’s music is being too loud, a simple courtesy knock is a good way to get the point across that they need to turn their music down.

However, if you live in a detached home, you may have to pay a visit to your neighbor and calmly ask them to turn the music down.

Or, if you have their phone number, either texting or calling them is sometimes a less invasive way of speaking to them. 

You might also enjoy our post on What to Do if Your Neighbor Is Throwing Trash in Your Yard 

How Do I Get My Neighbor to Stop Playing Loud Music?

The best approach to get your neighbor to stop playing loud music is to bring up the situation in a light and calm manner. If this doesn’t work you can either approach your landlord or the HOA if you have one.

Have you and your neighbor have had several conversations about their loud music and they choose to ignore your request or solutions?

You can give them a heads up that you’re next step would have to be to approach either the landlord, homeowners association, or the police.

What to Do When Neighbors Play Loud Music at Night?

You may want to try using a mediator to handle the dispute between you and your neighbor who is playing loud music. You can typically find low-cost, or even volunteer mediators, in your area.

Using a mediator is a great way to handle a situation with two differing sides. The mediator plays a neutral role in the situation since they do not know either of you. 

Therefore, your neighbor may come out of the situation enlightened when they realize it is not just you who thinks their music is too loud.

What Do I Do About My Neighbor’s Loud Music in My Apartment?

A courtesy knock typically goes a long way in an apartment when you need to let your neighbor know their music is too loud. It is a simple gesture that gives the neighbor a reality check without being too offensive.

If this does not work, you can knock on your neighbor’s door and explain to them that their music is far too loud. Always approach the situation in a calm and non-confrontational manner.

If this also does not work, you should begin documenting all of the times that your neighbor plays music too loud.

When you eventually have enough evidence, you can take this evidence either to your landlord or property management. 

There are likely building regulations that permit someone from playing music past a certain time. Your landlord will let your neighbor know that he is breaking the regulations and that this is grounds for possible eviction.

Can I Talk to My HOA About My Neighbor’s Loud Music? 

You can absolutely talk to your HOA about your neighbor’s loud music. Make sure that you have already talked to your neighbor about the situation and warned them that you will be involving the HOA.

You should also have documented times when your neighbor has played their music too loud and times when you have approached them about the situation.

This will act as evidence to your HOA and prove that you have done your due diligence to handle the situation on your own. 

Can I Contact My Landlord About My Neighbor’s Loud Music? 

Contacting your landlord about your neighbor’s loud music is perfectly okay as long as you have already spoken to your neighbor about the situation, they have not done anything about it, and you have warned them that you will be involving the landlord. 

This is important because your landlord will want to know that you have tried to resolve the situation on your own.

You should provide your landlord with documented incidents of loud music when you have spoken to your neighbor about it. 

You might also enjoy our post on What to Do if Your Neighbor Hits Your Parked Car 

When It Is Time To Involve The Police

So you have tried everything in your power to get your neighbor to stop playing loud music but they are just not listening.

You now have every right to involve the police since there may not be a neighborly relationship to save anymore. 

Should I Call the Cops on My Loud Neighbors?

You can absolutely call the cops on your loud neighbors as a last resort. You should have already spoken to your neighbor about the situation, allowed them time to resolve the situation, and possibly involved your landlord or HOA, as well.

Although this may seem like you are giving your neighbor too much grace, it proves that you have done your due diligence to solve the issue on your own.

When the police get involved, they will look for as much evidence as possible.

Having documented moments of when you approached your neighbor, contacted the landlord, and the neighbor has still not done anything will work in your favor.

Can You Call Police for Noise Complaint?

You can definitely call the police to report a noise complaint. Most cities have local ordinances in place that state when you are allowed to play music and when you are not. 

If your neighbor continues to play loud music outside of the regulated times, and you have done everything in your power to control it, you have every right to call the police and get them involved. 

The police will want to know what you have done to try to control the situation and if you have done your due diligence then this will work in your favor. 

How Do I Prove My Neighbor’s Loud Music?

Having documented incidents of when your neighbor has played loud music, along with times when you have spoken to your neighbor about it, will act as evidence. You can also call on your landlord, HOA, or mediator to use as witnesses. 

Everyone you have contacted before you contacted the police, will act as evidence of your neighbor’s continuous loud music playing.

Be sure to include emails to mediators, HOAs, or landlords, if you ever contacted them. If you like, you can also ask your other neighbors if they want to vouch for you. It is likely that they want the noise to stop, as well 

How Do I Document Noise? 

Documenting noise can be as easy as writing down when your neighbor has played loud music. Or, if your neighbor’s loud music is thanks to several parties that your neighbor has, you can install security systems to catch the parties on camera. 

Many home security systems have the ability to record audio. So, if you installed the home security system on your private property and it just happens to pick up loud music coming from your neighbor’s house, this could act as legal evidence. 

Can I Sue Neighbour for Noise? 

It is likely that you will be able to sue your neighbor for private nuisance if they continuously play loud music. You can either ask the court for money damages or order the neighbor to stop the noise.

If your neighbor’s loud music has impacted the way that you enjoy your property, you can ask for monetary compensation or for the court to order the neighbor to stop the noise.

However, keep in mind that this can be a very drawn-out and expensive process.

How Do I Sue My Neighbor Because of Their Loud Music? 

To sue your neighbor because of their loud music, you need to file a police report in the form of a noise complaint. An investigation will then be started between the police and your neighbor. 

If your neighbor is convicted, he will likely be charged with private nuisance. In this case, you then have the right to bring your neighbor to court to potentially sue him.

You will have to first hire a lawyer to begin the suing process.

Related Questions

How Do I Know if My Music Is Too Loud?

An easy way to check if your music is too loud is to keep your music at the level you are trying to assess and step outside of your house. If you can still hear your music, it may be too loud. 

If you live in an apartment, you can knock on your neighbor’s door and ask them if your music is bothering them. This is a great way to show that you have compassion for your neighbors and respect their right to live peacefully. 

What Do I Do When My Neighbor Complains About My Music?

If your neighbor is complaining about your music and you believe it to be reasonable, you should consider turning the music down. Your neighbor has the right to live in a quiet environment and if you interfere with that, they can involve the law. 

On the other hand, if you believe your neighbor is being unreasonable, you should ask your other neighbors if they have a problem with your music.

If there is an overall consensus that it is too loud, then you should respect that and play it at a more reasonable volume. 

Final Thoughts 

We all know how frustrating it can be when an inconsiderate neighbor plays their music extremely loudly well into the night. However frustrating it is, it is important to not escalate the situation and approach it in a calm manner.

But, there are some people out there that simply do not care. Once you do your due diligence and involve as many people as you can about the noise, feel free to involve the police.

This may be your only way to achieve sanity again.