TAMPA HOA MANAGEMENT COMPANY’S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DEALING WITH NOISY NEIGHBORS
We’ve all had them before. You know “those neighbors.” The neighbors that love to play loud music, constantly fight and bicker, throw big parties in the middle of the week, or leave their dogs outside to bark at passerbys. Your neighbor’s noise can and likely will rob you of your sleep, disturb your peace of mind, and nearly drive you insane if left unresolved. This is one of those situations that need to be resolved early before the situation progresses. There are a number of ways to approach these situations from having a polite conversation with your neighbor to getting law enforcement involved. Below are the necessary steps to take if you find yourself being tormented by your neighbor’s noise.
1. POLITELY INFORM YOUR NEIGHBOR OF THEIR NOISE.
Try not to confront your neighbor while you are upset. This will likely lead to an unwanted confrontation and will not resolve your issue. Remember, your neighbor may not be aware that their noise levels are bothering you. By having a polite and respectful conversation you will bring the issue to their attention, and most likely resolve it.
2. GIVE A WARNING.
If after your conversation the issue has been left unresolved, the next step would be to give your neighbor a written warning. Before typing up your letter, do your homework first. Research your city laws and ordinances or the HOA regulations on noise levels are. If you find that your neighbors are in violation of these laws or regulations then construct a letter to give to them detailing the incidents of noise coming from their residence. Make sure to include hard copies highlighting your city’s laws and ordinances or your HOA’s regulations that prohibit loud and excessive, or unnecessary levels of noise. This letter should also warn your neighbor that if their noise continues, you will be forced to contact their landlord, your Tampa HOA management company, or law enforcement (always last resort).
After you have sent the letter, keep a written documentation of the dates and times of any other occurrences.
3. CONTACT THE LANDLORD AND/OR YOUR TAMPA HOA MANAGEMENT COMPANY.
Only after all your attempts have been left unaddressed, should these measures be taken. If your neighbors are renters, you can contact the landlord/homeowner to make them aware of the ongoing situation, and/or your HOA management company. If your neighbors are the homeowners, you can file a formal complaint with your Tampa HOA management company. Be aware that multiple complaints may be required before any action is taken.
4. CONTACT LOCAL AUTHORITIES.
If your neighbor does not respond to any of the steps above, then as a last resort you can contact local authorities and file a complaint. These complaints can lead to your neighbors being fined for disruptive noise. It may help to enlist the help of other neighbors that are affected by the same issues.
In extreme cases, if after contacting local authorities the noise still persists, you may choose to take legal action and sue your neighbor in a small claims court for nuisance behavior.