My neighbor is constantly making noise, what can I do about it?
October 14, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Emma Richter
Dear lawyer,
I am reaching out to you because I urgently need help. My name is Adele Weise and I have been living in a rental apartment for a few months. Unfortunately, I have been experiencing significant issues with my neighbor, who constantly makes noise. This includes loud music, loud arguments, and loud stomping that occurs at all hours of the day and night. This has led to considerable stress, sleep disturbances, and a severe impact on my quality of life.
I have tried to speak with my neighbor several times and politely ask him to stop his disruptive behavior. However, he has shown no understanding and has not changed his behavior. I feel powerless and do not know what else I can do to finally have peace in my apartment.
Therefore, I am wondering what legal options are available to me to address my neighbor's noise. Are there specific legal regulations or provisions in tenancy law that could help me in this situation? What steps can I take to enforce my right to peace and relaxation in my rental apartment?
I would be grateful for any help and advice you can provide me in this difficult situation. Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Adele Weise
Dear Mrs. Weise,
I completely understand that the situation with your noisy neighbor is extremely stressful for you and greatly affects your quality of life. Noise pollution from neighbors is a common problem in rental apartments, and there are actually legal regulations in tenancy law that can help you in this case.
First and foremost, it is important to know that tenants have a right to peace and relaxation in their apartment. This is enshrined in tenancy law and means that your neighbor is obligated to consider your quiet times and avoid excessive noise. If he does not do so, you as a tenant can take action.
As a first option, I recommend that you seek a conversation with your landlord. Your landlord is also obligated to ensure peace and order in the building and can impose appropriate measures on your neighbor as the owner of the property. Your landlord can also issue a warning to your neighbor or, in the worst case scenario, even obtain an immediate termination of the tenancy.
If the conversation with the landlord does not lead to the desired outcome or you do not feel comfortable involving your landlord, there is also the option to take legal action directly against your neighbor. You can file an injunction with the relevant district court and proceed legally against the noise nuisance.
It is also possible to contact the local regulatory agency to report noise pollution. The regulatory agency can then take measures and impose requirements on your neighbor to reduce noise.
In any case, I recommend keeping a noise log in which you record the type, duration, and time of the noise. This serves as evidence in case of legal disputes.
I hope that this information will help you and that you will receive the necessary support to address the noisy neighbor. If you have any further questions, I am happy to assist you.
Sincerely,
Emma Richter, Attorney at Law
