Neighbor Throwing a Loud Party? Here's What to Do

Step 1: Assess the Situation

Before you do anything, take a moment to assess. Is the noise truly excessive, or just a bit of weekend fun? Consider a few factors:

• The Time: A party at 8 PM on a Saturday is very different from one at 1 AM on a Tuesday. Check your local ordinance to see if the party is violating specific quiet hours.
• The Day: Most people are more tolerant of noise on a Friday or Saturday night than on a weeknight when they have to get up for work.
• The Type of Noise: Is it just music and chatter, or is it aggressive shouting and behavior that makes you feel unsafe?

For a one-off event that isn't wildly out of line, sometimes the best course of action is to be patient, especially if the neighbors are generally considerate.

Step 2: The First Move: A Polite Knock or Text

If the noise is crossing a line, your first step should always be direct and friendly communication, if you feel safe doing so. They might not realize how much the sound is traveling.

• If you have their number, a simple text is often best: "Hey, hope you're having a great party! Just wanted to let you know the music is pretty loud over here. Would you mind turning it down a bit?"
• If you don't, a quick, non-confrontational knock on the door works too. Keep it light and friendly. A smile goes a long way.

Step 3: When to Escalate to the Non-Emergency Line

If your friendly request is ignored or you don't feel comfortable approaching your neighbor, it may be time to call the police. Always use the non-emergency number, not 911. Call when:

• Your polite request was dismissed or ignored after a reasonable amount of time (e.g., 15-20 minutes).
• The party is extremely loud and continuing late into designated quiet hours.
• The gathering seems unsafe or disorderly, with sounds of fighting or property damage.

When you call, calmly state your address, the location of the party, and the nature of the noise. The police will prioritize the call based on their current workload.

What Not to Do

• Don't be aggressive or confrontational. This will only escalate the situation and could create long-term animosity.
• Don't call 911 unless there is a clear emergency like a fight, medical issue, or fire.
• Don't engage in "noise wars" by blasting your own music. This rarely helps and can lead to a complaint against you.

The Takeaway

Handling a neighbor's party is a balancing act between your right to quiet and their right to celebrate. By starting with a calm assessment and a friendly request, you can often solve the problem without needing to involve authorities, preserving a positive relationship for the future.