Should I call the police for a noise complaint?

You should only call the police (using the non-emergency line) if the noise is excessive, occurring during quiet hours, and you have already tried to resolve it by talking to the neighbor. Never call 911 for noise unless there is an emergency.

Can I remain anonymous when reporting a noise complaint?

Yes, in most jurisdictions you can file a noise complaint anonymously. However, providing your details can be helpful if the officers need to witness the noise from your property to confirm the violation.

When Is It Okay to Call the Cops on a Noisy Neighbor?

Published on: October 15, 2025

Key Takeaways

A guide to handling noise complaints, including when it's appropriate to involve law enforcement and what steps to take first.

Step 1: Know Your Local Noise Ordinance

Before taking any action, your first step should be to understand the specific rules for your area. Noise ordinances vary significantly from one city to another. Key things to look for are:

Quiet Hours: Most cities define specific times (e.g., 10 PM to 7 AM) when noise restrictions are stricter.
Decibel (dB) Limits: Some ordinances set maximum allowable sound levels for residential and commercial areas, often with different limits for daytime and nighttime.
Specific Prohibitions: Look for rules about common nuisances like barking dogs, loud music, or construction work outside of permitted hours.

Not sure about the rules in your city?

Use our AI-powered search tool to get a clear summary of your local noise ordinance instantly.

Step 2: Try a Friendly Conversation

Often, your neighbor may not even be aware they are causing a disturbance. A polite, non-confrontational conversation can resolve the issue without any lingering tension. Try approaching them at a calm time (not during the noise incident) and explain the situation from your perspective. A simple, "Hey, I'm not sure if you're aware, but your music is quite loud in my apartment late at night" can go a long way.

Step 3: Document Everything

If a friendly chat doesn't work, start keeping a detailed log of the noise incidents. This documentation will be crucial if you need to involve authorities or a landlord later. Record:

Date and Time: Be specific about when the noise starts and stops.
Type of Noise: Is it music, shouting, construction, etc.?
Impact: How does it affect you? (e.g., "Woke me up," "Vibrating my walls").
Actions Taken: Note any times you spoke with your neighbor.

Step 4: When to Involve Law Enforcement

Calling the police should be a last resort or reserved for specific situations. It's generally appropriate to call when:

You have already tried talking to your neighbor without success.
The noise is occurring during designated quiet hours.
The noise is exceptionally loud, aggressive, or sounds like a fight or domestic dispute, which could be an emergency.

Important: Use the non-emergency police line for noise complaints. The 911 number is for life-threatening emergencies only. You can often find the non-emergency number on your city's official website or by searching for it online. Our ordinance tool also provides these numbers for many cities.

What to Expect When You Call

When you call the non-emergency line, be prepared to provide your name and address, the location of the noise, and a description of the disturbance. The dispatcher will assess the priority of the call. Police response time can vary greatly depending on how busy they are with more urgent matters. An officer may visit the location, issue a warning, or, in cases of repeated violations, issue a citation.

The Takeaway

Resolving a noise issue requires a measured approach. Start by understanding your local laws and trying to communicate directly with your neighbor. If that fails, documentation and a call to the non-emergency line are your next best steps. Being informed and patient is the most effective way to restore peace and quiet.