Constant noise from kids next door

LegacyUser

I have lived in my apartment for several months. The walls are thin so I can hear my neighbour's comings and goings but it's not intrusive so I ignore it and get on with things.
Now my old neighbours on the other side have moved out and an Eastern European woman has moved in along with her two kids. I don't have kids so I'm not sure what's normal or not but these kids shout, cry and scream high pitched screams all day long and late into the night.

Occasionally I hear the mother try to shush them but they just ignore her and continue to scream which she seems happy to let them do. To say this is impacting on my home life is an understatement. I feel as though I am trapped in a creche with screaming children running around my living room every night. I need to work from home and it is a nightmare trying to write long documents when you don't know the minute the next piercing scream will land followed by 20 minutes of tantrum induced crying.

Not only has my work started to suffer but it is mentally exhausting to have to constantly listen to toddlers screaming and crying. It is especially bad when they are not your own and you're istening to it at home in your own sitting room every day and night.

I am stressed out from this and I really don't think speaking to the mother will get me anywhere as they sound to be naturally unruly children and I'm not sure anything would make them stop. Please help as moving out myself is not an option at the moment.

kjl

Well, yes kids do make a lot of noise.

There are many places you can live that don't allow children, perhaps you could consider moving out, I know it sounds harsh, but what's the alternative?

wayhey

This situation sucks. If it was me I'd go around with something for the kids. Grab a cheap, but good, bottle of wine for the mother and a DVD and packet of sweets for the kids or something. Welcome them to the block-yeah, they're not ideal neighbours. You don't mention how long they've lived there? It's difficult moving to a new place and setting up. Must be tougher as a single mum. Introduce yourself, welcome them...and slide in there that you're working next door. Maybe even get a laptop bag or something as if you're just coming in from the "office". Just welcome them and mention that you work a lot from home and you really need "x to y time" as quiet as possible. It's not feasible to keep kids quiet forever but you sure as hell shouldn't have to put up with constant noise for weeks on end.

I'd follow up if that hasn't worked. Pick an ideal time to go around, e.g. 10 o'clock. If the noise is that late then she can hardly blame you for calling round. Have you talked to the neighbours (if any) on the other side of her? Have they approached her? Maybe you could learn what they tried and did not work.

Failing all this, call the Gards. Yeah, it sucks, but you've a right to peace in your own home during a certain time of the day. And maybe get those noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs and pump some ambient music through it. Complain to the landlord incessantly. If no other residents will back you up and the gards can't do anything unfortunately moving out will have to be considered (I know you say you can't...downsize? Could be a good move way things are, with her and prices)

Overheal

Is this a home that you own or a temporary accomodation?

It sounds like - if this is coming through the seperation wall - that the building is not up to code, anyway.

But, you can have the building inspected, etc. etc. Or the Irish Solution (tip-toe) would be to reinforce your wall panels with an additional frame. Wall Panels are DIY, really. Just nails, 2x4s and some Insulating foam. What you'd be doing is just building a wall on top of the existing wall.

If you're not responsible for the building, find out who is.

nibtrix

Is there a management company for your apartment block? I know if I was to complain about constant noise the management company would go and ask them to keep it down. They may not be able to do anything concrete (like throwing them out) but at least it's a good first step (and you don't have to be the one going to their door to complain).

Also, keep a record of any complaints you make, might help later on.

krudler

kjl wrote: »

Well, yes kids do make a lot of noise.

There are many places you can live that don't allow children, perhaps you could consider moving out, I know it sounds harsh, but what's the alternative?

Why should they have to move because someone cant keep their sprogs quiet?

Have a word with the landlord, tell them you dont mind everyday tolerable noise but screaming kids isnt that, occasional crying, fair enough, but all the time? fcuk that noise.

If it were me, I'd definitely ask some of the other neighbours what they think. They might feel the same, and knowing your not the only one who is bothered by the noise will help you figure out what you want to do about the situation. Also it can never hurt to have back up, particularly if you want to complain to someone. "Some of the neighbours have complained about the noise" will sound far better than "one of the neighbours has complained".
Don't be afraid to be seen as the bad guy. Obviously it's best to keep in mind that the mother's situation can't be easy, and she probably doesn't need much extra stress, but you're just as entitled to feel at ease in your own home as she is. If that means being seen as a grumpy neighbour, then you'll just have to do it. Anyway, if you complain to the owner of the building they can pass the message on for you (if you're of a shy persuasion) and you wont have to do any face-to-face awkwardness.

But first, try earplugs!! Sometimes the simplest solution is the best!

barbiegirl

Kids make noise. You did as a child and I'm betting so did everyone else on here. It sounds like the problem is the building rather than the kids. Check if the walls are regulation, if there are any. Contact the management company to see if they have a solution.
Other that that you don't really have much by way of choices. Many apartments that went up in the past 15 years have very thin walls unfortunately.

cafecolour

Headphones. Most any music works for me, but some folks stick with classical or such - considering it less distracting since it doesn't have lyrics. Plus, Mozart's supposed to make you smarter while you listen to it

stvincent

or headphones with anti noise... you'll still need to listen to light music though. The anti noise takes a little getting used to. Feels like something sucking your ear imho.