Disturbance of the Peace: New Neighbors

As of Thursday of last week we have new neighbors. We've never had problems with our neighbors priorly. A woman, man, and baby moved in next door to us. We're currently living in a community apartment complex. It's not a trashy place it's actually very nice. We pay good money to live here for that reason. Saturday night they were drunk and loud. Telling loud drunk stories and laughing at drunk jokes ect. It was 11:30pm and my husband went out there and asked them if they could take it down a notch. Or inside ect. He told them we only have one day off a week. That he has to get up a 6am six days out of the week. They seemed polite and said they completely understood. They would ect. Very nice.

45 mins goes by and it's still going on... Just the same. I tried to give them some time because there were four or five people there having a get together. We understand that it can take a few minutes to get things under wrap ect. If multiple people are drinking ect. However, an hour goes by and nothing has changed....

My husband and I go out there together and express to them that it's very late. That we'd like to sleep. I told them I have a toddler and have to be up early.We work....ect. And once again.. They were very polite and said they'd cut it out ect. Take it inside or whatnot.

.... AN HOUR goes by..........

Okay. I called police and asked them if they could come warn them. I told the police I don't  need to speak with you, I just want to be able to sleep.

The police come out and tell them neighbors are complaining it's late ect. They are very polite once again. " Ohh okay, okay. Yeah. We understand that. We'll blah blah "

They police leave and they get louder start honking their horn and saying " OOOOOH SOMEONE CALLED THE COPS on US... Whatever! " and ...it continued...worse
NOTHING CHANGES... 35 mins later...I call the police to come back and file a report for disturbance of the peace. I didn't want to write them up for anything. I just wanted them to understand I'm serious. If it were being done in the afternoon I wouldn't have an issue. The sound wouldn't have bothered afternoon me. Or me before 11pm for that matter. But, seriously....

They politely came to my door and said I'm sorry's the next day.... The police told us that you have five days in our city to take the complaint and make it formal. Then it can be taken to court and they can be fined 500 dollars. I talk to my husband about it and we decide to hold off calling... Because ' maybe ' they got it. We wanted to just give them a benefit of a doubt because they're our new neighbors. We wait hoping the whole thing can just be forgotten. That it was a one time thing.

Last night...11:45pm it's the same thing only not drunk. My husband and I go out there and I ask them " Do you realize what time it is? It's late. It's nearly midnight right now and a weekday at that. We both have jobs and we have a toddler. We have to be up at 6am. We'd like to sleep what is left of the night....

They're polite once again " Ooh we get it. We're new and didn't realize the sound traveled like it does... " I say " I Understand that you Understand. But, I don't want to have the police out here every other night because we can't sleep. I don't want to be the mean bad guy. I just want to sleep this is an unreasonable. It's not going to work for us. " They say they get it and wave us off....

Yet... What changed? You know the answer right.... Nothing. NOTHING AT ALL. We go inside and they continue.

I called the police and ask them what to do. I tell them I don't have experiance with this kind of problem. What am I supposed to do? I've tried dealing with them as nicely as possible to mend it between ourselves. But, they just don't get it. I realize they're young and this very well could be their first place of their own. But, they need to learn respect for their neighbors since they live in a community.

The police talk to them once again.. Come back.. Tell me that I'm right they don't get it. They expressed to me that they actually had the nerve to ask if they could file a report for harrassment against me. Because I called the police and talked to them... The police told them that's not harrasment. That if they weren't disturbing my peace I wouldn't be asking them to quiet down.... or calling them when they don't...

I went ahead this morning bright and early and filed the Sunday night disturbance report formally.  I talked to the manager of our community and they said this is a ' three strikes their out community.' That after the third formal complaint they're evicted.  This isn't about a personal problem with them. I have nothing against them personally.... I just want to rest....

 My question is... Do you think I did everything in a reasonable adult manner? I don't see any other way to handle it. I don't want to have them ticketed or evicted. But, I have to be able to sleep and rest at night. At this point I feel it's the only way to get through to them that it's serious. This is an adult community and adults have consequences. I tired of polite words and bogus promises. Actions speak louder than words.

Feel free to share advice, rants, and things you may've learnt due to disturbing neighbors.

As you explain it, it sounds like you've done everything right.  If they don't stop this behavior they need to be evicted.  If this happens, it is not your fault it is theirs.  They have been warned.  But I wouldn't be surprised if they continue the disrespectful behaviour.   If so, do what you have to do and don't feel guilty about it.

You were totally right.  They need to grow up.  Make sure they know about the "three strikes" policy.  At this rate, it won't be long before they're gone!

It sounds like you handled it very reasonably. If it had been me I might have been out there with a baseball bat. Sorry it's happening, but it sounds like you have great records to get them evicted.  Maybe once they have to pay $500 fine they will wise up. 

But, don't be suprised if they start vandalising your stuff.  I had the same thing happen to me and my car got egged and beer bottles thrown at it, denting the hood, and they put ketchup all over my front door.  Hopefully it doesn't happen to you, but if anything like that happens, take photos and call the police immediately, and get the apartment mgmt to come look at it.

A lot of complexes like yours have rules for the tenants to follow.  Can you get the building associate involved?  I would have done the same exact thing as you-  calling the police.  I have people who fish in the canal off of our dead end street and they get pretty loud.  At this point I don't even ask them to quiet down-  I just call.  Or another neighbor calls.  You can't live like this.  I would have the cops come every night if you have to-  and follow through with the fines.  If they don't pay they risk going to jail.

i HATE loud neighbors.  One word of advice-  watch your stuff.  And if you get any rocks through the windows or any small vandalism, report it and document it with pictures.  These people sound terrible.

 

I think you did the right thing- I would have probably called the police and filed the report the second time they didn't quiet down... you were pretty lenient.

I had a roommate that turned into a druggie.  At the time, I was juggling two jobs (pharmacy tech 5 days a week 7:30-4 and bartender 4 nights a week)... I would get home at 11pm and crash because I had to get up at 6am the next morning.  She would bring her friends over around 3-4am and start partying- turning the radio up and being all loud.  Not to mention the smoking (EWWW). 

Well, I kicked her out after about 2 weeks of that.  We're still friends and she is now not doing any drugs, but yeah, those were bad days!

 Thanks so much for all the replies. It's reassuring that others would've done the same thing.I try to handle things in a reasonable manner. The situation is new to me though.. so I worried about going about things incorrectly. I've moved all of my patio decorations ect indoors. That was a good headsup.I've also been locking the door using every lock ect. I actually felt like they were 'watching me' come up the steps today. Paranoia? Locking up so tightly is something I rarely ever do. Much less double check...and triple check. Previously, I'd felt quite safe here.  Paranoia?Or real potential threat? I'm not sure but the hairs on the back of my neck stood up and I thought..." fear is an instinct.. don't dismiss it. " So I've been being careful.( Thinking the might try to actually attack me. ) Thanks for that advice. I'll keep an eye on my stuff and be sure to report,document, and take picture ect. If anything like that happens. >_<

The community manger said that they were going to have a serious talk with them and enlighten them on the ' three strick policy.' I'm going to bring the copies of everything filed ect so they have it on hand. It's insane that someone that's been living near you less than a week can cause sleep deprivation.

I def don't want to scare you-  i just want you to be careful and concious and ready for what people dish out.  you just never know.  Our neighbors son used to throw rocks at our house when the previous owners lived there.   Hold your ground!  You were there FIRST!!  And I'm sure you're not the only people they were bothering; espcially since noise travels in living complexes like yours.

Yeah. That's another thing that concerns me. You never know how people are going to react. My impression is that they'll continue on endlessly unless I make it of a formal nature. With the police, reports, community police, and fines. As well as making sure the three strick policy is enforced. They act so polite and understanding...everying single time we've spoken to them about it. That gets under my skin because it's like in one ear... out the other.  I expressed that to the police and they turned their head slightly to the side and said in apologetic voice "It's sarcasm, Ma'am."

.... I didn't realize that kind of sarcasm existed. I don't intend to answer my door to them or speak to them again. I plan to be stricktly formal with them from this point on. Good idea? Bad? I'm not sure but talking hasn't helped thus far. So I don't see any reason to continue that route.     

ha, I was thinking the sarcasm thing when reading this... young punks

I'd definitely not answer your door- let them know you're pissed and not going to deal with it any longer.

Yep.  But I think you were too calm, Thats awesome that you were because  I would definitely not be calm in that situation, They would have learnt their lesson with a bit of uncalmness too So they would actually see your level of seriousness.

 See... I didn't realize it was sarcasm. I thought the were just drunk, slow, or had that bad child syndrome. ... You know... It's like watching a kid continue to do exactly what you already told them not to do. Then having to enforce punishment you never wanted them to receive...Or watch them endure bad/trouble that could've otherwise been avoided. Had they just really listened to you to begin with... Instead of waving you off... I imagine some people have to endure the bad consequences to learn though. It makes me feel more confident in my approach to hear your responses. Thank you. 

 Basically...I am usually a nice person. Some of my friends say I am a push-over. Though, I do have my moments if you push me over the edge. Friends and family can vouch for me in that area. I tried to be direct without being hostile or making it personal. They just keep shoving me closer to my edge though. I just want the situation rectified...Ten seconds of satisfaction from telling them off would be nice...But, I'd rather have a solution...I'm big on solutions...>_< So I try not to be counter productive to myself.

You Go Girl!!!!  I lived in an apt only 4 units and it was nice until our neighbors below moved away and then we got a young couple that liked to listen to their stereo at all hours of the night and I was so sleep deprived for weeks I couldn't take much more - then one day / morning 7:30am workday and school day  they come pounding on my door saying our walking on our kitchen floor wakes them up OMG -- I wanted to push the byatch down the steps- the nerve!!  I complained to the apt managers and as luck would have it they were evicted due to non payment of rent within a week

I've called the cops on other neighbors during the day for disturbance of the peace - I figure if I am in my house with all windows closed yet can still hear your stereo over my tv or my radio or kids or whatever then you are disturbing the peace and need to turn it down.  The cops agreed - I will usually try to be tolerant during the daytime but anything after 10 pm is late and will warrant a phone call to the authorities.

I think you absolutely did the right things, in every way!  And you're a much better (and more generous) person than I would be in that situation.  My only remotely similar experience was in college.  Well, I was in college, but older, like about 24, after having gone at the normal time for a couple of years and then sat out due to medical reasons . . . I was renting a nice duplex apt. in a nice area close to college campus, living on my own, working, and paying my own bills and rent, etc., while going to school.  My apt. was next door to a small house owned by a "grandfather" who was allowing his grandson to live there, and I could not tell you for sure how many other people actually resided there, but there was always a ton of people over there, parked in the street, blocking my driveway, etc.  And it was a party 24/7.

I was afraid to make many waves because I came home every weekend, thus my apt. was vacant, my neighbors 10 feet away knew my habits, and I lived alone, and I had no idea the character or class (or lack thereof) of my neighbors.  I made some mistakes in how I did some things, things I would do differently now, 33 years old, tired, owning a few guns (just kidding!), a killer ferocious shih-tzu/pekingese mix, and not giving a crap if I hurted their widdle feelings. 

I came home over a long holiday weekend to find them having their garden hose stretched across my yard, hooked up to my water faucet, and being used, apparently all weekend long, to service their kiddie pool, ummm, I mean hot tub, in their front yard.  *next escalation coming.*

I unlocked (yes, unlocked) my small storage shed out back one day to be met eye to eye with a large, snarling German Shepherd, that I have no idea how long he had been locked up in there for, without food or water, in the middle of a brutally hot southern summer.  *next escalation coming.*

I came home from yet another weekend away to find a toilet plunger, yes, laying in the middle of my dining room floor.  Yes, to a locked apt., to which the landlords assured me the locks had been changed.  Yeah, ok.  No signs of forced entry.  Nothing missing.  Nothing broken.   It was like it was done just so they could see me trying to explain to the police that I knew my apt was broken into because somebody left a TOILET PLUNGER in my dining room floor.  Yeah, makes me look positively sane and sober. 

My landlords did not care.  I was friendly in passing with my neighbors, and they in return.  No relationship or interaction beyond that.  I don't know for sure who did these things.  And, no, I for sure could not prove who did any of it, except the water hose, which was theft of city tap water on my dime, not exactly a capital offense, even though I was still pissed about it (disrespecting me and letting me pay for their water while they were living there for free).  Regardless, I didn't care who did the others.  I didn't call the police, which I should've.  I was terrified.  If whomever had gotten in once so easily, they could surely do it again.  My boyfriend spent the night with me that night and I moved out that week.  Paid the remaining month's rent out on my lease, on a vacant apt. 

You did the right thing.  Be as nice as you can, for as long as you can be.  Pay attention to anything that looks or seems out of place or wrong.  Involve the police (more/again if you need to).  You don't know these people.  Document and file complaints/reports for the purpose of records.  It's important.  Good luck.

it sounds like to me that you did everything humanly possible to handle this peaceful and quietly on your own..you did it right by calling the police and filing the papers..I also have neighbors that I have talked to apartment management about...You have to let others know that  you will be respected..and some people just don't have respect for others...good luck with your "new friends"

Gosh, see I dont think you did the right thing-- at least on Saturday night.  I think you now have enemies for life that could have maybe resolved in a better way.

First, on a Saturday night, people have until at least midnight, and in an apartment complex, much later to get quiet.  Thats on you-- get earplugs, a fan, whatever you need to do.  They dont have to work in the morning and probably on get that one night to have a bit of fun. (in general).  So yes, I think you erred there.  If at 1 am they were still noisy or waking up the baby-- I might go say something.  If nothing happened, then I would talk to the apt managment BEFORE calling the police.

I think you have antagonized them now and are in for it.

On the weekday, you have every right to have them be quiet after 11.   But continously callling the cops, again, only serves to make them laugh at you and hate you.  Plus its not like the cops can really do anything.  And you ARE harassing them.  Maybe with good reason, but calling the cops a half dozen times because they are sitting on their patio talking? Fans, earplugs, white noise-- you live in apartment complex, you have to learn to live around other people who dont have your same ideas of bedtimes, wake times, and noise levels.

Good luck and I hope your car isnt keyed.

 A half dozen times would actually be actually be six. The police were called four times. Twice the first night since they warned them once. Then had to come out again to file a report. Then twice again the second time. Once to warn them and the second because I wanted the police to give me advice due to their experience. Not to actually speak with them again. We were beyond talking to them or warning them at that point.  "You have to learn to live around other people who don't share...ect"  That is the most backwards statement I've ever heard.  It doesn't matter what type of community one live in... for the most part everyone lives within a community. That is obviously true.  However, there are two things with that... it makes more sense for the 2% who stay up at night to adjust to the 98% who sleep at night.  And parallel to that, it can be enforced by the law. As for the cops not doing anything. There is a system in play so it may take a while for justice to be served. But, their duty is to follow the set system created for them. I have a great respect for what the police do. It's the same with the three strike policy. It's a system created for tentents to abide or suffer consequences. I'm glad that my community has strict policy in that regard.

If I were a conspiracy theorist, I would think drea99 is in fact the neighbor!!! hee hee....btw, you did the right thing!!

First, on a Saturday night, people have until at least midnight, and in an apartment complex, much later to get quiet.

I agree. It was a Saturday... not a Tuesday.

It was 11:30 on Saturday night when my husband asked them if they were going to start taking it down a notch.

45 mins Later... Nothing changed... We asked again.

 1hour after that..still nothing had changed.

That is well past midnight even then we seriously just wanted them to understand we needed to sleep what was left of the night.  So they were ' warned. ' It was well past midnight before the police were called and only thirty minutes till when we personally asked them to 'start  taking it down a notch, please. '

 If we need to be technical it was 11:35pm exactly. 1:20 am when the police were called. I think that's considered a reasonable time to ask someone to take it down a notch, as well as a reasonable time given for it to actually happen.

" Walmart will be closing in Twenty Five minutes. " Lol

In some community complexes they don't have such policies. We don't live in the type that do as they please. We have set community rules for our neighbors and self. Former neighbors and current ones have always abided by them just fine.