I had a slight problem with my downstairs neighbor the other day. She was playing her stereo VERY loudly (this is the second time this happened since I moved in about 2 months ago). I think she has surround sound which makes it even worse. I live above her. The first time it happened I just ignored it, but it bothered me nonetheless. Both times this happened it was in the afternoon, around 3-4 pm.

Well, the second time it happened (which was a few days ago) I knocked on her door - which she couldn’t even hear because the music was so loud – I had to wait until there was a break in the music. When she came to the door I politely asked if she could turn it down a little, and she was nice about it, she said "Oh, sure, no problem."

My question to you guys is, what is considered reasonable noise? Her stereo was so loud that I could feel my floor vibrating and had to turn my TV’s volume up. She was belting along to the music thinking she was Mariah Carey (Ironically, that’s the music she had on! LOL) I realize it was the middle of the day, but I am entitled to peace and quiet, right? And also, if it happens again, should I complain to the landlord? The landlord lives off the premises, we live in a two family house.

My boyfriend (who lives with me) tells me I am overly sensitive to noise, but I don’t feel that way. I am always very considerate of everyone around me, and would never dream of blasting my TV or radio at the level she had it. Maybe if I lived in my own home, but not when you have to share a living space with other people. In my opinion, it’s just not right.

All in all, her and her boyfriend seem very nice, but I think they are several years younger than me and just oblivious to all that is around them…

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

I wouldn't complain to the landlord, it was only twice in 2 months and in the middle of the day. If you complain to the landlord he is going to chalk you up as a nut.

I agree with your boyfriend, you are being overly sensitive.

You have to realize that 3-4 in the afternoon she is allowed to enjoy the space she pays for also. I hate to deep vacuum so once a week in the afternoon when no one should be bothered my music is turned up for about an hour. If you lived under me you would also hear me moving the furniture to clean under it. The only complaint I ever heard from a neighbor was on my choice of music. My upstairs neighbor wanted me to play Jimmy Buffet my downstairs neighbor wanted my country. It took awhile but I found the happy place with classic rock. lol

I spent too long as a resident building manager. Save calling the landlord for when the music is going at 3-4 in the morning, or when your fridge decides to die or there is no heat. Those things can be dealt with. Afternoon music, if the police can't do anything about it neither can your landlord.

Next time it happens, knock and tell her, you may not know this but your music is quite loud in my apartment. Tell her to leave it at the level she enjoys and then ask her to come up to your apartment so she can hear what it's like for you. Then tell you understand she has the right to enjoy her music but it should not be at the cost of your peace and quiet. It just might work.