If you live in an apartment block or even a condo, you have to accept that you do not live in unattached housing. You are living adjacent to and next to other people. It’s a case of live and let live. There are still acceptable levels and even times for the amount of sound and noise that any person or family can and should tolerate and live with.

There is no doubt that the amount and even quality of sound a person will live with will vary depending on a variety of factors ranging from their ability to mentally filter and filter noise and noise levels, the construction of the building and the soundproofing, the level and types of noise generated and created and even the time of day or night that these loud or consistent sounds are created.

But what can you do to reduce or even learn to live next door to noisy neighbors, unless one of you moves? First, get to know your neighbors and your neighborhood. If there are noisy neighbors in the area, they politely and tactfully do their best to make them aware of how their activities affect others. This is, of course, if they are considerate people who are not too self-centered and know how to think and be considerate of others. If this strategy fails, then talk to other neighbors in the area, your floor, and even the floors directly above and below, to see if the sounds and noise levels bother or affect anyone else. There is safety in numbers, so to speak.

If your neighbors are the considerate type with whom you can have a rational discussion, then there is plenty to talk about in order to take steps to improve.
For example, rugs can be laid down, stereo or television equipment can be moved away from adjacent sleeping areas and shared walls, stereo and electronic equipment can be turned down to bass. In addition, agreed hours can be agreed on noisy activities. As an example, you or your spouse may work during the day while the offenders are home. So let them make as much noise as they want during daylight hours when you’re away and obviously you won’t be bothered by loud noises and sounds.

In the end, living next to other people, you should realistically expect a bit of noise to seep through the walls from time to time. It’s a fact of life and you should expect a fair attitude, but you should also adopt a live and let live precept.

Lastly, if all else fails and you have overcome all rational options and discussions, you can always approach the management in the building, or the professional managers of your complex or condominium board.