What can we do about loud neighbors?

Q: We live next door to a house that has recently turned into a busy short-term vacation rental. The guests party to all hours outside in the pool and otherwise misbehave. We tried speaking to the owner and even calling the police. Nothing works. What can we do? — Tracy

Q: Our neighbors are very loud. They yell and play loud music at all hours. We have asked them to tone it down and complained to the city to no avail. How do we end this torture? — Jasmine

A: Everyone has the right to enjoy their property, but they do not have the right to do so in a way that stops their neighbors from having the same privilege.

It is called a “nuisance” for someone to use their property in a way that interferes with their neighbor’s peaceful enjoyment of their home. Under the law, unreasonable amounts of noxious smells, smoke, and noise are considered nuisances, as is directing water drainage onto someone else’s land and posting indecent signs or pictures.

What can be seen as a nuisance varies in each situation, so each case will need to be examined to see if the offender’s actions are reasonable.

For example, an occasional party that ends before most people head off to bed is very different to thumping music that can be heard two blocks away blasting until 4 a.m. every weekend.

In most columns, I have advised trying to talk things out, and I see that you both have already done so. The reality is that sometimes you cannot resolve a dispute yourself no matter how hard you try. When that happens, it is time to hire a lawyer and go to court for help.

In situations such as yours, a judge can grant an “injunction” ordering your neighbor to follow the rules and stop the offensive behavior, and in some circumstances, even give you a monetary judgment to compensate you for the damage your neighbor caused.

If the neighbor still does not stop, you can go back to court to have them held in contempt of the injunction order, which has serious consequences.

Gary Singer