Summer is here and it's a great time to catch up on your reading. But with the warm weather comes outdoor parties and barking dogs. You shouldn't have to live your life with noise canceling headphones.
Under the law you have the right to the quiet enjoyment of your home. You also have the right to stop other people from causing public nuisances and disturbing the peace.
Here are some tips for when you're trying to relax and you hear unpleasant noise, such as your neighbor's dog barking.
Start by calling the police. If you're in an apartment, call the landlord. Almost every city will have a noise ordinance and you may be able to file a Noise Disturbance Complaint Form. Noise pollution is any noise that travels from someone else's yard and crosses your property line. With a barking dog, you can also call animal control.
If raucous neighbors have moved in and the noise won't stop, it's time to visit a lawyer and find out more options. It often makes a more effective impression when you visit your neighbor about noise pollution and start by saying, "I've talked to a lawyer."
Sometimes all it takes to stop the noisemakers is to have your lawyer write them a letter, explaining the criminal and civil penalties for being too loud.
As a last resort, you can file a lawsuit charging the troublemakers with creating a nuisance. It is possible to get a court order forcing them to stop the noise.
As a last resort you can go on the offensive - not recommended, but fun.
