Obnoxious upstairs neighbors (includes video example) - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

AKA · 01-25-2012, 09:31 PM

My wife, baby and I moved into our new apartment in October. This being my first apartment, I had to get used to wayward noises from other units. I know that I'm going to hear the occasional muffled conversation, TV set, stereo or footsteps upstairs. It's part of apartment living (these aren't penthouses; that's for sure).

My upstairs neighbors, though, have proven to be a nightmare. From what I can tell, they're a young couple in their twenties with a three-year-old and a baby about my son's age. I know that a family that young will come with some noise. That's not my problem.

My problem is the blatant disregard for anyone else who lives in the complex. They constantly yell at their son (I swear, if I didn't know any better, I'd think the kid's name was "Getyourass"), who sounds like he's practicing gymnastics in the apartment, as I get a barrage of loud, ceiling-rattling "thuds" at any given time of the day. They blast rap music, again at any given time of the day. And I can't be too sure, but I think they have a pet elephant who is up there practicing for the Boston Marathon.

I need to take naps during the day, but I can't, because they're up in their bedroom (which is directly above mine) smoking weed with friends. And over the weekend, the wife (or girlfriend; I'm not sure) was outside our door with a friend of hers smoking weed, which seeped into our apartment.

Worst of all, though, is the fighting. They fight constantly, and nastily. One time last week, my wife and I were awoken at 5:30 am by the sound of the woman screaming and throwing things directly above our bedroom.

And then there's this little gem, which I filmed on my iPhone.

Talking to them is out of the question, due to my disability. So what are my options? I already reported them to my manager once.

JamesG · 01-25-2012, 10:02 PM

Call the police for "disturbing the peace". You don't have to give your name if you don't want to.

On my block we have an older woman with mental problems. What she does is scream from the top of her lungs from her front door or window shouting insane things. Things like "YOU F***** F*CK!!! LEAVE ME ALONE!!!" "WHY DID YOU SLEEP WITH MY HUSBAND YOU F*** SLUT!!"

She's not yelling at anyone in particular, just randomly bursts out. Her husband does nothing to control her.

I called the police myself numerous times and reported it. For a while there was little the police could do since she wasn't making any specific threats or going on anyone's property. All they did was tell her to be quiet.

They took it more seriously around the 6th or 7th time I, along with my other neighbors, reported it and they came with an ambulance. She started yelling at the police officers and swinging her arm at them, which is a violent act, so the paramedics forcibly tranquilized her and took her away in the ambulance.

I know your situation is different from mine, but I wanted to tell you what I was going through.

Eventually you can file a case, which makes it easier for the police and they know that it's not an isolated incident.

So if you want to you can call the police saying you are "concerned" about what's going on upstairs. Then the police will inquire and it will be good if they happen to be arguing when the police arrive so that they see first-hand what's going on.

Also, it might be bad for the couple if the police happen to smell the weed which would give them probable cause to search the apt., especially with a child in there.

May I ask, what exactly is your disability that prevents you from talking to them?

It's your call if you want the police involved or not.

AKA · 01-26-2012, 12:33 AM

Thanks for the input. It really helps. This is my first time living in an apartment, so I don't know my rights. I've never had to call the police on anyone before, so your story definitely helps me out.

I will be calling the police from now on whenever they get out of hand. I'll also be showing this video (and others) to my manager.

My disability is severe rheumatoid arthritis. I can barely walk, which is why I'm on the bottom floor, let alone climb the stairs, stand on the balcony and wait for someone to (maybe) answer the door. I can only stand for a limited time before I have to sit down, and I'd much rather use that time doing more enjoyable things, you know? And I'd rather not send my wife up there to talk to them.

Thanks again for the tips.

JamesG · 01-26-2012, 01:13 AM

No problem, I hope things will get better for you.

old grouch · 01-26-2012, 11:45 AM

And I thought my neighbors were bad. You shouldn't have to put up with this. You need your sleep. Call the cops.

robyrob · 01-26-2012, 02:14 PM

definitely would not confront them, mentioning the problem to the manager and calling the police would probably help.

we have had some REALLY bad apartment neighbors in the past, so I can feel your pain (no way I would go back to an apartment now - the trade-off is you have a lawn to mow and a lot of other upkeep, but it is worth it).

spunkygirl · 01-26-2012, 02:45 PM

Definitely call the police, with that video & the weed smoking, their butts are in trouble

Janice · 01-26-2012, 06:57 PM

That's terrible. I agree with everyone who said to call the police. Be sure to tell them about the weed smell. Also, tell them that you're disabled and need your sleep to heal for the day. Good luck.

Brad Russ · 01-26-2012, 07:42 PM

Holy crap, that's insane. Sounds like they are in the damn room with you. Definitely not the Hilton. I agree, call the police. You may be saving someone from getting hurt in the future. It's impossible to reason with idiots, so I understand your predicament. You, your wife, and your son shouldn't have to put up with that crap . I wish you the best Brad. You're in my prayers!!!

Family Ties Forever! · 01-26-2012, 09:05 PM

Sorry you have to listen to them argue and put up with their drug use. I agree a call tto the police would be a good idea.

I can understand how it can be frustrating. During my first semester in college I had the worst next door neighbors. They were so loud. It was a dorm so of course there would be some noise, but the noise that came from their room was nuts. They would play music very loudly at all hours. THey would argue, have guys over (without checking them in at the front desk), etc. I tried a few times to ask them nicely to quiet down. After being physically threatened I finally had to contact the UPD (University Police Department). After a meeting with UPD, my neighbors and I, they decided to move to a different room, thankfully that wasn't near me.

ZeldaGilroy · 01-26-2012, 09:58 PM

I agree with everyone that you should call the police. I am quite concerned for their young children as well if all they do is yell at them and smoke pot.

I have LOUD upstairs neighbors. Their bedroom is right above mine and I am hearing things quite often that I am sure they do not want me to hear.

People in apartments should realize that they don't have the privacy they sometimes think they have and respect their neighbors.

AKA · 01-26-2012, 10:03 PM

Thanks, all. I now have the non-emergency number of my local police department saved in my phone. Hopefully, when/if I have to call, they'll still be fighting by the time the police arrive, and they'll smell the mary jane, giving them a reason to do a search.

duckie · 01-26-2012, 10:51 PM

I've been through that before so I understand how you feel, I just hope your not dealing with crazy people because if they find out who reported them, lord knows what they may do. Good luck.

Brad Russ · 01-26-2012, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duckie

I've been through that before so I understand how you feel, I just hope your not dealing with crazy people because if they find out who reported them, lord knows what they may do. Good luck.

That's a good point duckie. If you can remain anonymous when you call, that might be a good idea. I know how much your wife and son mean to you. Glad to hear that you have the police on speed dial. Unfortunately, when the landlord refuses to do his job, the only thing left to do is call the police. The most important thing is your family!

OH Nuts! · 01-27-2012, 05:30 PM

AKA I really feel for you, they are beyond obnoxious and are a danger to others in the building.

Some ideas:
*If you see your other neighbors, find out if they are affected by them to. If several other tenants complain that makes for a compelling case.

*Get a notebook and keep a journal of the disturbances.

*If other neighbors are affected by them, send a common letter of complaint, sent certified mail to the landlord. It's much easier for a landlord to go after one problem tenant when others in the building are affected. Also, the actions they are taking may be damaging the landlords property.

*If you call the police, make sure you ask them to fill out a report and a complaint form, a copy of which you can enclose with the certified letter of complaint. Be super nice to the police, thank them for everything they do - they are good to cultivate as allies in your corner.

This is for starters, if you want some more ideas I'll provide some. I know how to deal with this problem effectively in NYC, where I live. But a different jurisdiction may have different statutes. But most should have something along the line of a "warranty of habitability" which means, in part, you have a right to peaceful enjoyment of your apartment.

01-25-2012, 09:31 PM	#1
AKA Under old management. Forum Star Join Date: Dec 17, 2001 Location: Southern California Posts: 16,616	Obnoxious upstairs neighbors (includes video example) My wife, baby and I moved into our new apartment in October. This being my first apartment, I had to get used to wayward noises from other units. I know that I'm going to hear the occasional muffled conversation, TV set, stereo or footsteps upstairs. It's part of apartment living (these aren't penthouses; that's for sure). My upstairs neighbors, though, have proven to be a nightmare. From what I can tell, they're a young couple in their twenties with a three-year-old and a baby about my son's age. I know that a family that young will come with some noise. That's not my problem. My problem is the blatant disregard for anyone else who lives in the complex. They constantly yell at their son (I swear, if I didn't know any better, I'd think the kid's name was "Getyourass"), who sounds like he's practicing gymnastics in the apartment, as I get a barrage of loud, ceiling-rattling "thuds" at any given time of the day. They blast rap music, again at any given time of the day. And I can't be too sure, but I think they have a pet elephant who is up there practicing for the Boston Marathon. I need to take naps during the day, but I can't, because they're up in their bedroom (which is directly above mine) smoking weed with friends. And over the weekend, the wife (or girlfriend; I'm not sure) was outside our door with a friend of hers smoking weed, which seeped into our apartment. Worst of all, though, is the fighting. They fight constantly, and nastily. One time last week, my wife and I were awoken at 5:30 am by the sound of the woman screaming and throwing things directly above our bedroom. And then there's this little gem, which I filmed on my iPhone. Talking to them is out of the question, due to my disability. So what are my options? I already reported them to my manager once.
	__________________ Works on contingency? No, money down!

01-26-2012, 02:14 PM	#6
robyrob certified wackball#3 Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Aug 03, 2003 Location: hiding under the third booth at Arnold's Posts: 58,219	definitely would not confront them, mentioning the problem to the manager and calling the police would probably help. we have had some REALLY bad apartment neighbors in the past, so I can feel your pain (no way I would go back to an apartment now - the trade-off is you have a lawn to mow and a lot of other upkeep, but it is worth it).
	__________________ * firefox * AdAware * HiJackThis * CoolWebShredder * Spybot * SpywareBlaster * Spyware Terminator * * GeeksToGo * AntiVir * Avast antivirus * Housecall Online * Sysinternals Security Utilities * * ZoneAlarm * Agnitum-firewall * Comodo Firewall * AVG Anti-Rootkit * RootkitRevealer * ParasiteCheck * * Annoyances * FreeCodecs * Mikes-Hosts-File * GRC.com * MSAntispyware * DVD's * TradeList * myspace *

01-26-2012, 07:42 PM	#9
Brad Russ Member Forum Star Join Date: Feb 17, 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 10,085	Holy crap, that's insane. Sounds like they are in the damn room with you. Definitely not the Hilton. I agree, call the police. You may be saving someone from getting hurt in the future. It's impossible to reason with idiots, so I understand your predicament. You, your wife, and your son shouldn't have to put up with that crap . I wish you the best Brad. You're in my prayers!!!
	__________________ St. John 15:13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Currently my favorite song.

01-26-2012, 09:05 PM	#10
Family Ties Forever! Member Forum Star Join Date: Apr 16, 2002 Location: Keaton residence Posts: 10,214	Sorry you have to listen to them argue and put up with their drug use. I agree a call tto the police would be a good idea. I can understand how it can be frustrating. During my first semester in college I had the worst next door neighbors. They were so loud. It was a dorm so of course there would be some noise, but the noise that came from their room was nuts. They would play music very loudly at all hours. THey would argue, have guys over (without checking them in at the front desk), etc. I tried a few times to ask them nicely to quiet down. After being physically threatened I finally had to contact the UPD (University Police Department). After a meeting with UPD, my neighbors and I, they decided to move to a different room, thankfully that wasn't near me.
	__________________ Jenny

01-26-2012, 09:58 PM	#11
ZeldaGilroy Dobie and Zelda Forever!!! Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 14, 2000 Location: I don't know...I'm probably lost! Posts: 4,144	I agree with everyone that you should call the police. I am quite concerned for their young children as well if all they do is yell at them and smoke pot. I have LOUD upstairs neighbors. Their bedroom is right above mine and I am hearing things quite often that I am sure they do not want me to hear. People in apartments should realize that they don't have the privacy they sometimes think they have and respect their neighbors.
	__________________ *Formerly FactsFan* "I always carry a spare wedding ring. A single girl never knows when lightning may strike." ~Zelda Gilroy

01-25-2012, 10:02 PM	#2
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,304	Call the police for "disturbing the peace". You don't have to give your name if you don't want to. On my block we have an older woman with mental problems. What she does is scream from the top of her lungs from her front door or window shouting insane things. Things like "YOU F***** FCK!!! LEAVE ME ALONE!!!" "WHY DID YOU SLEEP WITH MY HUSBAND YOU F** SLUT!!" She's not yelling at anyone in particular, just randomly bursts out. Her husband does nothing to control her. I called the police myself numerous times and reported it. For a while there was little the police could do since she wasn't making any specific threats or going on anyone's property. All they did was tell her to be quiet. They took it more seriously around the 6th or 7th time I, along with my other neighbors, reported it and they came with an ambulance. She started yelling at the police officers and swinging her arm at them, which is a violent act, so the paramedics forcibly tranquilized her and took her away in the ambulance. I know your situation is different from mine, but I wanted to tell you what I was going through. Eventually you can file a case, which makes it easier for the police and they know that it's not an isolated incident. So if you want to you can call the police saying you are "concerned" about what's going on upstairs. Then the police will inquire and it will be good if they happen to be arguing when the police arrive so that they see first-hand what's going on. Also, it might be bad for the couple if the police happen to smell the weed which would give them probable cause to search the apt., especially with a child in there. May I ask, what exactly is your disability that prevents you from talking to them? It's your call if you want the police involved or not.

01-26-2012, 12:33 AM	#3
AKA Under old management. Forum Star Join Date: Dec 17, 2001 Location: Southern California Posts: 16,616	Thanks for the input. It really helps. This is my first time living in an apartment, so I don't know my rights. I've never had to call the police on anyone before, so your story definitely helps me out. I will be calling the police from now on whenever they get out of hand. I'll also be showing this video (and others) to my manager. My disability is severe rheumatoid arthritis. I can barely walk, which is why I'm on the bottom floor, let alone climb the stairs, stand on the balcony and wait for someone to (maybe) answer the door. I can only stand for a limited time before I have to sit down, and I'd much rather use that time doing more enjoyable things, you know? And I'd rather not send my wife up there to talk to them. Thanks again for the tips.

01-26-2012, 01:13 AM	#4
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,304	No problem, I hope things will get better for you.

01-26-2012, 11:45 AM	#5
old grouch Member Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2010 Location: montana Posts: 1,877	And I thought my neighbors were bad. You shouldn't have to put up with this. You need your sleep. Call the cops.

01-26-2012, 02:45 PM	#7
spunkygirl Member Moderator Forum Celebrity Join Date: Apr 26, 2003 Posts: 21,563	Definitely call the police, with that video & the weed smoking, their butts are in trouble

01-26-2012, 06:57 PM	#8
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	That's terrible. I agree with everyone who said to call the police. Be sure to tell them about the weed smell. Also, tell them that you're disabled and need your sleep to heal for the day. Good luck.

01-26-2012, 10:03 PM	#12
AKA Under old management. Forum Star Join Date: Dec 17, 2001 Location: Southern California Posts: 16,616	Thanks, all. I now have the non-emergency number of my local police department saved in my phone. Hopefully, when/if I have to call, they'll still be fighting by the time the police arrive, and they'll smell the mary jane, giving them a reason to do a search.

01-26-2012, 10:51 PM	#13
duckie Member Senior Member Join Date: Dec 13, 2011 Location: south Posts: 1,784	I've been through that before so I understand how you feel, I just hope your not dealing with crazy people because if they find out who reported them, lord knows what they may do. Good luck.

01-27-2012, 05:30 PM	#15
OH Nuts! Member Forum King Join Date: Feb 15, 2005 Posts: 133,383	AKA I really feel for you, they are beyond obnoxious and are a danger to others in the building. Some ideas: If you see your other neighbors, find out if they are affected by them to. If several other tenants complain that makes for a compelling case. Get a notebook and keep a journal of the disturbances. If other neighbors are affected by them, send a common letter of complaint, sent certified mail to the landlord. It's much easier for a landlord to go after one problem tenant when others in the building are affected. Also, the actions they are taking may be damaging the landlords property. If you call the police, make sure you ask them to fill out a report and a complaint form, a copy of which you can enclose with the certified letter of complaint. Be super nice to the police, thank them for everything they do - they are good to cultivate as allies in your corner. This is for starters, if you want some more ideas I'll provide some. I know how to deal with this problem effectively in NYC, where I live. But a different jurisdiction may have different statutes. But most should have something along the line of a "warranty of habitability" which means, in part, you have a right to peaceful enjoyment of your apartment.