(TNS)—Q: Your neighbors host friends on nights and weekends — frequently. You’ve already asked them to keep it down once or twice, but music and loud partygoers are still keeping you up. What should you do?
A: This is a tricky one, as we are now approaching the start of summer, which comes with graduation and wedding parties. As much as we want to be hospitable and let our neighbors enjoy their event, if it’s on a weekly basis, then we have a problem.
I always think treading softly is best at first.
If that doesn’t work, then it has to be taken to the next level. Write a letter to them, or if they are renting, contact the leasing agent for the property, as they are probably in violation of their lease.
On occasion, we find neighbors who have no regard for anyone and who will do what they want. At this point, I would contact your city’s noise abatement officer and ask him or her to get involved.
— Sheila Keast, etiquette trainer and founder, Sheila Keast Etiquette
We all have neighbors who can be extremely annoying at times, and we all know that common sense is not always common practice. Here’s how to handle ongoing annoyances.
- Approach the head of the family. When there are young adults who take over the property during their parents’ absence, thoughtless behavior can occur.
- During this personal conversation, we need to be composed and nonjudgmental.
- If the personal conversation doesn’t help, write a very polite letter to the head of the house explaining how the disturbance affects us.
- Our last resort would be to contact the landlord, manager or head of the homeowners association. Do not forget to indicate to the association or the authorities in charge that we really do not mind the neighbors having a little fun, because you do not want to be perceived as a petty complainer.
— Maryanne Parker, founder and consultant, Manor of Manners
©2016 Chicago Tribune
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