I live in an old apartment building with poor sound-proof walls. You can hear sounds/noises from your neighbor.
But the guy lives next to me is really extreme; he bangs/hammers the wall every time either me or his other neighbors make normal noises during regular hours. Even when I talk on the phone or have dinner. At the same time, he plays loud music.
I have talked to the apartment manager, and he talked with the trouble-maker neighbor, but I see no progress what's so ever. Is there anything I can do? Can I call the police?
I totally wonder if you live near me because the person in the apartment block beside me bangs on the wall if I skype too loud but then I hear them scraping chairs and shouting too. My building is totally soundproof bar the side wall attached to the next door apartment.
I would call the police if he is being aggressive but otherwise I may recomend that you actually talk with him face to face to see if you can work something out.
Confront the clown , people like this are gutless , they need to be able to see someone elses viewpoint. And the idiots a tenant I gather , not the landlord.
I struggle to comprehend the irony that someone who can't stand noise reacts by making even more noise....... wanker.
It was said in the string earlier - I'll bet the bloke is a pussy. Just confront him and I'll bet he backs down. He'd be like one of those wankers in cars that lose their shit, but if you park next them, they smile politely, apologise and walk away.
(N.B. The Swiss voted against the removal of personal arms, so lets hope he's not a pure Psycho).
Failing that, you can always pull out the 'big guns' and write him a very angry registered letter.
If I was you, I wouldnt encourage confrontation because you have to live there and that would mean having to avoid each other every time. I would stick a note under his door every time he did it, you will have to be patient as it will take a while but in the end when he sees each time you write an note and put it under the door, he will probably slowly get the message.
Is this banging in a regular, rhythmic pattern? If so, he may just need to rearrange his bedroom furniture a little ... or stop having guests.
I'd go the 'official' route as others have suggested - landlord, mieterverband, letters to the offender ... personal confrontation may be required down the track, but something to be avoided as long as possible.
As long as its not after hours (10pm or during quiet time of 12-2pm), you dont need to live like you are walking on eggshells. This man is a bully and he needs to be told where to go.
Firstly:
1. You mention that he does it to the rest of the neighbours as well? What are the rest of the neighbours doing about it?
2. If the hauswart has already spoken to the bloke, then its time for stronger action. I'll simply gather other neighbours who have beared the brunt of his banging and ask him what his problem is. Explain politely first that the walls are thin and everyone needs to be tolerant. What you are doing constitutes everyday living.
3. If he refuses to back down and continues, tell him firmly that you will write a formal letter complaining about him with every neighbour who is also affected as witness. He should use his bloody brains to figure out who the nuisance actually is and who has a stronger case if it reaches the landlord.
Finally, as tempting as it is to ignore and blast music back at him or bang back (which I think are funny), dont do a tit-for-tat. You wont have a leg to stand on if it escalates further. Do everything in your power to settle things amicably and get everyone on your side.
My preference is the opening of the second part of the Final Cut - desert sounds, and a voice in the distance calling "Oy, get your filthy hands off my desert". Followed by missile strike. At full volume at 2am, it sounds like the house has fallen down. ( One of my flat mates at University did this ).
I know - you're right. But these little fantasies can help!
Believe me, I used to have fantasies about doing stuff (think "flight of the bumblebee" over and over and over and over.......)to my neighbours upstairs (remember that thread I posted??).
We're all good now - thanks to the advice of fellow EFers who told me to try being nice first. Those neighbours even sent us a postcard whilst they were on holiday in Peru over Xmas. Everyone say "awww"
No dont be dumb if you want it sorted it out talk face to face dont be a wimp. And although I think its funny to play loud music and be an ass back to him its probably not sensible. I would recomend going to talk to him and bringing a bottle of wine with you and you can bond. He probably fancies you that's why he is being so mean