You have a few clear options for what to do about noisy neighbours, and the key is to move from polite to formal step by step, not all at once.

Start with calm, direct contact

  • Pick a good moment: not in the middle of the noise, not when they look stressed or rushed.
  • Knock, introduce yourself, and keep it short:

“Hi, I live next door. I’m finding it hard to sleep/work because of the noise late at night. Could you please keep it down after [time]?”

  • Focus on how it affects you rather than accusing:
    Say “I’ve been waking up at 2 a.m. because of the music” instead of “You’re always too loud.”

  • Suggest a compromise: quieter after a certain hour, moving speakers away from shared walls, no drilling after specific times.

Often, people genuinely don’t realise how much sound travels and will adjust once it’s pointed out.

If that doesn’t work: document and set boundaries

If the noise continues after a friendly chat:

  • Keep a simple log:
    • Dates and times.
    • Type of noise (music, shouting, dog, DIY, parties).
    • How long it lasts and how it affects you (can’t sleep, can’t work).
  • Record short audio/video clips if safe and legal where you live.
  • Check your building or community rules:
    • “Quiet hours” (for example 11 p.m.–7 a.m.).
    • Clauses in your lease or building handbook about nuisance or noise.
  • Consider written communication:
    • A short, polite note or message that refers to previous conversations and your noise log.
    • Stay factual and calm, avoid insults or threats.

This creates a clear, objective picture if you need to escalate.

Bring in a third party if needed

If the neighbour won’t change their behaviour:

  • Contact your landlord, property manager, or housing association:
    • Share your log and evidence.
    • Point to any quiet-hours or nuisance clauses.
    • Ask what formal steps they can take (warnings, letters, inspections).
  • Look into mediation:
    • Many areas have free or low‑cost community mediation services.
    • A neutral person helps you both talk it out and agree on ground rules.
  • For extreme or persistent issues (especially at night):
    • Check local noise regulations and complaint procedures.
    • As a last resort, you may be able to file an official noise complaint (for example through local authorities or non‑emergency police, depending on your country and laws).

Try to keep your own tone measured at every stage, so you don’t end up looking like the unreasonable party.

Protect your own space in the meantime

While you’re dealing with it, make your environment more bearable:

  • Use earplugs or white‑noise apps (fan sounds, rain, or brown noise can mask bass and voices).
  • Rearrange your space:
    • Move your bed or desk away from the shared wall if possible.
    • Put bookcases or wardrobes against noisy walls to absorb sound.
  • Consider simple sound‑dampening:
    • Thick curtains, rugs, and soft furnishings to reduce echo.
    • Door seals or draft stoppers to cut hallway noise.

This doesn’t solve the root problem, but it can make life more tolerable while you work through the steps above.

Safety and when to back off

  • If the neighbours seem aggressive, drunk, or volatile, do not confront them directly.
  • In those cases, skip straight to:
    • Your landlord/building manager, or
    • Local authorities’ official channels (non‑emergency line, housing/environment department), depending on your local system.
  • Avoid revenge tactics (banging on walls, playing loud music back, public shaming). They almost always escalate things and can get you into trouble too.

Quick mini‑plan

  1. Try one calm, face‑to‑face conversation.
  2. If it continues, start a noise log and send a polite written reminder.
  3. Involve landlord/manager or mediation with your evidence.
  4. If it’s still bad and clearly unreasonable, use your area’s formal complaint channels.
  5. Throughout, protect your own peace with earplugs, white noise, and room layout changes.

If you tell me roughly where you live (country/city) and what kind of noise it is (music, shouting, parties, kids, pets, etc.), I can help you tailor the steps to your local laws and your exact situation.