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Best ways to handle upstairs neighbors who stomp around at 2 AM?

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Elena_90
Joined:
15.03.2020
Posts: 793
Topic Starter
12.01.2025 00:25
I've been living in my apartment for about six months, and lately, the people living above me have become incredibly loud during the night. It sounds like they are constantly moving furniture or pacing back and forth until well past midnight, which makes it impossible for me to get a decent night's sleep. I've tried leaving a polite note, but it didn't seem to make any difference at all. Should I go up and talk to them directly, or is it better to just go straight to the property manager? I really don't want to cause any drama, but I'm reaching my breaking point.
20 replies in this topic
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Selector
Joined:
10.12.2024
Posts: 1840
22.01.2025 13:04
Honestly, avoid going up there yourself. You never know who you're dealing with, and it can escalate things quickly. Go straight to the property manager with a log of the noise times.
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Denis_P
Joined:
28.05.2024
Posts: 1158
10.04.2025 21:27
In reply to a previous post
I second that. Documenting everything is key. Keep a journal of dates and times so you have proof when you talk to management.
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Denis_P
Joined:
17.05.2021
Posts: 1921
30.04.2025 23:55
Have you tried a white noise machine? Sometimes that's the only thing that saves my sanity when neighbors are being inconsiderate.
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uncle_joe
Joined:
31.03.2020
Posts: 1807
12.05.2025 12:36
In reply to a previous post
White noise helps, but it shouldn't be the solution for someone literally moving furniture at 2 AM. That’s just disrespectful.
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radek_c
Joined:
10.02.2024
Posts: 1666
26.06.2025 06:40
I had the same issue last year. I ended up recording the sound on my phone and playing it for the landlord. They took it much more seriously after that.
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old_wolf
Joined:
14.12.2022
Posts: 1729
11.07.2025 18:36
In reply to a previous post
That's a great idea! Did your landlord actually do anything about it, or did they just give them a warning?
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Bob_J
Joined:
19.04.2025
Posts: 1055
19.07.2025 08:11
I tried talking to my upstairs neighbors directly once, and they just slammed the door in my face. Don't bother. Go to management immediately.
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Igor_Tech
Joined:
29.12.2021
Posts: 1675
23.08.2025 04:19
In reply to a previous post
Yeah, talking face-to-face rarely works. Most people just get defensive.
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wes_55
Joined:
25.03.2025
Posts: 1503
05.09.2025 10:34
Are you sure they are actually moving furniture? Sometimes old apartment floors just creak like crazy, and it sounds way louder downstairs than it actually is.
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robert_d
Joined:
12.10.2022
Posts: 2091
07.09.2025 13:21
In reply to a previous post
Even if it is just walking, at 2 AM, they should be mindful of their neighbors. It's common courtesy.
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old_wolf
Joined:
03.08.2024
Posts: 564
08.09.2025 08:58
Check your lease agreement. Most places have 'quiet hours' listed. If they are violating those, you have a solid case with the property manager.
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watcher_x
Joined:
06.03.2024
Posts: 463
24.09.2025 17:59
In reply to a previous post
Good point. I'll check my lease tonight. I didn't even think to look for specific quiet hours.
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sunday_guest
Joined:
29.06.2024
Posts: 635
24.10.2025 04:30
Sometimes a friendly 'hey, the floors are super thin' note works, but if you've already tried that, it's time to escalate.
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Kras_T
Joined:
23.03.2021
Posts: 562
02.12.2025 10:21
In reply to a previous post
Exactly. Since the note failed, don't waste more time being polite.
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Leon_M
Joined:
07.11.2020
Posts: 2369
18.12.2025 12:08
Is it possible they are working night shifts? Maybe they aren't trying to be loud, they are just living their life at night.
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GrayMouse
Joined:
30.07.2020
Posts: 316
30.12.2025 11:25
In reply to a previous post
Even if they work night shifts, they still need to be considerate. Carpets or rugs can dampen the sound a lot.
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Iggy_R
Joined:
25.07.2022
Posts: 736
30.12.2025 23:44
If management doesn't help, sometimes just playing loud music back during the day when you know they are sleeping is the only way to get the message across. Petty, but effective.
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Kate_J
Joined:
23.11.2020
Posts: 1600
04.01.2026 01:40
In reply to a previous post
I wouldn't recommend that. It just starts a war and usually makes the situation worse for you.
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anon_user
Joined:
14.12.2022
Posts: 2408
19.02.2026 15:44
I'm sorry you're dealing with this. Sleep deprivation is the worst. Good luck with the property manager!
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Iggy_R
Joined:
22.02.2022
Posts: 2313
22.03.2026 15:15
In reply to a previous post
Keep us updated on what happens. Rooting for you to get some peace and quiet soon!

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