How to Ignore Bad Neighbors (+ Tips for Dealing With Them)

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How to keep your cool when dealing with the rude people next door

Co-authored by Tami Claytor

Last Updated: July 2, 2025 Fact Checked

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Ignoring Bad Neighbors

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Dealing with Bad Neighbors

No one wants to deal with bad neighbors. Whether they're blasting music until 2 am every night or letting their dog out on your property, it can be a really frustrating situation to find yourself in. We’re here to help, with strategies for ignoring bad neighbors, plus advice on what to do to if you’re ready to confront or report them.

What to Do About Bad Neighbors

If your neighbors are loud, buy noise-cancelling headphones or invest in sound-absorbing furniture, rugs, and curtains. Sealing up cracks in your home can help, too. If they trespass onto your property, set up signs or surveillance. If needed, politely ask that they change their behavior or escalate it to the authorities.

Section 1 of 2:

How to Ignore Bad Neighbors

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1
Get noise-canceling headphones. Tune out your noisy neighbors— literally. Invest in a pair of noise-cancelling headphones that will help block out your neighbor's noise. Next time your neighbor starts a 4-hour guitar jam session, put on your headphones for some peace and quiet.^{[1]
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- If headphones are too pricey, earplugs work just as well.^{[2]
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Buy a white noise machine. This can help your neighbor's noise fade into the background. It may not completely eliminate the noise, but some tranquil ocean or rainfall sounds can really help you stay calm. If your neighbors' dog is barking into the night, turn on the white noise machine to help you get some sleep and relax.^{[3]
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- This is also a good option if you're not a fan of wearing earplugs while you sleep.
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Put up curtains. Curtains can give you extra privacy so that you can avoid your neighbors. Close your curtains when you need some extra space. If you really don't want to see your neighbors, purchase blackout curtains.^{[4]
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- Buy soundproof curtains if your neighbor's noise is the issue.
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Use rugs to absorb the sound. Rugs can muffle any noise traveling from your neighbor's home. If noise is an issue, purchase some floor rugs to reduce its impact. Lay them out throughout your home in places like your living room and bedroom.^{[5]
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- Carpeting can also really reduce sound. If you're remodeling your space, consider going for carpet to keep things a little quieter.
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Fill up your home with furniture to reduce any echo. If your space is pretty empty, your neighbor's noise can easily travel and echo throughout your home. Invest in some furniture, like a couch, shelves, and a bed frame, to help block the sound. It'll be nice to enjoy some newfound peace and quiet on a brand new (or gently used) couch!^{[6]
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- Furnish your house with upholstered furniture to really cut down on the noise. The fabric and stuffing are able to absorb more sound than wood furniture. Go for a big couch and a comfy chair.
The spaces between your doors and windows let noise seep in easily. Seal any spaces with caulk. For additional soundproofing, invest in a noise-canceling door sweep and window inserts. Both block noise from coming into your home and can give you some peace and quiet.^{[7]
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Section 2 of 2:

How to Deal With Bad Neighbors

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Put up signs in your yard. If you’re tired of dealing with pets or people on your property, get some signs that send a message. Invest in a "No Dog Poop" sign to get the message across without having to talk to your neighbors about their dogs directly. If your neighbors themselves are the problem, invest in a "No Trespassing" sign.^{[8]
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- If you don't see any signs at the store, make your own sign using cardboard and some markers.
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Set up camera surveillance. Consider setting up a camera to monitor your surroundings, which can give you some peace of mind. A Ring camera can let you know if and when your neighbors start poking around, whether it be with their pets, whenever you get a package delivered, or if they’re engaging in other similar snoopy behaviors.
- You can pair your camera with a sign that says “Recording in Progress.”
- While this course of action won’t necessarily help tune out your neighbors, it will keep them on their toes and hopefully away from you.
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Talk to them directly if the issue can't be ignored. Knock on their door and respectfully bring up the problem. Talk to them about what's upsetting you in a compassionate, understanding way. Listen to their point of view, and try to come up with a solution that you both feel good about.^{[9]
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- Maybe your neighbor frequently walks onto your property or lets their dogs play and use the bathroom in your yard. Address the issue respectfully and walk the property line together to determine where their yard ends and yours begins.
- Etiquette coach Tami Claytor suggests using the following template: ”Hi [name]. We've been neighbors for [amount of time]. I’m sorry, but last night, I couldn't fall asleep. I know you guys were having a good time, but I do have to get up early in the morning. So, I was just wondering if you could keep the volume down when it gets to be late.”^{[10]
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  - She adds, “Just be soft spoken and ask. I wouldn't go with a confrontational attitude.”^{[11]
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- If you're nervous about meeting them in person, leave a note with your name and contact information on their door. Don't leave an anonymous note, as this can come off as passive-aggressive and may make things worse.
- Reader Poll: We asked 312 wikiHow readers if they liked to befriend their neighbors, and 72% of them said no. [Take Poll] However, if you already have a friendly relationship, it may be easier to ask them to keep it down.
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File a complaint if nothing else works. If you're concerned about safety, this may be your best option. It's possible that your neighbors won't be receptive to your requests. If that's the case, your next step is to call your local homeowners' association (HOA) or your apartment manager if you live in an apartment. They can help mediate the issue.^{[12]
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- If further escalation is needed, file a complaint with your municipality online or by calling the non-emergency number in your state. Make sure you're familiar with the noise ordinances in your city, as what counts as a noise violation differs depending on where you live.^{[13]
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- It’s important that you make an effort to talk to your neighbors first, as getting the city involved can potentially escalate the issue or put your neighbors at risk.
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Take care of yourself. Living with bad neighbors can really take a toll on you. Make it a point to spend time with friends and family. Vent to them about your frustrations and spend time doing fun things together out of your house to give you a break.^{[14]
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- Indulge in self-care activities, too. Meditate to destress, take a relaxing bath, and make time for hobbies that are fun and fulfilling.