An Andersonville couple learns that they have new neighbors moving into the condo next door. They have been living in Andersonville for over 20 years. These days, Andersonville is one of the most trendy and diverse neighborhoods in Chicago. It offers everything from hipster dive bars to storefront theater spaces. Their new neighbors are both in their 30s, and both work for a cutting-edge tech company. At first, things were going well between the neighbors. They have shared a few beers over a good conversation.
However, they start to notice that their new neighbors have been hosting parties on their porch several times a week. They have friends over, drink, laugh, and make significant amounts of noise. Unfortunately, the new neighbor’s porch is close to the couple’s bedroom, making it difficult for them to sleep. They have discussed the issue with their neighbors, who agree to tone it down, but they keep making noise late into the night. What steps can they take?
Legal Steps to Take Against Noisy Neighbors
The legal steps you can take against a noisy neighbor depend on whether you are renting, living in a condo, or owning your own home. If you have a landlord, you can begin requesting that the landlord build an eviction case against your neighbor. All lease agreements guarantee the right to quiet enjoyment, a right that is so fundamental it is presumed a part of all leases. Depending on your lease agreements, your neighbors may violate a rule about “quiet hours.” You can pressure the landlord to quiet or evict your noisy neighbors.
Your neighbors may be so noisy that the resulting breach of your right to quiet enjoyment entitles you to legal damages. A court may also issue an injunction to stop the breach of your right to quiet enjoyment. An attorney can help you create a paper trail and diary of all noise incidents that will help you in your case. Another option would be to get out of your lease agreement so you can move to a new location. If your landlord does not allow you to get out of your lease, you will need to prove a breach of the quiet enjoyment.
If you are in a condo, you can take many of the same steps, but you will need to consider the condo agreement and the condo board’s policies and practices and as in all quiet enjoyment cases, the legal fees to enforce them can get expensive.
Discuss Your Case With an Attorney
Not being able to sleep at night can have devastating effects. When neighbors repeatedly violate noise laws with loud partying, you may think you do not have many legal options. However, you do have legal options to regain your sanity and the enjoyment of your home. When you need an attorney, experience matters. The skilled attorneys at Glasgow & Olsson will help you understand your legal options and represent you as you pursue peace and quiet. Contact our Schaumburg law firm today to learn more about how we can advocate for you.