How to tactfully tell my teenage neighbor that she's not really good at singing?

Question

OK, you might think I'm this horrible mean person but let me explain.

I work the graveyard shift which means I get to sleep during the day. These girls that live upstairs seem to never go to school. I know it's summer now but this has been going on since the beginning of this year. They're favorite past time is to play popular songs, over and over and over again until they learn the lyrics. Once that has been accomplished they begin playing them over and over again but singing over the artist. It wouldn't be that bad if the girl could hit a note once in a while but she sucks. She's convinced she's the next American Idol though.

I tried talking to the mom but she sort of dismissed me saying her daughter is going through a phase. I even tried playing music in my room so I would distract me from her screeching. But I can still hear her and it wakes me up in the middle of the day. I don't know what else to do and I can't even call the cops since I sleep in the daytime? HELP!

Answer 1

1. No one should have to wear uncomfortable ear plugs to get their sleep.

2. If you live within close proximity to someone, then you are entitled to peace and quiet all the time, not just at night.

I think you should complain to the mother again about the noise, and if they don't listen, contact the police and explain your situation. Tell them that while you don't expect pure silence, you do expect a low level of noise that does NOT disturb you. During the day, you will have to endure a low level of noise - but just a humming of people living. When the level gets to a point where it's disturbing you in your own home, then even in the daytime it's illegal.

Failing that, go through a phase yourself.

A phase of Slipknot, Megadeath and Cradle of Filth.

Full blast.

Answer 2

Try putting on a loud fan to cover up the noise. Telling her she's a bad singer is besides the point. Anyway, without the mother's support, you're fighting a losing battle. White noise always works for me. Good luck!

Answer 3

I know what you mean I have a neighbour with a deaf child and its very loud over there too. I don't usually sleep during the day but it's still annoying. I would try telling them that you need to sleep during the day because of your shift and sometimes its hard because of the singing. Maybe that would work and you wouldn't have to hurt her feelings. I know some can be very annoying but don't forget you still have to live there and you don't want to have bad feeling with the neighbours. Have you tried ear plugs lol.

Answer 4

Whats the real issue --the quality of the singing voices or the fact that you're needing sleep?   I'd invest in a good pair of earplugs, a white noise manchine (or try a small fan set on low).

     You might also talk to the girls.  Could be that the fact some people work at night and sleep in the daytime never occurred to them.

Answer 5

Its basically a noise issue, and whether the girl sings good or not isn't the issue.  

Because it is during the day there is no noise ordinance.  So get some ear plugs.

Answer 6

Just come straight out and tell her (politely).

Talk to her about it in a calm manner (might be hard seeing as some people don't like being told they can't sing)

Answer 7

ooooooooouch!!!! wow your stuck pretty bad... It would be rude to tell her she sucks... that will only backfire and p**s her off more... its during the day which is bad for you but good for the other neighbors... hmmmm bout the only thing you may have to do is give her tickets to a movie so her and her friends are out of the house for a few hours... Good Luck

Answer 8

Gabby, despite the fact that it's daytime, you do have a valid complaint here.  IT sounds like you live in an apartment.  No matter what the hours, you still have a right to your peace and quiet.

I suggest talking to your apartment manager and letting them know about the noise.  Even if this girl could sing, would you really want it to interfere with your rest?  

Excessive noise at any hours is unacceptable.