What to do if neighbors disturb the peace?

Disturbance by neighbors is a common problem in apartment buildings that can significantly affect the quality of life. Whether it's loud music, repair work at inopportune times, loud parties, or other sources of noise, it's important to know how to act to defend your rights and maintain good neighborly relations. In this article, we'll look at what to do if your neighbors are disturbing the peace in Calgary, what laws apply, and how to effectively resolve conflicts.

Legislative provisions on disturbing the peace in Calgary

In Canada, and in particular in Calgary, there are clear rules regarding the observance of silence, especially in the evening and at night. As a rule, it is prohibited to make loud noise that disturbs other residents, especially during the “quiet hours”, which usually last from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am. Violation of the quiet hours may result in:

  • Warnings from the police or municipal services.
  • Fines for violators.
  • In extreme cases, termination of the lease or eviction.

Steps to take if your neighbors are disturbing you

1. Have a calm dialog with your neighbors

The first and easiest step is to have a polite conversation with your neighbors. They may not realize that they are causing discomfort. Explain the situation and ask them to reduce their noise, especially in the evening.

2. Contact the building management or management company

If direct contact does not help, contact the building manager (superintendent) or management company. They can remind the offenders of the rules and take action.

3. Recording violations

Keep records of noise incidents: dates, times, nature of the noise. If possible, make audio or video recordings. This will serve as evidence in case of official complaints.

4. Formal complaint to the police

If the disturbance continues and is a significant nuisance, you can contact the Calgary Police. To do this:

  • Call the police non-emergency number.
  • Describe the situation and provide evidence.
  • The police may issue a warning or fine.

What if the noise is due to construction work?

Calgary has restrictions on the time of repair work. Typically, they are allowed from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekends. If your neighbors are carrying out repairs at the wrong time, you can:

  • Ask them to follow the rules.
  • Contact the building management.
  • If they ignore you, call the municipal service or the police.

Important tips for avoiding conflicts

  • Be patient and understanding, especially if your neighbors are young families with children.
  • Avoid emotional conflicts - it is better to resolve issues peacefully.
  • Remember the rules of silence and respect them yourself.
  • If you make noise yourself, try to do it at the right time.

Where to go for help?

  • Calgary Police Service:** for formal complaints about noise disturbance.
  • Your property management company or building owner:** for internal issues.
  • Alberta Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS):** for disputes between tenants and landlords.
  • Local community organizations:** can provide advice and support.

Conclusion

Neighborhood disturbances are a problem that many Calgarians face. It is important to take a consistent approach: first try to resolve the issue peacefully, contact the building management, and if necessary, contact the police. Compliance with the laws and rules of silence will help maintain good neighborly relations and a comfortable living environment.

By following these guidelines, you will be able to respond effectively to disturbances and maintain peace in your home and neighborhood.