Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California
Harrassment by neighbors
We live in a condominium and have 2 toddler age children.
The neighbors downstairs are constantly complaining about
the noise my children make when they play or walk across the
floor. Ironically, we only live in this location 2 months
out of the year and so the neighbors are not used to hearing
any noise at all, no matter how small. So far they have
written us nasty notes, are constantly banging on our floor
with a broom handle, have written letters of complaint
against us to the condo board, and have now called the
police on us (twice). The police have told them our kids
have a right to play during the day, and yet they still are
constantly bothering us. Is there any legal recourse we can
take in this situation? I am a ne
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Harrassment by neighbors
Before you try legal remedies, you should talk to your neighbors or suggest mediation to reach a solution. Some cities and other organizations such as Project Sentinel may have free or low cost mediation programs. Any agreement you can reach, such as installing carpeting or insulation to reduce noise, is going to be more satisfactory than a legal process.
If that does not work, you may have a claim under the federal Fair Housing Act and California's Unruh Act for discrimination based on familial status. If necessary, you can file a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing or see a lawyer about suing in court.