9 Ideas How to Annoy Upstairs Neighbors Legally

Your upstairs neighbor’s footsteps are going to sound like drums in your ears when you’re trying to relax, sleep, or even concentrate on homework. Surely want to know, how to annoy upstairs neighbors legally in return.

The best way to get revenge is by finding a unique way of making them move out. One idea is placing heavy objects on the staircase so they have an accident if they go up and down anymore.

Maybe you could also offer them money for their apartment so they’ll leave. You can also visit your neighbors and break their kneecaps, so they can’t stomp anymore.

Did you try smashing a bag of dog poop at their door? There’s a possibility that this method may not work. We advise against trying any of these “hacks” because they can drag you into trouble with authorities.

If you are intent on dealing with noisy neighbors but want to avoid getting into trouble with them or with authorities, the below strategies won’t get you in trouble.

How to Annoy Upstairs Neighbors Legally

1. Petroleum Jelly On Their Doorknob

The best way to get back at an annoying neighbor is through a well-planned attack on their doorknob. 

Plan the timing so that they don’t know what’s coming when they go to open their door.

One more thing you can add is some kind of unpleasant surprise for them in there; maybe like a sticky and slippery knob with vaseline.

Put it on as if your troubles are over, but wait until you hear them try to open it.

Then enjoy the show! It’s also possible that your upstairs neighbor has been watching you and will cover all the bases by putting up cameras before opening his or her door.

So beware of hidden cameras before performing your treacherous deed.

Also, Be courteous and do not jam the door lock with petroleum jelly.

If you get caught, then you will have to pay for damages on your own accord.

2. Ceiling Vibrator

Why not use some of the latest inventions available in your region to get even with noisy neighbors?

For example, China’s IDA Home Electrical Appliances Co. Ltd. has developed a noise-canceling device called the ‘Ceiling Vibrator’.

The Ceiling Vibrator is designed to have two functions – it will vibrate when someone speaks near it.

Also provides white noise when set on high mode so that people don’t have to listen to their neighbor’s television or loud music downstairs anymore.

A ceiling vibrator consists of a motor, WI-FI remote, extendable rod, and cable, and costs US$200, which can turn any household ceiling into an effective public speaker.

The system needs only 9-volt batteries operated by the motors which will then generate deep vibrating sounds tuned to cause annoyance and discomfort.

3. Knock On Their Door at Odd Hours

Annoying your upstairs neighbors legally can be difficult.

It’s always best to start by knocking on the door and asking if they have a moment to talk, but that probably won’t do much good because the only time you’ll have a chance is when they’re at work.

One way to annoy your upstairs neighbor would be to knock late in the evening or early in the morning just when they’re trying to catch some sleep.

If you ever caught them home, knock with genuine intent so they know the partner is not attempting anything reckless or malicious.

4. Play a Racquetball against Your Ceiling

If you want to annoy your upstairs neighbor legally, play racquetball against the ceiling. This technique is similar to the ceiling vibrator discussed above.

Strategically place them on certain surfaces in your home that will be able to bounce repeatedly against the ceiling of your neighbor’s apartment.

Or you can get a tennis ball and a racket and spend some time bouncing the ball against your ceiling during odd hours.

To avoid unconsciously acting up against your neighbor, make sure to do these things when they are around.

How to Deal With Noisy Upstairs Neighbors

The good news is that many people find living with noisy neighbors quite manageable.

According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, at some point in their lives, 28% of Americans have lived in an apartment or condominium. where the people above them walked too heavily.

whereas, 22% say they heard stomping and felt vibrations from sound equipment on the floor above.

On their side, 19% report someone up there blasting music for hours on end.

Unfortunately, noise can devastate your quality of life as well as lead to health consequences including high blood pressure and heart disease if left unchecked.

With this in mind, here are my recommendations for dealing with noisy neighbors without coming to blows with them:

If your neighbor is making a bunch of noise, you may have to pick your battles wisely about which fight is worth the time.

It’s important to know that harsh words will probably make things worse: your neighbor may not have had any intentions of being disruptive but just can’t hear their own noise.

If you do decide to confront them, be firm and polite and avoid using profanity.

Suggest a solution instead of asking them to shut it down or complaining about how much they annoy you.

Speak To Your Neighbor

It’s easy to think that your noisy neighbors don’t know of the disturbance. Or, if they do, they just don’t care.

But often, the people living above you are just oblivious about how their sounds affect those below them. 

You’ll need to find an opportunity – ideally a no-pressure moment where there’s a lull in noise – for a one-on-one conversation with your neighbor.

You can mention other times you noticed noise coming from their apartment.

Politely ask them not to make it happen again as every time it was very noticeable.

Are you a good neighbor?

One question you should ask yourself is whether or not you’re a good neighbor?

there is a possibility that your own behaviors may have deteriorated from past practices and become much more disruptive to others than they were at first.

Weeding in the early mornings; noisy parties on weekends in late hours of night, watching tv on high volume.

You may offend your neighbor unintentionally only to have them return the gesture in the same way you hurt them.

If you are well assured that none of your own actions is the source of disturbance for the upstairs neighbor, you still leave them a note or talk to them about their offensive behavior.

Reporting a neighbor to property management without informing them and conveying your concerns politely is unjustified. You are denying them the chance to correct themselves.

Conclusion

It’s important to know that no matter which route you take, it will have consequences.

If the problem persists and you can’t solve your issue in a peaceful manner, involve management or call the police on them.

You deserve peace and quiet after all!