What would you say to your upstairs neighbor who sounds like he's power-walking at all hours of day and night and making ceiling rattle?

I think the note is definitely the way to go! The gift is also a great idea. You could either take it one step farther and invite your neighbor(s) for dinner or drinks.

I've found that neighbors are a lot more accommodating to people they consider friends than just random strangers. Plus, it's nice to have someone nearby to count on. And of course, if you could go deliver the gift and say this all in person, it'd be even better.

For the note, you might try to word the note a little more positively to something like this: We are Mike and Debbie, your new neighbors from downstairs. I'm so sorry that we haven't gotten the chance to meet yet. The reason we're writing is to make a small request.

We've been hearing a lot of noise that seems to be coming from the floor of your apartment, and it has been causing our ceiling to rattle a bit. I just wanted to make you aware of the situation, and if there is anything we can do to eliminate any noise that may travel up to your unit, don't hesitate to let us know. Thanks so much!

Mike and Deb P.S.: Please accept this small gift as a token of our appreciation! Good luck!

Also, the suggestion of possible solutions and blaming the problem on something else might be wise. So: I'm certain you don't realize it, but our floors and ceilings must be a little thin and normal walking in shoes sounds very loud from below. We're laid down some rugs and started taking off our shoes at home in order to lower the sound for our downstairs neighbors--perhaps this might work for you as well?

I would recommend meeting them first. Then try to talk to them about the problem. If you do not feel comfortable talking to them about the problem face to face, do not send a note.

Just talk to the people in charge of the building.

I HAVE SOLID BELIEF THAT THIS WILL WORK FOR YOU according to me you should call the new neighbor for dinner serve them with great hospitality . Try to make them good friends after that they are happy with you discuss what are the problems you are facing all these days by there activities .... HOPE THIS ACT WILL WORK FOR YOU ASSURE THAT THERE WILL BE NO PROBLEMS GENERATED FROM YOUR SIDE BEST OF LUCK.

Talk to them, and tell them what your experience is. As you say, they might not even realize the noise they make, so put up your friendly face, and ring their doorbell. Or, as has been suggested: invite them over for a drink!

At least at that time they won't be making any noise upstairs :).

Having lived in newer construction, I had to get used to hearing one guy shower in the morning, the speakers of another, and the pounding of the upstairs neighbor, not to mention the fact that I could hear the trains at night. My suggestion is to think about how you would handle it if you were hearing thunder or wild animals outside. Sometimes you can learn to live with something when you get over thinking that you shouldn't have to.

I live in a college dorm so I have to put up with stuff like this all the time. Honestly, though, I wouldn't go with a note. It can come off as passive-aggressive if you don't play your cards right or if they're not accepting.So I'd go up to them in person and explain that the noise is getting bothersome.

No need to be rude about it unless they are. A gift can help too, if you want.

Yes, I believe giveing them your homemade sweet 'n spicy sauce would be the easiest & mannorly way to go about it. Either way you got to brake it to them, so whats more harsh then asking a simle favor with respect care of thought. They should understand and appreciate you spoke upon meaningful respect.

GOOD LUCK - Lyssa.

Since you are going to live downstairs, it is a must to let the upstairs people know the problem. Also it is important to handle the problem nicely. Nobody want to make an enemy.

I will say, go with your wife, give them the gift, have some small talk. Then make an opportunity to mention the noise you hear downstairs. Once they know you, mostly they will be willing to help you.As you mentioned in your suggested letter, you can tell them to give a shout to you if your music is disturbing for them.

If it is a rental apartment, talk to your landlord to find a solution.

Its 2009 you gotta keep it real and tell him your not feeling the noises he's making and if he can stop and if he dnt then your gonna have to take action its 2009 and its not the time to be too nice to anybody its all about you now days.

I would ask the maintenance guy to sound proof all apartments in the complex and I will also ask the neighbor to try to avoid walking over my bedroom area.

Personally I would go up to their place the next time it gets loud and ask them nicely if they could keep it down. You could play it off by asking them if everything is ok because you hear a lot of thumping. That would show that you were concerned about them and not trying to complain.

They just may not realize that they are bothering anyone.

Truthfully, I believe that your homemade sweet n spicy sauce (w/ note attached) is a great idea. = the only thing I can think to add to that would be to incorporate introducing yourselves somehow. In my experience, if you greet the enemy (as an example) smiling and shaking their hand will improve your odds of success immensely.

They might not realize that they're being loud. You could just have to show the initiative. =p.

You should be like hello neighbor im not trying to be rude but late at night I hear pounding and my lights rattle and shake. I am not to sure what the cause of this is but if you have anything to do with it I would sincerly appreciate it. That way your not being rude about there weight exc.. If they cont.To do this I would do annoying stuff back to them therefore they would get annoyed and fix what there doing.

-- Brittany.

I would actually just speak with the building manager and asked to be moved to a different apartment, maybe even move to an upstairs unit.

I think you should look for a house. Cuz it's never good to live above or below anyone. Cuz you never have any real privacy.

Only people that need to live in flats or apartments are older people. Who really never make noise at all.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.