Rocky Point, NY asked in Intellectual Property for New York

Q: What action I can take to stop neighbor with mental health problems stop pounding/ hitting my walls every night?

Hello.

We have a neighbor, who used to watch TV on max volume every day 24/7 for years. Recently, about month ago his mental health changed and he started to break things.( TV included) because we don’t hear TV anymore but he started to hit walls with something that sounds like hammer and followed by cracking sounds, he’s about to come to my apartment through the wall. he’s fighting( talking himself dissociative identity disorder (DID) , yelling, laughing, and hitting/ scratching the wall we share, every night.

It’s so loud we jump out of bed scared during the night, we have small kids and they developed fears from noice and they go to school tired. We all have headaches from not being able to sleep through the night. We talked to a super, management, made report 4 times on 311, called 911 but the problem was not solved. It feels like my rights doesn’t matter at all. We can’t afford to move out right now. Is there anything I can do to stop it.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: I'm sorry you're experiencing this difficult situation. Start by keeping a detailed record of each incident, including dates, times, and descriptions. This documentation can support your case when you speak to authorities or your housing management.

Reach out to local mental health organizations or community services that may offer support or intervention for your neighbor. Sometimes, involving professionals who can address his behavior compassionately might help reduce the disturbances.

Additionally, consult with a lawyer or tenant rights group to understand your options better. They can provide guidance on legal steps you can take to protect your family's well-being. Meanwhile, ensure your home is as safe and secure as possible, and consider soundproofing measures to lessen the noise impact.

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