Before you pound on neighbor's door and yell something you'll regret, or, even worse, resign yourself to living with noise, try some more constructive alternatives.

1. Talk to Your Neighbor

Your first step is to talk to your neighbor and try to resolve your differences in person. It's hard to believe, but sometimes neighbors are not aware that they are causing a disturbance. Even if you're ready to punch somebody's lights out, try a little sugar instead.

2. Get a Copy of Your Local Ordinance

Your next step is to get a copy of your local noise laws. Most cities and counties have ordinances that control times, types and loudness of noise. For example, many local ordinances prohibit unreasonable vehicle noise (like honking car horn early every morning for a carpool) or dogs barking all night long every night. Noisy neighbors are in for a warning or even a fine. You can look up your local ordinance at city hall, a public law library or public library. Make at least two copies of it, one for your neighbor and one for yourself.

3. Warn Your Neighbor in Writing

If things don't improve, ask your neighbor again--this time in writing--to quiet down. Don't make threats, but state that if situation doesn't improve you'll be forced to notify authorities. Enclose a copy of noise ordinance. Keep a copy of your letter; you'll need it if, as a last resort, you later sue your neighbor.

4. Suggest Mediation

Most cities offer free or low-cost mediation services, which means they provide an impartial mediator who will sit down with you and your neighbor and try to help you resolve your differences.

Just call mediation service; someone there will contact neighbor and suggest mediation. (These people are very good at convincing others to give mediation a chance.)

5. Call Police

If you have done all of above and your neighbor has responded by turning up volume, now is time to call police (or Animal Control officer if problem is a barking dog). Try to get police to come while noise is occurring.

Of course, you can call police on a noisy neighbor first time music gets too loud for your taste. But police will be more sympathetic to your situation if they see that you have tried to solve problem on your own.

6. Sue for Nuisance

Security Deposit: This is mini-landlord insurance. The deposit is equivalent to about one to two month's rent and can cover anything from a broken window to stained carpet. At end of your lease, landlord will conduct an inspection and see whether or not he or she needs to use any of money on anything damaged beyond normal “wear and tear” during your stay. State law may only use security deposit for three purposes: unpaid rent, damages and for cleaning stains or any excessively dirty area. The landlord cannot use it to repaint apartment to make it look more inviting for next tenants. (That's illegal).

Cleaning Fee: Since landlords cannot legally use your security deposit for basic cleaning purposes, some of them choose to include a cleaning fee in your lease.

Last Month of Rent: Some landlords ask for last month's rent in advance. This way, if you break your lease without first consulting your landlord, he or she has 30 days to find a new tenant before he or she needs another rent payment. If you're a good tenant, and don't break your lease, then you'll save yourself trouble of having to worry about getting together your last month of rent. (This can be really helpful when you have to deal with all costs of moving out!) Unlike security deposit, this charge is non-refundable.