When pounding a broom on the ceiling just won't do it anymore.

We've all been there. The important day is almost here and you're trying to get a good night's sleep so you're fresh and prepared. Then the pounding starts. You think it's a headache coming on and then you realize it's your upstairs neighbor reliving the glory days of Ratt. It's enough of an annoyance that you'd seriously consider turning this into the opening montage of a Law > Order episode. Considering homicide is frowned upon in most apartment communities, what can you do?

Some tips for dealing with inconsiderate neighbors:

• Try talking. Explain your situation calmly and rationally. A little self-deprecation can go along way. It'll put your neighbor at ease and defer some of the responsibility onto you. It's tough to remain calm when your neighbor's dog has been barking for an hour at 3 A.M, but it's in your best interest to do so. Yelling and hostility only make your neighbor go on the defensive immediately...and will probably make your neighbor yell back. No one needs a screaming match. That's what Jerry Springer is for.
• The Pen is Mightier Than The Sword. If the face-to-face fails (you were calm, right???), try sending a letter outlining the problem, why you think it's a problem, and what resolution you'd like to see. Send a copy to your neighbor and keep a copy for yourself. This method adds gravity to the situation and can help you later if you need to prove you have tried reasonable methods to deal with the issue.
• Bring in Reinforcements. If the disturbance persists, head to your landlord or management company - they're not just there to clean the gutters. Your lease most likely has a clause referring to the 'quiet enjoyment' of your home. Odds are your neighbor signed the same lease and can be considered in violation of that lease. Informing your landlord of the trouble allows him or her to enforce the clause. Chat with your other neighbors to see if they're suffering from the same problem. There is power in numbers. No landlord wants to see disputes between tenants and won't abide a tenant who is violating the terms of their lease.

Dealing with a troublesome neighbor can be difficult and frustrating, but you have many options including moving and legal recourse. But both of those options are rather extreme and can be avoided with some tactful diplomacy and patience.

But if you've had an enough, you can easily find a new place on ApartmentGuide.com.