Trouble with Complex

Hello, I need advice. So, we live in an apartment complex on the second floor. Its me, my husband, my 4 year old son, and 3 old autistic son (non-verbal, level 3). He attends ABA 5-6 hours a day and we put the kids down every night at around 9- 9:30 pm. The noise ordinances in this county state that quiet hours are from 10 pm - 8am, as does the quiet hours on the lease (reiterated multiple times by the manager). We have had about 5 noise complaints stating that there is too much jumping and banging on the walls (my kids do not bang on the wall). My youngest child's stim of choice is jumping on his tip toes, he does it constantly but has gotten better at it. Often times the noise that comes from him isn't loud because he lands on his tip toes but, I can acknowledge that he jumps very often. My oldest runs and walks pretty hard but all outside of quiet hours since the kids are down before quiet hours begins. Today the curtesy patrol officer came at around 9 pm before quiet hours, I asked him "why is he here before quiet hours" to which he shrugged his shoulders and avoided answering. I proceeded to tell him that I am fed up with the constant noise complaints and threats of eviction, fines, and further action. I also (again) let him know that I had a disabled son and it would be unethical to restrain him. I also told him that I let the leasing office know of my sons disability before moving in and that I wanted a first floor apartment and was still given this one and told that was “the best the could do”. He proceeds to just say he knows kids cant be controlled but to do my best to keep them quiet and left. I am sure tomorrow I will have a letter on my door either with an eviction notice, or another threat of it stating I am in violation of my lease and county ordinances. Mind you the incessant complainer is also constantly taking videos and I feel like its a vioolaiton of privacy. Also again just to reiterate, I do not know how I am in violation of my lease when the noise occurs prior to quiet hours and its nothing excessive. Am I the a$hole? is there anything I can do? can i sue for emotional damages? (I have made accommodations to move again when I have only been here for 7 months. I stressed out about trying to find another home, I had to pay a 2500 deposit, pay for moving fees, etc. I have also had to find a new ABA, speech and OT provider for my son). Not to mention, I am already working with my son everyday and use play therapy to help him and restricting him goes against this, I worry everyday that he wont be able to adjust to society standards, to learn to communicate, etc. and now I have this annoying downstairs lady constantly reminding me of his disability). I try to put myself in her shoes but I just cant see what the massive problem is. Thanks in advance

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I’m would tell my case worker to find me another home.

I'm sorry you're going through this and can relate to how stressful this can be. Idk about the suing part but I have researched a lot about OT activities and things to help with my daughter's stims and sensory triggers. Have you possibly considered trying maybe an inflatable bouncy house or maybe a mini trampoline? It sounds like he's seeking proprioceptive sensory input. When a child seeks this sensory input it gives their bodies a better understanding of where they are in space to inform body awareness skills and coordination. Crash pads or even a ball pit could help or any heavy work activities. I would also consider getting together with your son's oT perhaps they can help put together a sensory diet for him. I had a similar issue for my daughter and making a DIY ball pit was a big help along with a crash pad. Now I know every child has different sensory triggers and stims. I hope this can be of some help!

I went through this exact situation! The apartment walls and floors are thin and it was horrible. The noise complaints kept coming and the lady also took Pictures and videos as well. It was a horrific experience I wouldn’t wish for anyone. I tried everything padding on the floors noise cancellation I tried restricting my son by being out all Day until he was literally only sleeping and bathing at home and I would be anywhere else when he was awake. It was no way to live. Unfortunately It was nothing I can do and no one on my side. I had to move and live in houses only from now on . No more apt complexes at all. Literally never again. I had to go into a program Into a shelter and get my credit to where it needed to be - get help with down payment and closing costs… I started owning instead of renting. Message me and I can help find some resources in your area and programs to help you get a first time homebuyers assistance and any other resources that may help.

@Madrina Gee i messaged you!!

@Piri i have, i bought him a trampoline that he used pretty often and have a mattress in the living room as a crash pad (since the are expensive and i havent gotten to it quite yet). I also have a padded rug in the area he jumps most, and rug in rooms, etc. which is why i struggle to understand our downstairs neighbors. I know they have rights but i have also looked up noise ordinances and ada policies, etc. and they state the aprtment must essentially bend rules and accomodate for those with disabilities. So, i thought maybe i was being targeted

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