Managing Noise Issues and Complaints

Are you a landlord dealing with tenant complaints? If so, you're likely familiar with the challenges of addressing noise issues—one of the most common and persistent concerns renters face.

As a property owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure your tenants enjoy their right to peace and quiet in their living space.

Whether the disturbance is coming from a neighboring unit or another tenant, resolving the issue is essential for maintaining tenant satisfaction and a positive living environment.

When a tenant reports a noise problem, it's crucial to follow a clear and methodical process to investigate the issue and find a fair solution.

By taking a structured approach, you can address the situation fairly and efficiently, ensuring that your tenants' concerns are resolved and that your property remains a peaceful place to live.

In this article, Sun-Pro Realty and Management provide expert advice on effectively handling noise complaints. Keep reading to learn more!

Checking the Complaint

Is the complaint legitimate? Noise is subjective, and what bothers one tenant may not bother another. For minor disturbances, like footsteps, simple solutions such as adding soundproof panels or carpets may help. However, if the complaint involves loud noise—like drumming past midnight—it needs immediate attention.

Take time to investigate the issue personally. This ensures you're acting on facts, not hearsay, and helps prevent false accusations. You may find that the source of the noise is different than reported or that multiple tenants share the same concern, which can help confirm the issue.

Remember, not all noise is a problem. Occasional parties or gatherings are typical, but excessive or late-night noise should be addressed swiftly to maintain a peaceful living environment.

Factors to Consider About Noise Complaints

The number of people who reported the same complaint
If you had the same experience and heard the noise
The frequency of the noise complaint issue
If the noise has been officially documented
If the noise is considered a normal day-to-day activity

Understanding the answers to these questions will help you assess the legitimacy of the noise complaint and guide your response. In some cases, you may need to establish clearer noise policies or develop new strategies for addressing disturbances when tenants violate existing rules.

When the Complaint Is Valid

After a thorough investigation, you may find that the noise complaint is legitimate. In this case, it’s important to take swift action by addressing the issue directly with the offender.

Delaying or dismissing the problem can lead to tenant frustration and may even expose you to legal risks, such as a negligence lawsuit. Approach the situation head-on by speaking with all involved parties and proposing a solution to reduce the noise.

Be sure to document the resolution for future reference. If your lease agreement includes noise regulations, especially regarding quiet hours, refer to these terms during your discussions to reinforce the need for compliance.

You can also find other methods to minimize daily sounds by upgrading your rental unit to include the following:

Adding cork and carpet flooring
Attaching adhesive pads underneath chairs and table legs
Placing area rugs around the floors

Hanging heavy drapes near windows for noise insulation
Installing double-pane windows
Soundproofing walls
Requesting upper floor situated tenants to avoid slamming doors

In multi-family buildings, noise complaints can be common due to the close residential proximity but you can design policies that enhance peaceful harmony between co-tenants.

When the Complaint Is Not Valid

When the complaint is found to be invalid, it's still important to address the complainant's concerns. Speak with them to ensure they feel heard and understood. For example, if the noise was caused by a one-time celebratory event, explain this while maintaining empathy.

Let the tenant know you've conducted a thorough investigation and share your findings. If no evidence supports the complaint, clearly explain your decision and how you handled the situation. This helps maintain open communication and trust with your tenants.

Fix Quiet Hours

A great way to promote peace and quiet among renters is by including noise-related terms and conditions in your lease agreement.

Establishing clear quiet hours—such as from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. on weekends—helps guide residents to be more mindful of noise during these times.

However, it's important to note that tenants should still be considerate outside of these hours. Additionally, defining what constitutes "excessive noise" can make it easier for tenants to understand and follow your noise policies.

Examples of excessive noise could include loud parties, lawn mowing during quiet hours, or playing musical instruments at high volumes.

Be sure to also familiarize yourself with local noise ordinances, as many towns and cities have their own quiet hour regulations that may need to be incorporated into your property policy.

Screening Renters at the Outset

An excellent way to avoid noise complaints is by performing a detailed tenant screening at the start. You can evaluate the tenant’s history, contact former landlords, and verify the information submitted by a potential tenant.

This way you already have a fair idea of whether a tenant will be responsible and can comply with property policies.

Bottom Line

When a noise complaint is reported, it's essential to investigate thoroughly. Gather all relevant facts to determine the validity of the complaint.
If the issue is legitimate, take appropriate steps to address it.

If the offending tenant fails to change their behavior after being notified, eviction may become necessary. Always provide written notice and document every action taken to protect yourself legally.