How to deal with tenant noise complaints

Noise complaints can be common in a multifamily property due to the proximity of residents. The challenge for landlords and property managers is determining when noise levels cross the line from acceptable to disruptive, and knowing how to effectively handle the complaints.

This blog offers comprehensive guidance on how to deal with tenant noise complaints in multifamily properties. We offer strategies for managing the different types of noise complaints and showcase how multifamily property software can streamline the process.

What is the definition of noise?

Whether it’s the footsteps of tenants in the hallway or the odd occurrence of a barking dog, general noise is to be expected when living in a multifamily property. Noise only becomes considered a nuisance when it occurs at an unreasonable time during the day or night, continues for an extended period, and disturbs the peace, comfort, and health of residents.

It’s essential to have clear noise policies in place that can assist you take the right action when you receive a noise complaint. These policies should define unacceptable noise levels and specific times when quiet hours are enforced. This will help you ensure tenants can enjoy their homes without unnecessary disturbance.

The law on noise issues

The law on noise issues for commercial or residential multifamily properties varies by state and locality. Generally, laws are designed to protect residents from unreasonable disturbances while balancing the right to reasonable use of a property. These laws often specify quiet hours, typically between 11 pm and 7 am.

It is important to familiarize yourself with local noise laws to enforce the rules effectively. This knowledge is crucial when dealing with tenant complaints, as it provides a legal framework for addressing noise issues.

Are landlords liable for tenant noise?

Landlords are generally not directly liable for tenant noise. However, if a landlord fails to address repeated noise complaints that violate lease agreements or local noise ordinances, they could be seen as neglecting their duty to ensure a habitable living environment for other tenants. This could then result in legal or financial consequences.

As a landlord or property manager, it is in your best interest to take tenant noise complaints seriously beyond just avoiding legal issues. Addressing these complaints promptly can significantly enhance tenant satisfaction, reducing turnover and the costs associated with finding new occupants. A quiet and peaceful property is also more attractive to prospective tenants, helping to quickly fill any vacant units.

Sources of noise

Noise in multifamily properties can come from various sources, each requiring a different approach to management. Recognizing these sources is the first step in addressing noise complaints effectively.

Noisy tenants

Noisy tenants are often the main cause of noise complaints in multifamily properties. Activities such as loud music, parties, or even heavy footsteps can disrupt other residents. Addressing these issues directly with the tenants involved is crucial for resolving conflicts and maintaining peace within the property.

Noisy visitors

Your tenants’ visitors can also be a significant source of noise on your property. Loud gatherings, excessive foot traffic, and general disturbances can all result in tenant noise complaints. It’s important to address these issues directly with the tenants hosting the visitors and educate your tenants on controlling visitor noise to prevent future complaints.

Noisy neighbors

Noise from neighboring properties can also affect tenants in multifamily properties. These noises can range from disruptive work-related activities to construction projects. Although you have limited control over external noise sources, you can take steps to address these issues, such as soundproofing or liaising with neighboring property owners.

Dealing with specific noise problems

Addressing specific noise problems requires targeted strategies. Understanding the source and type of noise will help you find an effective solution faster, leading to better outcomes for both you and your tenants.

Here’s how you can deal with common noise complaints in multifamily properties:

Music and parties

Music and parties typically involve loud noise late in the evening. These disturbances can disrupt sleep, relaxation, and comfort for those living nearby. The ripple effect can be tension among tenants and an increase in complaints for you to manage.

To deal with this type of noise complaint, you will need to communicate directly with the tenant who is hosting the party. You can inform them that their neighboring tenants are being disturbed, and politely request them to reduce the noise levels.

It’s normal for your tenants to want to play music or occasionally host gatherings in their homes. To keep everyone happy and prevent these types of noise complaints, you can establish clear rules about music levels and party hours in the lease agreement. You should also encourage tenants to inform their neighbors in advance that they will be having a party.

Burglar alarms

Burglar alarms, while essential for security, can sometimes become a source of noise complaints. Accidental activations or alarms that go off for extended periods without being addressed can cause significant disturbances for neighboring tenants. This type of noise can be particularly disruptive, leading to stress and discomfort within your multifamily property.

When you receive a noise complaint about a burglar alarm, you need to first verify if there is a genuine security issue. This includes immediately contacting the tenant of the unit with the alarm and on-site security. If it is a false alarm, work with the tenant to ensure it is silenced promptly. Providing guidance on how to manage alarm systems effectively can help minimize future disturbances.

Noisy dogs

Dogs can bring a lot of joy to a home, but they can also be a source of noise that disturbs neighboring tenants. Barking, howling, or even just loud play can easily penetrate through walls and floors, leading to frustration and complaints.

To address noise complaints, you need to first have a conversation with the pet owner to explain the impact on neighbors. If the noise complaints become persistent, you may need to consider alternative solutions, such as encouraging professional training for the dog or investing in additional soundproofing. It is essential to include pet policies in lease agreements that outline expectations for noise control so that you can enforce clear rules when a complaint arises.

Antisocial behavior

Antisocial behavior covers a range of activities from shouting to playing loud music at inappropriate hours to other forms of disruptive conduct that can negatively affect the living conditions of neighboring tenants. Such behavior can lead to a tense atmosphere within the community, affecting the overall quality of life and tenant satisfaction.

It’s crucial to have clear, enforceable policies outlined in your lease agreements about acceptable behavior and the consequences of violating these rules. When complaints about antisocial behavior arise, addressing them promptly through direct communication, issuing warnings, or mediating between involved parties can help. In cases where these measures don’t result in behavior change, it may be necessary to contact local authorities to protect the tenants’ well-being.

How to deal with noise complaints

Effectively dealing with noise complaints is crucial for maintaining a positive living environment in multifamily properties.

Here are the best strategies for dealing with noise complaints:

Acknowledging the noise problem

It’s important to immediately acknowledge all noise complaints you receive. This demonstrates to your tenants that their concerns are taken seriously, and you are dedicated to ensuring their comfort. You can also use this opportunity to gather any additional information about the noise, allowing you to assess whether it violates property rules or local noise ordinances and determine your response.

Multifamily property software can be a game-changer in how you handle noise complaints. It allows tenants to report issues directly through the platform and include all relevant information. This streamlined communication enables you to receive noise problems more efficiently, inform tenants you have received their complaint, and take the best next steps.

Talking to the perpetrator of the noise

You need to take prompt action on noise complaints by having a conversation with the tenant. You will need to explain the complaint to the tenant and how the noise is impacting their neighbors. It’s crucial to be firm but respectful to ensure the issue is rectified without escalating the situation.

If the noise is coming from neighboring properties, you will need to reach out to the property owner or manager to solve the problem. If there aren’t any improvements within a reasonable time, you can then decide if further action is required.

Once you have addressed the perpetrator, you will need to inform the complaining tenant and document that the complaint has been rectified. You can do this by utilizing your multifamily property management software, which allows for efficient tracking and documentation of complaints.

Mediation of noise complaints

When direct communication does not resolve the noise issue, mediation may be necessary. This involves bringing together the complaining tenant and the perpetrator of the noise to discuss the problem and work towards a solution.

Multifamily property management software can facilitate the mediation process for noise complaints. It can help by scheduling mediation sessions, sending reminders to both parties, and documenting the discussion and any agreements reached.

Reporting third-party noise issues

When dealing with third-party noise issues, such as disturbances from nearby properties or public spaces, you should first reach out to the source of the noise directly. This will allow the property owner or manager to address the noise issues without escalating the situation. If the issue persists, reporting the problem to local authorities or community boards may be necessary to resolve the issue.

Multifamily property management software can streamline the process of dealing with third-party noise complaints. It allows for efficient documentation of the noise complaint, which can equip you with all the necessary information to make a formal complaint. It will also allow you to communicate with the complaining tenants about the status of their complaint, helping to keep them informed during the resolution process.

Reducing future noise complaints

Implementing strategies to reduce the likelihood of noise disturbances can save time and resources in the long run.

Below is how you can prevent noise complaints to maintain a peaceful multifamily property:

Adding a noise clause to the lease

One effective strategy is to include a noise clause in the lease agreement. This clause should outline acceptable noise levels, quiet hours, and the consequences of violating noise policies. By setting clear expectations from the beginning, you can reduce the incidence of noise complaints.

The noise clause also serves as a legal basis for addressing noise issues. It ensures landlords and property managers are equipped with a clear framework for enforcing the property rules relating to noise.

Soundproofing a property

Soundproofing can significantly reduce noise transmission between units in a multifamily property. You can add insulation, install noise-reducing windows, and use carpets or rugs to dampen sound. While soundproofing requires an upfront investment, it can lead to long-term savings by preventing any costs associated with handling out-of-hours noise complaints.

Managing tenants with multifamily management software

Address noise complaints promptly and effectively with multifamily property management software. Our software provides tenants with communication channels for reporting issues, while also enabling landlords and property managers to track complaints, communicate with tenants, and enforce property rules. By implementing multifamily property management software, you can improve your responsiveness to noise complaints and boost tenant satisfaction.

FAQs about tenant noise complaints

Get a software demo

Multifamily software used by the top ten NMHC managers

Take full control of the lead-to-lease process

Get a demo