What are some suggestions to handle noise complaints?
If you receive frequent complaints about noise you should investigate the possible sources of noise disturbance. If the noise is persistently coming from a particular source that is within your control i.e. a tenant on your rental property, you must address the issue with the offending party and take appropriate action. If the noise is occasional and tracked to a source such as a one-time event, e.g. party, the host tenant could be given an oral warning and reminded of the lease rules regarding noise and disturbances. If the noise is as a result of your planned repair/improvements to the property, or street repair by the city, then perhaps a community bulletin regarding the planned work that may cause more than normal noise and disturbance would be an appropriate notification to tenants and to ask for their understanding.
There are some rental practices that can help a landlord handle noise complaints. As a first step, you should respond to the complaint as quickly as possible. Review your rental policy regarding noise and disturbance with the complaining tenant and explain you will handle the matter appropriate to the situation. Once you have investigated the matter and made your decision, you should advise the tenant that the matter has been addressed according to your lease terms and conditions.
Generally it is better to start with a simple conversation about the matter with the tenant who is allegedly creating the disturbance. It may be that the tenant doesn’t realize his actions have created a disturbance that annoys other tenants. An oral warning may be sufficient to solve the problem. Repeated violations of noise disturbances may require a written cure or quit notice to end the nuisance or be subject to eviction. The majority of states allow landlords to terminate a tenancy for a tenant’s repeated violation of the terms of the lease agreement. An eviction may be necessary to protect the rights of other tenants to peace and quiet. It is important to have adequate supporting documentation to accomplish that.
Noise and noise related complaints are part of community living. Landlords can help to reduce noise complaints through specific lease language, adequate tenant screenings, addressing complaints promptly, and enforcement of rules and regulations.