How to Complain to a Landlord About Noise

Noise can be a problem in apartment buildings.

Loud and noisy neighbors can be frustrating, keeping you and your family awake at night. If you live in a rental property, your landlord is responsible for maintaining the property and keeping it in a livable condition. When neighbors are being loud, you should talk to your landlord about rectifying the situation if you don't want to speak to your neighbors directly. If your landlord also rents to your neighbors, he will be required to take care of the noisy conditions.

Instructions

1. Review your local noise ordinance. Most cities or towns have ordinances that designate "quiet hours." Although these laws are generally vague, it's helpful to know when the quiet hours are in your city.

2. Call or talk to your landlord about your concerns. Explain to him that there's a noise problem that you're unable to deal with. Keep a note of the date you talked to him.

3. Write a letter to your landlord. If the noise was not reduced, put your complaint in writing. Address the letter to your landlord and explain the situation. Include how you would like the situation to be remedied, such as evicting noisy neighbors, or fixing a noisy appliance. Provide a deadline by which you want the problem fixed.

4. Make a copy of your letter to keep for your records. Mail the letter or drop it off with your landlord.

5. Call the police. If the noise is from neighbors and has not been reduced, you should contact your local police department. Evictions are time-consuming and difficult, so you will need to have some patience with your landlord. However, police reports detailing the complaint will help with the eviction.

6. Look for a new place to live. If the noise continues, ask your landlord about breaking your lease. If the noise is coming from an appliance or something else that could be easily remedied, you may be able to terminate your lease with no repercussions (depending on the state in which you live). Check your local tenant laws or contact the housing authority in your area.

References

• ComplaintLetter.net: Apartment Noise Landlord Complaint Letter
• Law Hog: Neighbors and Noise
• "The New York Times"; When Noisy People Live Upstairs; 2009