It is indeed bothersome when you have to deal with noise especially coming from your neighbours. But when you’re a landlord and you’re dealing with noise issues in your rental property, the result is rather costly than inconvenient.
The thing about noise complaints though is that they’re quite difficult to resolve. It may be because it’s quite difficult to pinpoint the exact source of the noise; most of these disturbances occur in the dead of night; or it can be that the complaining tenant is just being too sensitive.
When to say that the noise is too much
Basically, everything makes noises. Normal conversations, footsteps, home appliances like the television, washing machine, vacuum cleaner, hair blower and bunch of other devices, as well as the rest of our normal daily activities all produce sound. However, some tenants complain about these noises so you are then obliged to investigate whether these noises are excessive or not.
The first step is to evaluate the noise and determine which tenant should be called out.
Evaluating the noise
When deciding whether a noise is excessive or legitimate depends on the situation. Here are a few things to consider:
- Is the noise coming from a single source? How many tenants are complaining?
- If it’s a single source, does the tenant have a habit of complaining? Were the previous complaints legitimate?
- How often does the noise occur?
- Have you heard the noise firsthand? If yes, can you determine the source?
- Have you taken note of the specific times of its occurrence?
- Can you tell if the noise is a product of normal living activities?
- What steps have you taken to try to resolve the issue?
Here are some surefire ways of seamlessly handling noise complaints:
Prompt Action
Respond to complaints in the soonest time possible. Doing so gives you an opportunity to listen to the noise yourself. This will make identifying the noise and resolving the issue much easier.
Offer Some Options
Assure your tenant that you are going to take the necessary actions to resolve their issue
Let them know that you are looking into a number of options and that you will update them with the progress until the issue is fully resolved.
Keep Your Calm
Keep your emotions in check. Any wrong move will create a negative impression to your tenants that may harm your relationship with them. Avoid causing even more damage by avoiding the risk of losing 1 or both tenants.
Screen Your Tenants
Ensure all rental references are thoroughly checked and find out if an applicant has been subject to noise complaints in their past tenancies. This may seem like a small thing but it does make a big difference in the long run.
Never Let Your Tenants Deal with Noise on Their Own
The last thing you would want to happen is a confrontation between your tenants or their neighbours. As a landlord, it is your duty to keep the peace, apart from managing your rental properties. Make sure that you are present in resolving disputes so you can witness the disturbance and make your own investigation.
