How to Handle Apartment Noise Complaints

Noise disruptions are a common challenge in apartments, but knowing your options makes all the difference. Here’s how to handle noise problems effectively, from practical solutions to enforcing your rights.

A Guide to Apartment Noise Complaints

What Is a Noise Complaint?

A noise complaint is a formal notice lodged against an individual or an operation. The complaint describes the disturbance or interruption of someone's quiet enjoyment of their living space. This could include:

• Constant use of power tools
• Loud arguments
• Loud music
• Running and jumping (in an apartment above you)
• Late night parties

Everyday sounds such as traffic, children playing, or casual conversations usually don’t qualify.

What Are My Tenant Rights?

As a renter, you have a legal right to the “covenant of quiet enjoyment.” That means you're entitled to live in your apartment without excessive noise disturbances that interfere with your ability to sleep, relax, work, or go about daily life.

This protection is often built into your lease and backed by local landlord-tenant laws. It doesn’t mean your apartment has to be completely silent, but it does mean you shouldn’t have to deal with regular disruptions.

How Should I Communicate With My Noisy Neighbor?

A respectful conversation or written note can go a long way in resolving many noise issues. When approaching your neighbor:

• Stay calm and steer clear of accusatory language
• Use “I” statements: “I’m having trouble sleeping when music runs late.”
• Suggest a compromise: Ex. “Could we lower the volume after 10 PM?”

If a face-to-face conversation is too difficult, consider sending a kind note, messaging via your tenant portal, or having your landlord act as a mediator.

How Do I Document and File a Noise Complaint?

Most communities have written laws about excessive noise, which gives you the right to file a complaint. Here’s how to take action.

1. Record incidents: Note the date, time, duration, type of noise, and impact.
2. Use recordings: Timestamped audio or video, especially with decibel meter apps, adds credibility.
3. Check the rules: Reference local noise ordinances and quiet hours (e.g., 50 dB at night).
4. Involve your landlord: Share documentation and request action, such as sending warnings or escalating complaints.
5. Escalate when needed: If the landlord doesn’t act, you can file official complaints with your local authorities, housing boards, or police (non-emergency line).

By taking consistent, well-documented steps, you’ll increase your chances of resolving the issue through formal channels.

When Can I Break My Lease Due to Noise?

If noise makes your unit uninhabitable and the landlord fails to fix the situation, you might qualify for constructive eviction intentionally breaking your lease.

Before moving forward, talk to a tenant rights attorney and make sure you’ve documented all complaints and communications.

What Practical Solutions Can I Try at Home?

• Use heavy rugs and blankets to absorb sound
• Add soundproof curtains or seal gaps with weather-stripping
• Install bookshelves filled with items near shared walls
• Use white noise machines or earplugs for temporary relief
• If allowed and necessary, add acoustic panels or new drywall for targeted sound reduction

How to Find a Noise-Free Apartment

Knowing how to deal with a noise complaint is the first step to finding peace in your home. But if it gets to the point where neither you nor your landlord can resolve it, it’s okay to start looking elsewhere.

Take our personalized quiz to find the ideal apartment for your needs and preferences.

Noise Complaint FAQs

How do I file a noise complaint?

Here are some practical ways to deal with a noise complaint:

• Record the incidents
• Check the rules for local noise ordinances and quiet hours
• Send your landlord a letter detailing the noise complaint, including your documentation about the noise

What happens when you file a noise complaint?

If you file a noise complaint with your landlord, they should start investigating and talk to your neighbor. But if you file a complaint with your city, the police should contact the neighbor about their noise and give them a warning or issue a ticket and fine.

What constitutes a noise complaint?

Noise complaints differ depending on your area and local laws or lease terms, but common issues include:

• Loud music complaints
• Late-night parties
• Loud, excessive arguments
• All day dog barking

How do I tell my neighbors to be quiet?

Talking to your neighbors could resolve the noise complaint before it spirals. Here are some tips to get started:

• Politely and respectfully speak with your neighbor in person or on the phone about the noise
• Suggest a solution. Maybe they could wear headphones or they could limit their loud music during certain hours
• If you're both comfortable doing so, ask them to step inside your apartment to listen to the noise
• Gently knock on the wall where the noise is coming from to get your neighbor's attention
• Bring a gift with a nice note and ask if they would be willing to reduce the noise

Why do I hear footsteps in my apartment?

It's unsettling and annoying to hear footsteps in your apartment. When sound leaks through walls or floorboards, it's magnified in the empty space between your apartment and your neighbor's. This is normal in apartment living, and is usually considered to be an acceptable form of noise.

How loud can I play music in my apartment?

Acceptable sound levels, including music, depend on your local area and lease terms. It's usually standard that people shouldn't play loud music of 50 decibels or higher between 11 pm and 7 am. Check your lease terms and local laws, or invite your neighbors to let you know if you're being too loud.

How do I ask my neighbors to walk quieter?

It's always awkward asking neighbors to walk softer, but you should be direct, honest, and as polite as possible. Ask if they would be willing to wear socks or invest in an area rug to help fix the problem.

When is noise considered "too loud"?

Check your lease or local noise regulations (usually between 50 dB at night, or specified quiet hours). Common issues include constant use of power tools, loud arguments or music, and late night parties.

Can I break my lease over unresolved noise issues?

Only in extreme cases where the disturbance makes the unit uninhabitable—this may fall under "constructive eviction." It’s recommended to seek legal advice about this.

Should I involve the authorities for a noise complaint?

Yes. If landlord intervention fails, you may consider filing with housing authorities, mediation services, or small claims court.

Do I need to involve neighbors in the process of filing a formal noise complaint?

Yes, witness accounts can help your case and impact landlord action.