Property Management Advice: How to Handle Noise Complaints
Dealing with noisy tenants is never something a landlord likes to deal with because disturbances can cost you time and money. However, it is an unavoidable part of property management for most Denver landlords. For this reason, it’s important to learn how to effectively handle noise complaints.
Noise complaints can be difficult to resolve because most disturbances happen in the middle of the night. If you’re managing multiple properties, then it’s not likely you’re going to be awake and available for immediate support and assistance to your tenant.
It can be challenging to identify the source of the noise. Enforcement efforts are rarely successful, and sometimes the complaining tenant is being overly sensitive to the sounds of everyday living. Knowing when noise is truly an issue and how to address it can help you successfully resolve noise complaint issues. Below, our Denver property management teams has provided some advice on the matter that may be helpful for landlords dealing with these types of issues.
When Is Noise Excessive?
No one is going to live in a space without generating some kinds of sounds. Even with that in mind, often tenants make complaints. Sometimes, tenants are overly sensitive to the amount of noise that their neighbors create, and often struggle to live in buildings that are occupied by multiple people.
Evaluate the Complaint
The primary focus for you as the landlord should be to determine the validity of the complaint. This can be a challenge, since the guidelines that determine when noise is excessive varies from person to person and are often situation-specific. You’re going to have to determine if the noise complaint is legitimate. To do this, consider discussing the issue with tenants other than the one complaining and the one being accused. This will help you develop an overall understanding of the situation.
Moving Forward
Once you’ve determined the validity of the complaint, carefully consider what your next steps will be. Make sure you validate and communicate well with the complaining tenant so s/he doesn’t feel ignored because that’s only going to trigger more complaints. Show empathy and reassurance that feelings are being acknowledged and understood. Make sure your tenant knows that you’re going to be intervene or offer suggestions on how to mitigate the complaint.
Offer suggestions to reduce the annoyance from unavoidable noises. This can include everything from running a fan, a white noise machine, or suggest moving furniture so they’re in a quieter part of the unit. If it’s possible and works for your building, you might consider offering the tenant the option of a different unit if you’re renting out an apartment building.
Get Advice from an Expert
Peaks to Plains is proud to be Denver’s premier property management experts. We’re happy to assist you in any questions you have about property management and effective tenant solutions. Please feel free to call our office any time.
