Everybody dreads living near a person who makes lots of noise at all hours of the day and night on a regular basis. When you live in an apartment, there seems to be no way to escape this individual’s blaring music, parties that last until the wee hours or boisterous kids and their friends. You like to think of your home as a peaceful oasis, but all too often, being there is a nerve-wracking experience. Tuning out all the sounds that grate on you is simply impossible. Griping about it all the time doesn’t help, either.
If you are a landlord in California with a tenant like that, you know the frustration and even anger this person can cause for you and other, quieter tenants. In fact, according to the website The Balance Small Business,“Noise is one of the most common complaints a landlord will get from tenants.” You need to find out what reasonable means are available to you for dealing with this person and resolving the issue.
Noises tenants make that often result in complaints
This is a partial list of objectionable noises that tenants make:
- Shouting
- Large indoor or outdoor social gatherings
- Not controlling a barking dog
- Having the TV turned up far too loud
- Children running overhead, shrieking or crying loudly
What actions can a landlord take?
Landlords have options, as well as a responsibility to look into the troublesome situation. Here are some tips on what you can do:
- Find out more from the tenant who is complaining about the noise. Get as many details as possible.
- Discuss the situation with other tenants to see if they have anything to add.
- Talk to the noisy tenant. Issuing a warning may be enough to quiet the person down.
- Having a clause about excessive or repeated noise in tenants’ leases is a good idea. If the tenant is in violation of the terms of their lease by continuing to make noise, they can be evicted.
If you are a landlord facing this problem and you aren’t sure how to address it, get some legal advice.