It is common to encounter noise complaints in apartments and condos. With people living in such close proximity to one another, noise is bound to travel through walls and down hallways, resulting in disturbances or irritation. Believe it or not, there is a proper way to deal with noise complaints.
The Rise of Noise Complaints in Apartments
Noise has become a top concern among many communities nowadays. There are several possible reasons behind this phenomenon, with the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect being the obvious first one.
In 2020, the world came to a screeching halt when the pandemic hit. People were asked to stay at home, with many companies shifting to a remote work approach to help mitigate the health risks.
After the pandemic, some of these companies never returned to the office, instead opting to maintain their remote setup. Having grown accustomed to remote work and its benefits, many people sought jobs that allowed them to work from home. As more and more people stayed at home even during the day, noise became more prevalent.
Living in close quarters is another reason for the increasing number of noise complaints in apartments. With the population also on the rise, the demand for accommodations has increased accordingly. Instead of building detached homes, developers are investing in apartments and condos, which enable them to accommodate more tenants on a single lot.
While apartments and condos offer convenience, they also come with close living situations. The only things separating units from each other are shared walls, and noise can easily slip through the cracks.
Addressing Noise Complaints for Residents
Noise can disrupt quiet living and irritate residents. When faced with a noise issue, residents have a few options available to them. These include talking to the
neighbor, contacting their landlord or board, checking the lease for noise clauses, documenting everything, and filing a noise complaint.
Let’s break these down below.
1. Talk to Neighbor
Before filing a formal noise complaint in an apartment, residents should first attempt to resolve the issue directly with their neighbor. Sometimes, neighbors are unaware that they are making too much noise and disturbing others. A simple conversation might already do the trick.
When approaching a neighbor about a noise issue, it’s important to practice respect and politeness. Always approach it with an open mind and a considerate demeanor. It’s entirely possible the neighbor was simply unaware of their noise level. Failing to address the issue with aggression can only lead to hostility and worsen the situation.
2. Contact Landlord or Board/Manager
If a resident has a complaint about noise in their apartment, they can contact their landlord. Their landlord should be able to discuss the problem with the neighbor. If the neighbor has the same landlord, it also makes things easier.
For those living in a condo complex or homeowners’ association (HOA), speaking with the board or manager is ideal. Most associations have noise rules that residents must follow. Violating these rules can lead to penalties, including monetary fines. The association board or community manager is responsible for enforcing these rules and addressing violations.
3. Check the Lease for Noise Clauses
Residents can also check their lease for noise clauses, especially if they have the same landlord as their noisy neighbor. There is a good chance that they have similar lease agreements. If there is a noise clause, it’s essential to understand the specifics of it, including acceptable noise levels and quiet hours.
If a resident believes that an apartment noise violation has occurred, they should bring the matter to the attention of their shared landlord or property manager. The landlord or property manager is responsible for enforcing the lease and addressing the noise complaint.
4. Document Everything
Proper documentation is imperative when addressing noise complaints in apartments. Residents can record the noise as proof that has permeated the walls and is causing a disturbance. Complaints should also be in written form. This way, residents can create a paper trail in case the issue escalates.
5. File a Noise Complaint
Most cities and municipalities have noise ordinances in place. Residents should consult their local laws to determine the specifics.
In Chicago, Chapters 8 through 32 of the City Code cover noise restrictions. According to this ordinance, quiet hours are between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. During this time, loud noises are prohibited in residential areas. This includes loud music and amplified sound.
To file a noise complaint in Chicago, residents can call 311. They may also file a complaint online or through the CHI311 app. For urgent issues during quiet hours, residents can call the non-emergency line at 311 to contact the Chicago Police Department.
How to Deal With Noise Complaints in Condos and HOAs
Many association boards find it challenging to handle noise complaints in their communities. Fortunately, there are a few things that can help. These include establishing noise restrictions, a formal complaint and violation process, and ADR.
Here’s how boards and managers can handle noise complaints in apartments, condos, and HOAs.
Noise Restrictions
To deal with HOA noise complaints, the association should first have noise restrictions. If there are no rules or restrictions in place, residents would not violate anything, and the board would have no authority over noise issues.
Noise rules should describe the quiet hours in the community. They should also cover acceptable noise levels. It is essential to incorporate these rules into the governing documents, specifically the CC&Rs and operating rules.
Having rules isn’t enough. The association board should also communicate these rules to all residents to make sure they understand them. The board should also educate residents on the complaint process and potential penalties for noise violations.
Complaint and Penalty Process
Board members should establish a standardized complaint process for consistency. This ensures fair and transparent applications for everyone. Associations should define the steps that residents must follow to lodge a condo noise complaint. This includes outlining any supporting documentation.
Penalties should also be discussed in the governing documents. Typically, penalties include monetary fines and temporary suspension of privileges. Some associations even take legal action if the violation goes unresolved.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Associations should attempt to resolve noise disputes internally whenever possible. Of course, this is not always possible, resulting in the need for external help. In such cases, the board can recommend entering alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Methods include meditation and arbitration.
Resolving Noise Complaints in Apartments
Noise might seem like a small disturbance, but too much of it can quickly interfere with quiet enjoyment. It can even affect the quality of life in the neighborhood, resulting in diminished appeal. To maintain peace and harmony, it is imperative to address noise complaints as they arise.
Hillcrest offers HOA management services to communities in Chicago. Call us today at 630-627-3303 or contact us online to request a proposal!
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