Living in an apartment comes with a lot of benefits for the tenants, such as better security and proximity to basic amenities. However, to fully enjoy the experience of living in Windsor rental units, a positive relationship has to exist between all tenants.
As a property manager, it is up to you to maintain the peace and ensure that the rights of the tenants are not infringed. One of the biggest issues of contention between tenants is unreasonable noise levels from their apartment neighbours and how to handle noise complaints.
Maintaining a quiet environment is something every property manager has to take seriously. If you require assistance handling noise nuisances in your apartment, contact Maximum Property Solutions for apartment property management services in Windsor.
Preventing Noise Disturbances Is Important
Before discussing the various ways of handling noise complaints, it is important to understand that it is better to prevent such incidents from occurring in the first place. Maintaining an environment where tenants can experience quiet moments is of the utmost importance.
As such, when drafting the tenancy agreement, make sure you include a section on noise restrictions. The noise clause can give examples of what qualifies as “unreasonable noise” and also set aside quiet hours when loud parties, or practicing loud instruments are not allowed at certain times.
10 Steps to Handle Noise Complaints of Excessive Levels in Apartments
What happens when tenants choose to ignore the noise regulations and you receive complaints from their neighbours? Well, receiving noise complaints is something you have to be ready to deal with noise complaints, and the following steps can help with the process:
1. Accept the Complaint Graciously
When dealing with noise disturbances, it is important to show your tenants that you are sympathetic to their issues and will act immediately. Remember that you are probably dealing with frustrated individuals, so tempers are likely to be high.
2. Determine the Validity of the Complaint
You should not assume that every complaint of excessive noise is valid. Before taking any disciplinary action, try to determine the validity of the complaint. You can talk to other tenants in the building and ask if they are also experiencing noise disturbances from their downstairs/upstairs neighbour.
There are cases where noise disputes can be the result of other problems between the tenants involved. Accusing one tenant of producing loud noise levels can turn a simple noise complaint into something a lot more serious.
3. Investigate the Source of the Noise Issue
Once you have determined that there is above-normal noise coming from a specific unit, it will be time to determine what is causing it. There are many possible sources of ongoing noise, such as:
- Everyday noise (loud TVs, radios, crying babies, pets, or shouting)
- Late-night parties
- Too many overnight guests
- Construction noise during property repair
- Poor wall insulation
Determining the type of noise and the time of day that it is happening will help you decide how best to approach the situation.
4. Approach the Noisy Neighbor
With all the facts in hand, it will be time to approach the noisy tenant. In most cases, once you explain how their activities are affecting their upstairs/downstairs neighbours, the at-fault tenant will apologize and seek to make amends by reducing their noise levels.
However, this is not always the case. The noisy neighbour may become defensive and refuse to cooperate. This will mean you have a serious issue on your hands which, in the worst-case scenario, may require legal action.
5. Refer to the Lease Agreement
When dealing with disputes between your tenants, the lease agreement can be your greatest weapon. You can refer to the noise clause and point out how the tenant is infringing on their neighbour’s right to enjoy some quiet hours each day.
This is why having a good tenancy agreement is important. If you are having difficulties drafting one yourself, you can approach a reputable property management company in Ontario, Canada and seek assistance.
6. Issue a Formal Complaint
If it seems that the complaint may degenerate into a serious legal problem, it is best to always have everything in writing. You can issue the noisy tenant with a formal complaint that can be signed by all parties involved. That way, when the time comes to take legal action, you will have some written evidence to use.
7. Seek Mediation
In some cases, seeking the help of an experienced mediator can help both parties find common ground to solve their noise dispute. If you hire a qualified professional for the job, you can handle the complaint in a secure environment and ensure that your tenants find an amicable solution.
8. Inform the Rental Property Owner
As a property manager, you have to decide when it is time to let the owners of the property know that there is a problem. Usually, you only have to do this once you have exhausted all means of solving the dispute and you are about to take legal action. Usually this is the last resort, for how to handle noise complaints, but it may be a nessecary one.
9. Report Noise Violations to Local Authorities if the Problem Persists
You can report the issue to the local authorities and see what they can do to help with the noise disturbances. In some cases, the presence of law enforcement officers will be enough to get everyone calm and show the perpetrators how serious their actions are.
10. Initiate Eviction Proceedings if the Problem Can’t be Solved
If the neighbour in question does not listen to the valid complaints made by other tenants and chooses to ignore your instructions, you can choose to terminate the lease agreement and start the eviction process. You will have to show that the offending party breached the guidelines for tenants from time to time, leaving you no option but to evict them.
Looking for “Property Maintenance Near Me?” Let Maximum Property Solutions Help
If you are struggling to deal with noise complaints from tenants, you can approach Property Management Solutions for help.
We are a group of the best property managers Windsor, Ontario, has to offer, with us by your side … you can reach a proper resolution on how to handle noise complaints, quickly and easily.
