Blog Post

How to Avoid Noise Complaints with your Rental

Dustin Edwards • November 15, 2022

Noise Complaints Can Cause Headaches for Your Rental Property

Loud music, loud cars and excessive partying are generally seen as a nuisance by the local community. Which is why many cities have established noise control programs.


Nobody wants a noisy neighbor, and no landlord wants to hear that the police have been called on a tenant because they were being too loud. It's unwanted stress that you shouldn’t have to deal with. 


Your tenants however, are not the only ones subjected to potential noise complaints, construction, maintenance and the use of power tools can also result in noise complaints from neighbors.


Below are a few options you have to prevent you or your tenants from receiving noise complaints.


How to Respond to a Noise Complaint

Understand that this situation may happen whether in a single family home or an apartment building. Accept the noise complaint cordially from whomever is delivering it. It's important to keep positive relationships with neighbors and tenants that live in the area. Show sympathy to their complaint and let them know you’ll try to resolve it as quickly as possible. Look into the noise complaint, depending on what is making the noise your response may differ. Finally ask the noisy tenant if they can keep it down. If the noise persists you may have to resort to more serious methods.


Be Aware of “Quite Hours”

Most counties and cities have their own noise ordinance, it's important to know when the “quiet times” begin. It's easier to enforce rules when you know them. In California most local ordinances prohibit loud noises between 11:00 p.m. through 7 or 8:00 a.m. 


Though the city of Long Beach doesn't allow construction noises after 7:00 p.m. on weekdays. On Saturdays, construction noise is allowed from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Working within the allowed time frame lets your workers do their job maintaining, repairing or upgrading your Long Beach rental property without complaints.


Put it in Writing

The state of California law requires landlords to enforce noise provisions in accordance with the city ordinances. The best way for your tenant to understand the seriousness of the situation is for you to inform them that you will have a strict policy on excessive noise. This allows you to issue warnings to frequent noise makers as well as warn tenants that repeat violations of the noise rules may be subjected to more drastic measures such as eviction.


Installing Acoustic Insulation

If your Long Beach rental property is located near a busy street, the Long Beach airport or a construction site you may have tenants complaining about too much noise coming in from the outside. For these situations consider installing acoustic insulation on your walls, floors and ceilings to prevent noise from getting in. This can be a beneficial amenity you can market so your tenants feel an added layer of privacy knowing their neighbors can’t hear everything they do.


Noise Monitoring Sensors

If problems persist with noisy tenants, consider installing a noise monitoring system. These can inform you in real time when your tenants are being too noisy. Systems like Minut Responsive Service provide an easier way to make sure excess noise is dealt with quickly. These devices can detect when noise levels are too high and contact your guests to please keep it down. If the noise persists minut will then send a responder to resolve the issue, and send you a report.


These systems are not just to keep noise levels down, but can also be integrated into smart security systems, smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors.


It's ok to have the occasional get together, but there is no reason for a tenant to get noise complaints. If you are looking to install acoustic insulation to protect tenants from outside noise or noise monitoring system to keep tenant noise down call us at (562) 888-0247 or feel free to fill out our
free rental analysis to see what your rental could yield today.

Share this post

By Dustin Edwards December 19, 2024
If you're properties are suffering from lack of heating this winter, these 3 common issues could be the cause.
By Dustin Edwards December 12, 2024
Although Southern California’s winters are typically mild when compared to other parts of the country, tenants still value a warm home during the cooler months. Taking steps to maintain a comfortable living environment shows your tenants that their needs are being prioritized. This is crucial for tenant satisfaction, especially during the holidays. Below are three methods to help keep tenants warm during the winter season. Maintain Heating System It's required for landlords to provide rentals with a working heating system, however, it's not uncommon for these to fall into disrepair either because of lack of maintenance or negligence. Scheduling regular inspections and maintenance before the coldest weather can help to ensure the heating is reliable and efficient. Cleaning air filters, and checking for cold spots, or irregular noises can help prevent small issues from escalating into expensive repairs. Preventative maintenance can help to reduce the chances of inconvenient calls for emergency repairs. Being proactive with your maintenance can also help you protect your investment while earning goodwill from your tenant. Another factor that can affect your heating system is drafts around windows and doors. These drafts can cause your heating system to overwork which makes the system less efficient, and reliable and ultimately reduces the lifespan of your heating system. You can address this by inspecting the seals around doors and windows for gaps or cold spots. Replace worn-out seals and caulking where it's needed. Offer Smart Thermostats Consider providing your tenants with a smart thermostat for energy-efficient heating. This can not only give tenants control over their comfort, but it's also a great tool to reduce energy usage. By providing this upgrade to your tenant, you show a commitment to your tenant’s satisfaction which can in turn result in a long-term tenant. These kinds of devices definitely benefit your tenants, though they can also contribute to the longevity of your rental property as well. Additionally, you can give your tenant a smart thermostat as a holiday gift . This can show your tenant that you’re not simply collecting rent while protecting your investment. Reverse Ceiling Fans The direction in which a ceiling fan rotates is oftentimes overlooked, and it can have a great effect on the temperature of a home. A ceiling fan is typically seen as a way to cool down a home during the hotter seasons without using the air conditioning . Reversing the spin of a ceiling fan can help to circulate warm air more efficiently during the cold season . This is because warm air rises, and a fan rotating clockwise will push the warm air back down helping maintain warm temperatures. Most fans have a switch on the motor and it is easily accessible for most people with a step ladder. This easy adjustment helps reduce the need for your tenant to use the heating system. Tenants will notice a more consistent and comfortable temperature indoors. This should also help reduce costs on their energy bill. Reversing the rotation of the ceiling fans also takes some of the strain off of the heating system. This helps to ensure it operates efficiently for years by reducing the wear and tear on it. Taking proactive steps this winter season to ensure your tenant’s comfort demonstrates a landlord’s commitment to their tenant’s comfort. A comfortable tenant is a satisfied tenant , which can lead to a long-term tenant and steady rental income. Consider it a small investment for long-term success. If you need help keeping your rental warm or managing Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
By Dustin Edwards December 5, 2024
Discover 3 Gift Ideas for your tenants this holiday season.
Show More
Share by: