- Need to write a noise complaint letter? Check out this article for tips and a sample letter template.
- Clearly state the problem, describe the impact, and propose a resolution in a polite and concise manner.
- Address the letter to the appropriate person or authority and keep a copy for your records.
- Use specific details, provide evidence if possible, and be respectful throughout the letter.
- Remember to follow up if necessary and seek legal assistance if the issue persists.
If you’ve ever rented before, you’ve likely encountered a noise issue, and you may have been unsure about how to complain to the landlord about noisy tenants. You’ve done the work of finding your dream place to rent and moved into your new apartment, but now you’re constantly bombarded by noise coming in through the neighboring walls or dogs barking throughout the night. Fortunately, writing a noise complaint letter may help you rediscover your peace and quiet.
When should you write a noise complaint letter?
You should consider writing a noise complaint letter when you have tried addressing the noise issue informally but have not seen any improvement or resolution. Bad neighbors or a poor living situation can make your whole existence more complicated. Imagine coming home for a peaceful evening after work only to have booming music from next door drowning out the show you’re bingeing or a constantly barking dog that keeps you up all night.
Noise complaints are pretty common, and they are often related to:
- Loud animals
- Music
- Excessively loud television
- Parties that extend through the night
Before you reach out to your property owner, it might be a good idea to speak to your neighbor. Many times, neighbors don’t realize they’re being too loud, and a polite conversation can fix the issue without it escalating. If you try to have a friendly chat with your neighbor to no avail, or you’re hearing noise that goes on late at night, you’ll want to take more serious action.
Steps to take before making a noise complaint
Before sending a complaint letter to your landlord out of the blue, you’ll want to take a few steps first.
- Document the offenses: Having a written account of the disturbances helps show that this is an ongoing problem. Just keep a list that states what you hear and the length of time the noise lasts. It can be as simple as: “March 1, 2020: Shouted argument. 1:25 a.m. to 2:55 a.m. (1.5 hours)“. Document the disturbances until you have enough evidence to make your case to your landlord.
- Try a courtesy knock: A few gentle knocks on the wall adjoining your neighbor’s can signal that their noise is bothering you. Most of the time, people who don’t realize they’re disturbing you or being too loud will get the hint. Avoid pounding on the wall incessantly, though, as that can seem aggressive and escalate into a direct dispute with your neighbor.
- Visit your neighbor: If that friendly knock didn’t work and you feel comfortable doing so, you can go to your neighbor’s door. Keep the conversation short and polite, gently reminding them of your building’s quiet hours and/or city noise ordinance.
- Contact your landlord: If you’ve tried to contact your neighbor yourself and haven’t gotten any results, or the problem continues, it’s time to reach out to your landlord. Most leases state the terms for “quiet hours”, and include language relating the the tenants right to quiet enjoyment of their unit. If you feel like your renter rights are being silenced by the noisiness of your neighbors, your landlord should be made aware.
How to write a noise complaint letter
If you’re ready to write a noise complaint letter about an apartment neighbor, you can follow a few steps to write a letter that helps you get results:
- Review your lease
Your apartment lease may have an enjoyment clause, which guarantees the right to live peacefully and undisturbed by unreasonable and repeated noise. You’ll want to mention this in your letter.
- Reference your notes
If you have taken notes of the noise violations or have video evidence, use this as a reference as you begin drafting your letter.
- Identify yourself
Include your name and address, including your apartment number if applicable, at the top of your letter. You’ll also want to write the date so that you can keep a record of exactly when you notified your property owner of the problem.
- Get to the facts right away
In the first paragraph, you can get right to the heart of the matter. Include the apartment number causing the noise. In the same paragraph, describe the issue and what effect it’s had on you.
- Describe the steps you’ve taken
The property owner or manager will want to know what steps you’ve already taken to remedy the issue. For example, perhaps you’ve already talked to the neighbor twice, or maybe you’ve contacted the police.
- Ask for help resolving the issue
Ask the owner or lanlord for their help. You may also want to mention that you’ll look for a new place to live if the problem persists. Create physical documentation that you’re trying to resolve the issue. Email is often the best way to send these letters, but you can also type and print or write your letter by hand. It’s a good idea to make a physical copy of this letter for your own records.
- Remain polite and cordial
Once you’ve written the letter, do your best to avoid conflict with your neighbor. A friendly relationship with your neighbor could lead to a swifter resolution.
Why you should put your complaint in writing
You’ll want to put your noise complaint in writing when you alert management to a problem you’re having with your noisy neighbors. A formal, written letter provides proof that you’re being proactive in trying to handle the situation. If the issue escalates, you have an easy way to demonstrate that you took every possible action — you’ll have the paper trail to prove it.
Once you submit your letter, be sure to follow up. It’s completely reasonable (and even helpful) to follow up a few times until you get a resolution.
Sample noise complaint letter
Not sure of how to complain to a landlord about noisy tenants? Here’s a sample letter you can tailor to fit your specific situation when you need to submit a noise complaint letter to your landlord:
[Your Name]
[Your Current Address, including Unit #]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Landlord/Apartment Company Name]
[Address as Printed on Your Lease]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Landlord/Manager’s Name],
I am writing to formally request your help in dealing with an ongoing issue with my neighbor.
I have lived in [your apartment number or address] for the last three years and have greatly enjoyed my experience in this building. However, the past two months have been challenging. My neighbor in apartment [noisy neighbor’s apartment number] constantly blasts music. I hear the music for hours and hours, every single day.
Furthermore, my family and I can hear a lot of yelling and arguing coming into our unit. I believe this type of disturbance violates our community rules. Additionally, the behavior is in violation of the city’s noise ordinance code of conduct.
To date, I have taken the following actions:
- [Include a bulleted, chronological list of the actions you’ve already tried to resolve the issue, such as asking the neighbor to respect the building’s quiet hours.]
I have documented the infractions as evidence. As [name of neighbor] has not so far made any effort to cooperate with my requests, I am reaching out to you for assistance.
To resolve this issue, I would like you to get in touch with [neighbor’s name] and facilitate a resolution.
I’m hoping we can find a resolution on or before [include a reasonable date, such as a week from the date you write the letter].
If you need to reach me to further discuss, please [insert your preferred method of communication, such as phone or email]. I appreciate your attention and thank you for your understanding and support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently asked questions about noise complaint letters
Some types of noises are associated with apartment living. For example, if you live downstairs, you’re likely going to hear footsteps above you every once in a while. Your property owner is more likely to take action if you note noises that are especially loud and disruptive. Repetitive noises are also a common cause for complaint letters.
While you can write an anonymous complaint letter, it may not lead to the results you want. Your property owner needs to know where the problem exists, and they may want to reach out to you for additional information. Leaving out contact information could mean that you don’t get the resolution you want.
If you don’t receive a response from the property owner, you might need to write another letter and reach out via phone. If the problem persists, you may want to seek legal advice.
You should consider writing a noise complaint letter when you have tried addressing the noise issue informally but have not seen any improvement or resolution.
If possible, it can be helpful to include evidence of the noise issue in your letter. This could include dates and times of incidents, audio or video recordings, or witness statements to support your complaint.
If the noise problem continues despite your complaint, it may be necessary to follow up with the appropriate authority or seek legal assistance. Consult with local authorities or a legal professional for guidance on further steps to take.
Final thoughts
Talking to your landlord about noisy neighbors can help restore the peace and quiet you deserve in your own home. If all else fails, you can always put in your 30-day notice to vacate and move out.
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