Most people dream of living in a quiet and calm environment as it enables you to have a good rest and peace of mind, especially after a hard day’s work. However, this can be next to impossible with a noisy neighbor.
You probably have come across someone who was evicted from a rental house or given a neighborhood due to noise complaints.
What Warrants an Eviction due to Noise Complaints?
Not every noise complaint results in eviction. There are both reasonable and unreasonable complaints. The latter comprises children playing or crying, toilets flushing, doors banging, domestic appliances, dogs barking, and squeaky floorboards. They are usually issues that you have little or no control over.
Such noise complaints are, in most cases, only regarded if they go overboard. For example, if your dog keeps barking annoyingly even in the middle of the night.
On the other hand, are reasonable noise complaints. These involve matters that you easily control, such as loud music, DIY activities at night, parties, and construction activities, just to name a few.
Such noises are bound to land you on the wrong side of the law.
Laws Governing Noise Levels
First and foremost, the neighborhood you live in will determine the amount of noise tolerable. Laws governing commercial areas like towns are more lenient than those governing purely residential areas. For example, some states have quiet hours that cover the night hours such that if you make a racket during such times, you can be arrested. These hours depend on your location and state. It is, therefore, advisable to check the local laws and regulations in your state.
In addition to following government regulations, you may need to review your lease agreement to see whether there are any noise-related clauses. You acknowledged your agreement with the regulations by signing the document. As a result, the Landlord has the authority to enforce the penalties if you break the restrictions.
Nevertheless, if you break either of the laws, you will likely be let off with a warning the first time. This will give you a chance to fix your behavior. The eviction comes in if you persist despite receiving the final warning. Some areas strictly abide by the three-strike system, while others are more lenient with the number of warnings you should receive before eviction.
What to do When Faced with an Eviction Due to Noise Complaints
Since there are rules governing noise levels, there are also rules that protect tenants against unlawful eviction.
To ensure you are on the right side of the law, establish whether the noise complaints are reasonable or not. Find out the source of the complaints. Is it your neighbors, or are the complaints fabricated?
If it’s your neighbors, try mediation and see if there is a way to sort things out to everyone’s benefit. While at it, be as cool as you can. Expressing your anger may show that you are hard to deal with and unwilling to understand the situation from their perspective. Apologize if need be and try to reach a consensus.
Once you make peace with your neighbors, the Landlord will likely forgive and let go. Henceforth, you should then try your best to stick to your part of the deal.
However, if you do not reach an amicable agreement with your neighbors or the complaints are fabricated, you can take it up with your lawyer and sue the Landlord.
The court will establish whether the complaints are substantial. It may then rule in your favor or against it.
Unfortunately, whatever the outcome, you may be at a disadvantage. If the judgment is negative, you will have to incur the costs and time of moving to another neighborhood or house. If positive, the relationship between you, your landlord, and other tenants may be soiled.
How to Avoid Getting a Noise Complaint
It is advisable to try as much as you can to live peacefully with your neighbors and landlord as you may need them in the future.
Therefore, if possible, avoid getting noise complaints in the first place. Here’s how:
Befriend Your Neighbors
As mentioned above, establishing a good relationship with your neighbors is essential. It will make you approachable such that if your noise levels are intolerable, they will let you know instead of snitching on you to the authorities or landlord. You can then rectify the issue.
Educate Yourself on Related Laws
Research all the local laws and regulations concerning noise. Also, check your lease agreement. Most people tend to skim over its contents people sign.
Knowing your noise limits will enable you to avoid getting noise complaints.
Establish Noise Sources
Before your neighbors complain of noise from your home, you most probably have had a feeling that you are making too much noise. If you think something is too loud, it probably is. You can, therefore, adopt measures to reduce the noise. Such measures include:
- Using earphones instead of speakers
- Holding your parties during the day or away from residential areas
- Limiting appliance use at night
- Get your dog to stop barking
- Etcetera
Sound Proof Your Home
In cases where you cannot avoid producing noise consider soundproofing your home. You can install a soundproof door sweep and window plug.
Also, insulate your wall, seal all gaps with acoustic caulk, hang soundproof curtains, create a drop ceiling, use thick rags, re-arrange your furniture, and soundproof the air vent.
What to Do About Noisy Neighbors
What if you are on the receiving end? What can you do about too much noise from a neighbor?
Well, you need to let them know about it and politely ask them to reduce the noise. However, this does not always bear desirable fruits. Some neighbors may be rude or not able to control the noise. In this case, note down the noise disturbance’s day, time, and nature. You can also indicate how it affects you.
Every time they make a noise, keep adding to the list. Your case against them will be strengthened by a number of counts. Speak to other neighbors to see whether they share your opinion, as it may be your word against theirs. The perpetrator might then be reported to the landlord or law enforcement. You have the option of reporting them either anonymously or with your identity made public. Most people opt for the former to stay out of disputes.
Alternatively, you can go the peaceful way by canceling out the noise from your space by soundproofing it or getting yourself a pair of noise-canceling headphones or earphones. You can also buy a white noise machine to neutralize the noise.
Conclusion
After receiving several warnings, you can get evicted from a house due to noise complaints. The number of warnings depends on the location you are in. Some states advocate only three warnings, while others allow for more warnings.
The eviction will hold water if several people have complained against you, and you are proven to have broken the related rules and laws. To avoid a possible eviction, it is advisable to make peace with your neighbors and also adopt measures to create a peaceful and quiet environment.
Further Reading: How to Make a Noise Complaint to Police