Noisy Tenants and the Landlord's Responsibility

Noise pollution and disturbance of peace are some of the most common complaints to circle around neighbourhoods, especially in multi-unit properties. The last thing you want is for those complaints to land upon your shoulders because your tenants won't keep it down. So how do you deal with tenants who get a bit rowdy? And how do you prevent noise issues in the future?

Here's our advice:

Put it in your contract

The key to making this process a whole lot easier for your future self is to set a standard from the beginning.

Have a clause in your tenant's lease that states the implications of noise violations during 'quiet hours', which are not only justified by contract, but by local law as well.

Investigate

Whether you are receiving complaints from another one of your tenants, or from a neighbour, your property is your responsibility.

The first step to resolve a complaint is to investigate. Get an understanding of the situation by asking the complainant questions such as:

• When did the incident occur?
• What was the sound of disturbance and how loud was it?
• How long has the disturbance been taking place?

Once you have all the information, you are prepared to confront the problem with your tenant.

Implications and consequences

In the case that your tenant is found guilty of noise pollution, and hasn't complied to warnings, you'll need to think about the necessary implications.

If it's in your contract, you may be able to fine your tenants for noise violations. If the issue doesn't improve, the court will need to get involved. Even if you don't have a specific clause in your lease that justifies you to threaten eviction, many courts will still allow you to issue a "cure or quit'' eviction notice, for the surrounding neighbours' right to peace. This gives the tenant a specified time to improve behaviour by, before they will be forced to evict the property.

Although no landlord wishes to deal with an eviction, if you have to deal with constant complaints anyway, it's in your best interest - as well as your neighbours' - to resolve the situation as smoothly and effectively as you can.

If tenant issues are not something you're up to managing, we have an experienced property-management team who will get things under control - no fuss from you! Get a hold of us today.