Neighbors and Noise FAQ

Isn't my landlord supposed to keep noisy tenants quiet?

Questions:

Answer:

Isn't my landlord supposed to keep noisy tenants quiet?

Yes, you can ask for the landlord's help in quieting the neighbor. Standard rental and lease agreements contain a clause entitled "Quiet Enjoyment." This clause gives tenants the right to occupy their apartments in peace and also imposes upon them the responsibility not to disturb their neighbors. It's the landlord's job to enforce both sides of this bargain.

If the neighbor's stereo is keeping you up every night, the tenant is probably violating the rental agreement and could be evicted. Especially if several neighbors complain, the landlord will probably order the tenant to comply with the lease or face eviction.

How Much Is Too Much?

Research solidly supports claims that noise is a health hazard, not just a nuisance. Exposure to sounds of 115 decibels for 15 minutes a day causes hearing loss, according to the Center for Hearing and Communication (formerly the League of the Hard of Hearing) www.lhh.org, a valuable site for noise-related resources. A noisy restaurant checks in at 80 decibels, a subway train at 120, live rock music at 130. About 28 million Americans now suffer from impaired hearing.

Not surprisingly, noise affects the ability to concentrate and learn. Schoolchildren exposed to excessive noise -- for example, in schools close to airports or elevated trains -- have been found to have problems with reading and memory.