Lease agreements for rentals typically address a tenant’s right to quiet enjoyment with a clause stating that a tenant has a right “to enjoy his or her property without interference.” If you’re experiencing noise issues, whether from your neighbors or an outside source, it is your landlord’s responsibility to resolve the issue. Otherwise, you may have grounds to terminate your lease without penalty.
Often, the most effective way to resolve these issues swiftly is to notify your landlord by filing a noise complaint in writing. Not only does your noise complaint letter put pressure on your landlord to address the issue, but it also creates a paper trail that can be helpful down the road if the problem is not resolved.
Chances are you’re not the only tenant having issues with the noise in question, so documenting it may give your landlord the leverage they need to resolve the problem. In the case of noisy neighbors, complaint letters could help the landlord build an eviction case against them. If the noise is coming from an external source, such as a construction site, a written complaint serves as evidence for your landlord to present to the necessary authorities.
Your letter can also help you build a case for terminating your lease without penalty if the situation doesn’t improve.
Your noise complaint letter will be most effective if you include specific examples along with dates and times of noise violations. This way, your landlord can corroborate the instances with other tenants (if necessary). Don’t forget to list the unit number or location where the noise is coming from.
In addition to documenting the noise violations, share the steps you’ve already taken to resolve the issue. If you’ve spoken with the offending parties, list the date(s) this conversation took place. If you’ve contacted the police about the issue, include the dates of those reports as well.
Next, outline your expectations regarding a resolution of the issue and a date by which you expect the problem to be resolved. That way, you can follow up with the landlord if the noise issue continues beyond that date.
Below, we’ve included two sample letters you can personalize as you craft a noise complaint letter to your landlord. One option addresses noise complaints against your neighbors, while the other addresses noise from a source outside your apartment building.
Template #1: Noisy neighbors complaint letter
Dear [Landlord’s name],
I am writing to inform you of ongoing noise issues with my neighbors in [neighbor’s unit number].
As you know, my lease states that this apartment building has quiet hours from 10 pm to 7 am each night. [cite any relevant noise-related clause in your lease]. My neighbors have repeatedly violated this rule.
Here are some examples of instances of excessive noise that I have experienced over the past few weeks:
- Oct 31, 10 pm to 2 am: Loud music from a Halloween party
- Nov 6, 11 pm to 2 am: Loud music from a party
- Nov 9, 8 am to 12 pm: Dog barking incessantly
[continue to detail any additional instances of excessive noise that have occured]
I have attempted to speak with these individuals directly, but the issue remains unresolved. On November 6th, I was forced to contact the police to break up the party. This ongoing noise issue is affecting my ability to sleep and, in turn, my performance at work.
I am now requesting that you speak with the individuals residing in [neighbor’s unit number] to resolve this issue once and for all.
I am hopeful that we can resolve this issue within the next two weeks. If the noise problem continues, I will be forced to request that you terminate my lease.
You can contact me at [phone/email] if you wish to discuss this matter in more detail. I appreciate your assistance with this issue.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Template #2: External noise issues complaint letter
Dear [Landlord’s name],
I am writing to inform you of an ongoing noise issue that I am experiencing in my rental located at [include address and unit number of your rental].
My unit is on the back of the building facing the basketball courts of the local community center. While I fully support the community center’s services and amenities, I am constantly being disrupted by individuals playing basketball late at night.
Many nights, I struggle to fall asleep because I can hear folks bouncing balls and shouting on the basketball courts well after 11 pm. As you know, local Los Angeles noise ordinance laws state that loud noises are prohibited after 11 pm on weeknights.
I am hopeful that you can assist me in finding a resolution to this problem, as I’m sure I’m not the only tenant on this side of the building that is affected by this noise issue. Perhaps you can bring it up with the community center managers to ensure quiet hours are properly respected?
Alternatively, is there a way to increase the soundproofing in my rental unit?
I am hopeful that we can resolve this issue within the next two weeks. If the noise problem continues, I will be forced to request that you terminate my lease.
You can contact me at [phone/email] if you wish to discuss this matter in more detail. I appreciate your assistance with this issue.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Your letter may look slightly different depending on the nature of the noise in question and your expectations for how the issue is resolved.
You can send the letter by email, mail, or hand-deliver it, depending on your preference. We recommend email or hand-delivering letters. That way, you can be sure the landlord received your correspondence. If you don’t hear from your landlord promptly, follow up consistently until you do.
Remember, you have a right to quiet enjoyment in your rental unit. If your landlord cannot resolve the noise issue, your lease is in violation, and you have grounds to break it without penalty.
