How are disturbances handled in a rental apartments?
Living in apartment buildings comes with normal living noises as well as potential disturbances. The property manager plays a key role in managing and resolving these situations.
This article explains how disturbances are handled and what tenants should know about disturbance reports.
WHAT IS NORMAL LIVING NOISE AND WHAT IS DISTURBING?
Living in apartment buildings involves noises that are part of normal life. These include:
- Sounds from using the shower or toilet.
- Neighbors talking, children playing or crying during waking hours.
- Moderate sounds from music or TV.
- Household sounds like footsteps or appliances.
Disturbing noises, on the other hand, can be:
- Excessive loud noise, like repeated loud music or TV late at night.
- Continuous arguments or shouting.
- Playing loud music, especially during nighttime.
- Persistent barking or noise from pets.
- Noisy renovations without notice or outside of recommended hours.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOUR NEIGHBOUR IS CAUSING DISTURBANCES?
1. If possible, talk directly to your neighbor first about the issue. Your neighbor may not realize their living or behavior is causing a disturbance.
2. If talking doesn’t help and the disturbances continue, fill out the disturbance report to the property manager through our website. The form will ask about the nature, times, and duration of the disturbance. You can’t make a complaint anonymously; you need to provide your contact information. We need this information for any further investigation, but we’ll never share your personal details with the neighbor.
3. In serious situations, always call the police. NOTE! The police won’t inform us about their visits to the building or apartments.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SENDING A DISTURBANCE REPORT?
STEP 1: A tenant fills out a disturbance report
- The noise complaint is received, read, and processed by the property manager, who responds to the complainant.
STEP 2: Type of Disturbance
First instance or minor disturbance:
- The housing manager talks to the person causing the disturbance and reminds them of the building’s rules and lease terms.
If the disturbances continue, the property manager issues a written warning.
Serious disturbance or situation affecting multiple residents:
- The property manager issues a written warning immediately.
STEP 3: Do the disturbances continue?
- If the disturbance continues despite warnings, a second warning may be issued or the lease can be terminated.
- For example, serious threats to someone’s health or blatant violations of lease terms can lead directly to lease termination. Even just one written warning can result in lease termination.
- Neglecting apartment maintenance, such as not following cleaning instructions, can also result in a warning if the situation becomes severe.
Following the building rules is crucial for smooth and pleasant living together. When everyone follows the rules, we can create a peaceful and comfortable living environment where everyone can enjoy their home and neighborhood.
Community spirit and consideration for others makes living enjoyable for everyone!