How to Evaluate a Noise Complaint
When a renter creates a noise complaint, it can be tough for a Bryan-College Station property manager to know what to do. This is particularly true if you feel their complaint isn’t very serious or they have made the same complaints in the past. Nevertheless, it’s vital to take every noise complaint seriously and react on time. This shows the renter that their concerns are important to you and can prevent the issue from escalating.
Before taking any action, it’s important to evaluate the noise complaint. Talk to the renter to gather more information and decide if the noise is coming from a specific area or location. You might consider requesting the renter to document the noise for you or try to do it yourself. You may need to take the time to listen for the noise yourself or ask a staff member to do so. This will help you determine if the complaint is valid and, if so, if it’s something that can be settled immediately, such as a one-time loud party, or if it’s a frequent issue that may need to be addressed with the renter or their neighbors.
Best Practices for Handling Valid Noise Complaints
Once you have evaluated the noise complaint and determined that it is valid, it’s time to act. Here are some best practices for addressing noise complaints from renters:
- Disclose with the renter and focus on their concerns Let them know you have heard their complaint and will take appropriate action to resolve it.
- Offer potential solutions to the issue. For example, if outside noises disturb your renter while inside the house, consider installing extra insulation or soundproofing the property’s windows.
- Offer to mediate a conversation between the renter and their noisy neighbors. Let the neighbors understand the complaint and any community guidelines or noise ordinances that may apply. If the complaints are related to excessive dog barking, offer the neighbor recommendations for keeping their pet quiet or provide information on local dog training programs.
- Contact the authorities. If the noise complaint is severe, recurring, and cannot be resolved through mediation, consider getting Bryan-College Station officers involved. You should research noise and other ordinances, and then contact the appropriate office or entity for help.
- Keep communication open. Ensure your renter that you are taking their concerns seriously and will continue to address any ongoing noise issues in a timely manner.
Handling Other Noise Complaints
So, let’s say you thoroughly investigate the noise complaint and either can’t verify the renter’s claims or the noise is related to normal activity. What should you do?
It’s still important to treat your renter professionally. Let them know that you have looked into their concerns and, if applicable, clarify why the noise they are hearing is not uncommon or troublesome. If necessary, remind the renter of any community guidelines or noise ordinances in place.
In some cases, noise complaints may also be related to misunderstandings or issues with the renter’s personal preferences. In these situations, it may be appropriate to offer a different solution, such as allowing them to break their lease and move.
Overall, renter noise complaints can be tricky for rental property owners, but they must be addressed. Of course, handling renter complaints of any kind takes time and effort, both of which may be in short supply. If that is the case, contact Real Property Management Apex to learn more about our professional property management services. You can reach us by phone at 254-732-1599 or contact us online.