How to Evaluate a Noise Complaint
When a renter makes a noise complaint, it can be challenging for a Nashville property manager to know what to do. This is particularly true if you feel their complaint isn’t very valuable or they have made identical complaints in the past. Still, it’s vital to take every noise complaint seriously and take action quickly. This shows the renter that their concerns are important to you and can prevent the problem from escalating.
Before taking any action, it’s important to evaluate the noise complaint. Talk to the renter to gather more information and verify if the noise is coming from a particular area or location. You may possibly consider asking 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 fixed right away, 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 agreed that it is valid, it’s time to act. Here are some best practices for tackling noise complaints from renters:
- Speak with the renter and address their concerns on time. Let them understand you have heard their complaint and will take proper action to resolve it.
- Offer possible solutions to the dispute. For example, if outside noises disturb your renter while inside the house, consider installing extra insulation or soundproofing the property’s windows.
- Suggest mediating a conversation between the renter and their noisy neighbors. Let the neighbors know about the complaint and any community guidelines or noise ordinances that may apply. If the complaints are related to excessive dog barking, offer the neighbor suggestions for keeping their pet quiet or provide information on local dog training programs.
- Contact the authorities. If the noise complaint is severe, persistent, and cannot be determined through mediation, consider getting Nashville officers involved. You should research noise and other ordinances, and then make contact with the correct office or entity for help.
- Keep communication open. Ensure your renter that you are taking their concerns seriously and will continue to focus on any ongoing noise issues in a timely manner.
Handling Other Noise Complaints
So, let’s say you 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 appropriate, explain why the noise they are hearing is not unusual or disruptive. 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, dealing with 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 Key Response to learn more about our professional property management services. You can reach us by phone at 615-953-8700 or contact us online.