How to Evaluate a Noise Complaint
When a renter makes a noise complaint, it can be tough for a Toano property manager to know what to do. This is particularly true if you feel their complaint isn’t very serious or they have made similar complaints in the past. However, it’s important to take every noise complaint seriously and respond promptly. This indicates to the renter that their concerns are important to you and can prevent the matter from escalating.
Before taking any action, it’s important to evaluate the noise complaint. Talk to the renter to gather more information and determine if the noise is coming from a specific area or location. You might 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 resolved quickly, such as a one-time loud party, or if it’s a persistent issue that may need to be addressed with the renter or their neighbors.
Best Practices for Handling Valid Noise Complaints
As soon as 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:
- Discuss with the renter and solve their concerns as soon as possible. Make sure that they know that you’ve heard their complaint and will take apt action to resolve it.
- Present possible 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 know about the complaint and any community guidelines or noise ordinances that may apply. If the complaints are associated with 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, recurring, and cannot be resolved through mediation, consider getting Toano 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 promptly.
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, 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, 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 VA Peninsula to learn more about our professional property management services. You can reach us by phone at 757-251-9188 or contact us online.