Noise complaints in multi unit

[Aubrey H.]

Qe have a house that was converted to a multi unit. We have need getting noise complaints about loud music and the kid running around. (The upstairs tenant is the complaining about the lower unit tenants). The upstairs tenant keeps blaming the noises for not being able to sleep. But in her messages it sounds like she wakes up because of them and then can't go back to sleep. How would you handle this or any other advise?

[Marcia Maynard]

Whenever there are shared walls or floors/ceilings there will be the potential for noise to travel. Also noise travels through duct work and pipe chases. If the house was converted without adding noise dampening features, then you may want to consider doing so.

Some of what is going on may be the combination of a light sleeper and an average family with children.  Perhaps the family in the unit downstairs is indeed too loud with their music and play, which you could consider addressing.  Perhaps you could establish community "quiet hours".

Have you had problems like this with previous tenants? If so, it may be a factor of drawbacks in building design. Or, it may be a factor of the habits of the tenants living there.