Tenants Complaining About Upstairs Noises

[Patrick Fanning]

Hi all, wondering how you would handle this. I have a 1900 year old up and down quadplex that I keep getting complaints from the downstairs neighbors about the above tenants noise level. They can hear conversations, cabinets opening and closing, and even snoring. The downstairs tenants are also concerned about their heating bill (electric) which is averaging $600 a month during the winter (even though they keep it at 65 degrees.

The downstairs tenant’s want me to spray insulation in the walls and ceilings as a way to mitigate the noise level and help with the heating costs. I looked into this and it will cost well over $15k. I have considered carpet but that won’t help with the heating issues. Any thoughts on how to handle this?

[Michael Smythe]

@Patrick Fanning first off, this is NOT your legal problem.

We joke in our office that we could give some tenants a brand-new home with $0 rent and they would still find something to complain about!

How long have you owned this property? How long have these specific tenants lived in it?

Now, even though you don't have legal obligation to address these tenant complaints, you may want to do so to keep them, assuming they are GREAT tenants!

As already mentioned by @Samuel Eddinger (great PMC by the way!), you should really analyze the problem. Try this device to measure the noise: https://www.amazon.com/Indicator-30-130dBA-Detector-Temperat...

You can also stick the same device by windows and doors to see if temperature drop - which would indicate an insulation issue.

In addition to getting an Energy Audit, you may also want to look into any state, local or utility programs that offer discounted or financed energy improvement programs. Often, the tenants must apply for these with owner's permission.