TENANTS NOISE COMPLAINTS

[Bryan Findlay]

Have a younger family that pays rent on time.  2 neighbors called me to make the complaint.  We have rented for 8 years and never a complaint. I spoke with the neighbor who said basically the tenants every weekend are partying but outside which is near her window.  It goes until 1 am or so loud music, voices, beer bottles breaking.  I familiarized myself with the city ordinance and have law enforcement experience but lacking the landlord side.  I decided to draft up a brief letter which basically was pointing out the complaint and a reminder to be mindful of other neighbors.  The tenants in response sent me a case law and penal code which states they can play music up unitl 11PM per some noise act.  I know this is untrue and their are violations but explained I didn't want to get into such debate unless necessary.  The follow up was tenants send me a message, "Net time they have an issue have them come to us....not you.  oh.....and by the way we are having a live band and birthday party next weekend so make sure to invite the neighbors.."  I documented the incident, explained to the neighbor to contact PD if her  piece is being disturbed which will get me a paper trail. What should I have done or am I going about this proper?

[Wesley W.]

I would recommend against getting in the middle of this.  You are the landlord, not the social worker.  If you set this precedent, they will be calling you for every little thing to tattle on each other.

I would inform the neighbor next time to call the police and make a noise complaint.  Ask them to send you a copy of the police report when it is generated.  If it happens repeatedly, or if the police aren't really taking care of business, THEN you can send a notice to cure.  Hopefully you have verbiage in your lease against this sort of thing.  Failing that, I would just not renew their lease.  They sound like tools, those tenants.  This is why I only offer MTM leases.