Tenant using Backyard for parties

[Barry Wang]

In my three units, I have one group of tenants that in their early twenties and like to use the backyard for parties (BBQ, Beer Pong) with 10 plus people. We have a couple of senior neighbors who would always complain about this. I feel bad about them disturbing the neighbors but at the same time, they are actually great tenants, easy to communicate, take care the property and always pay rent on time.

But now, we will be moving into one of units ourself and likely we will be annoyed by this type of activities as well.

There is nothing on the current lease that I can use to ask them not to have parties or limit their use of backyard.

What are my options? Can I set a building rule like you need to send a notice to use the backyard if you will have guests over?

[Nathan Gesner]

As long as they're not doing it after "quiet hours" established by City ordinances, there's nothing you can about it. You could politely ask them to party somewhere else, but you don't really have any teeth. People are allowed to use their property in a manner suitable to their lifestyle as long as it's not interfering with the rights of others.

Wait until their lease is up and let them know you won't renew. Get them out and then be very clear with future renters that you require quiet neighbors.