Suggestions for loud tenants

[Heather S.]

Wondering how people deal with tenants in small units (tripex) that complain about noisy footsteps.  Just had a new tenant that moved in a week ago, sent me a text at 10pm that it was loud and could I talk to the upstairs tenant.  What advice do you guys have?  What have you done in these situations that worked?

[Nathan Gesner]

First, I warn them during the showing and again during the lease signing. Apartment noise travels, particularly if you are in a downstairs unit. Tenants need to expect that.

Second, I warn anyone going into an upstairs unit that their ordinary noise may seem excessive to the tenants downstairs. I ask them to be particularly careful about closing cabinets and doors, knocking out burpees, or practicing ju-jitsu.

Third, I post quiet hours in the building. Between 7am - 10pm they may experience louder-than-usual noises. 10pm - 7am they should be as quiet as possible to respect their neighbors.

If a tenant complains, I remind them of how noise travels and try to determine if it was during quiet hours. Then I'll call the offending neighbor just to remind them of how easily noise travels. I may be a little more strict if it's during quiet hours. Communication is key.

Thank you for the opportunity to share one of my favorite videos!