It’s a Noisy Issue for Landlords

Everyone has the right to quiet enjoyment, so as a landlord what are your responsibilities if your tenants are ‘noisy neighbours’?

As a landlord, you are ultimately responsible for your tenants and could find complaints coming your way, justified or not.

It is vital you understand what your rights are, especially if faced with a noisy tenant.

The tenancy agreement stipulates that your tenant has the right to quiet enjoyment. This also means your tenant cannot disturb anyone else’s peace and quiet. It is essential to determine the level and nature of the noise if you receive a complaint. Some noise is indisputably a nuisance – loud music at 3am for example – but other noise such as a dog barking once or twice might not bother some people. What is ‘excessive’ noise to one person is not always the same for another, the test is to ascertain what is reasonable.

Local councils deal with noise from DIY activities, barking dogs or other excessive animal noise, car and burglar alarms, deliberate banging or raised voices (where unreasonable). Anti-social behaviour, however, should be reported to the police.

Ultimately what constitutes an infringement of someone’s right to the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of their home would be decided by the court but your responsibility as a landlord is prompt action if a complaint is made and a thorough paper trail of your investigation and subsequent action is advisable.