What Is Considered Excessive Noise in an Apartment?

Noise complaints are one of the most common conflicts in apartment living. Whether it’s late-night music, loud footsteps, or a barking dog, understanding what qualifies as "excessive noise" can help tenants and landlords resolve issues amicably while ensuring everyone enjoys their living space.

What Defines Excessive Noise?

Excessive noise is generally defined as sound that disrupts the peace and comfort of others, especially during designated quiet hours. While specifics may vary by location or lease agreement, common examples include:

Music or TV at High Volumes: Playing audio at a level that can be heard through walls or ceilings.
Loud Conversations or Arguments: Prolonged shouting or speaking at an elevated volume, especially during the night.
Pet Noise: Continuous barking or other animal sounds that disturb neighbors.
Footsteps or Moving Furniture: Repeated stomping, running, or dragging items on hard floors.
Parties or Gatherings: Social events with amplified sound, shouting, or loud laughter that extends late into the night.

What Are Typical Quiet Hours?

Many apartment complexes and local ordinances establish quiet hours, often from 10 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and later on weekends. During these times, tenants are expected to limit noise levels to avoid disturbing neighbors.

For example:

New York City: Local laws prohibit unreasonable noise after 10 PM.
Los Angeles: Noise ordinances restrict excessive sound from 10 PM to 7 AM.
Austin, Texas: Quiet hours are enforced from 10:30 PM to 7 AM.

Check your lease or local noise ordinances for specific regulations in your area.

How Do Noise Levels Get Measured?

In some disputes, noise levels may be measured using decibel (dB) meters:

Normal conversation: ~60 dB
Vacuum cleaner: ~70 dB
Loud music: 80–100 dB

Noise exceeding 60–70 dB at night or penetrating through walls and floors is often considered excessive.

What to Do If You're Experiencing Excessive Noise

Document the Noise:
- Keep a log of when the noise occurs and its duration.
- Record audio or video evidence if possible (and if it’s legal in your state).
Communicate with Your Neighbor:
- Approach them politely to explain the issue. Many people may not realize their actions are disruptive.
Notify Your Landlord:
- If the issue persists, file a formal complaint with your landlord or property manager.
Check Local Noise Ordinances:
- Research city or county laws to determine if the noise violates regulations.
Involve Mediation or Legal Action:
- In severe cases, you may need to seek mediation or file a complaint with local authorities.

When Are You Responsible for Noise?

If you’re the source of noise, be mindful of how your actions might affect neighbors. Here are some tips to avoid being the subject of complaints:

Use rugs or carpets to reduce sound on hard floors.
Lower the volume of TVs, music, or video games, especially late at night.
Train pets to minimize barking or other disruptive behaviors.
Alert neighbors in advance of any gatherings or construction projects.

Conclusion

Excessive noise is anything that disrupts the peace of others, particularly during quiet hours. Tenants should familiarize themselves with their lease agreements and local noise ordinances to avoid conflicts and resolve issues efficiently. With open communication and respect for shared spaces, you can help create a harmonious living environment for everyone.