Noisy upstairs tenants bothering downstairs tenants can be a challenge for landlords so that is the question this week for Ask Landlord Hank. Remember Hank is not an attorney and is not offering legal advice. If you have a question for him please fill out his form below.
Dear Hank:
I have a problem with a tenant on the top third floor that has two kids and all they do is run around all hours of the day and night.
The older couple live right underneath them and constantly complain about the noise.
They want to renew their lease. What can I do to help this matter?
-Marie
Dear Marie,
When you have apartments with wood framing instead of cement flooring, sound transmission is usually a problem.
In this situation, I’ve tried to put tenants with young children in ground floor apartments. But, since they are already living on an upper floor, can you modify the ceiling for some reduction in sound transmission?
It is not easy nor cheap, but you can add a second layer of 5/8 thick drywall and spread a liquid sound proofing product between the original sheetrock and the additional layer.
The sound proofing compound costs about $45-60 per sheet of drywall using two tubes of the compound per sheet. This may be enough relief for your current tenants underneath the noisy upstairs tenants and children to be happy residents again.
Sincerely,
Hank Rossi
Rent Sarasota
Each week I answer questions from landlords and property managers across the country in my “Dear Landlord Hank” blog in the digital magazine Rental Housing Journal.   https://rentalhousingjournal.com/asklandlordhank/
Ask Landlord Hank Your Question
Ask veteran landlord and property manager Hank Rossi your questions from tenant screening to leases to pets and more! He provides answers each week to landlords.
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