If you've ever had noisy neighbors, it can seem like a form of torture. In fact, that's not too far from the truth. The CIA famously tortured inmates at Guantanamo using Barney and Britney Spears played on repeat.
With that said, it's safe to say that noise complaints are no laughing matter. Loud tenants aren't just causing a minor inconvenience, they are aggravating their neighbors--intentionally or not. It is the landlord's duty to investigate noise complaints in their rental properties and handle them promptly.
Read on as we discuss how you should handle noise complaints.
What Is the Law on Noise Complaints in Kissimmee?
Noisy tenants better pay attention because the city of Kissimmee just gave its noise ordinance teeth. The previous law required police officers to use a decibel meter before dispensing justice. These days, they can just stand at the property line and listen.
Violators could be charged up to $500, with $50 being the lowest amount. In other words, your loud tenants could be running up against the law for their unmuffled vehicles and brand-new stereo systems. This could cause complications for you as a landlord if you don't step in before the police do.
Evaluating Noise Complaints
First, we recommend getting the story from both parties. See for yourself firsthand what the noise is really like. If it's just a lead-footed tenant, then the complainer might be making a mountain out of a molehill.
Learn to delineate serious noise complaints on your rental properties from frivolous ones. The following are qualities of noise complaints that are going to lead to tenant problems:
- There is no good reason for the noise (such as a tenant making noise when they leave for a graveyard shift)
- The noise occurs frequently and is disruptive
- The noise happens late at night or in the early morning
How to Handle Noise Complaints
Always start things out in a civil manner. Speak to the offending tenant over the phone or in person. Ask them politely to be more considerate and threaten disciplinary action if they continue.
In most cases, this will be a misunderstanding that blows over. But if you have a reticent tenant, you may need to get the police involved. If they continue to refuse pleas to keep the noise down, you may have grounds for eviction.
This is especially the case if you have a clause in your lease that enforces quiet times. Tenants agreed to this when they signed it, which gives you the power to put them in line.
Find Property Management with AMG
Noise complaints are one of those tenant problems you shouldn't just brush off. Be aware that the law in Kissimmee comes down in favor of the complainers. Know how to handle these disputes between your tenants, as the law does (thankfully) favor those who want to sleep in peace and quiet.
Looking for excellent property management services in Kissimmee, FL? Visit AMG for the full property management experience.
