Many people living in rental properties struggle with noise coming from the floor above. While some level of everyday living noise is unavoidable, excessively loud sounds or late-night noise can cause stress and insomnia and may even affect your health. In this article, we explain in detail the noise issues that arise in rental properties, along with the proper ways to respond and key points to keep in mind when the upstairs unit is noisy. In the second half, we also introduce ways to reduce noise within your own room.
What is the noise problem in rental properties? What kinds of sounds become a problem?
There are many cases where everyday sounds from the floor above lead to disputes. Let’s review the typical types of noise.
- Footsteps and running sounds: The sound of children running or jumping carries to the unit below. Early-morning living noise after returning from a night shift can also easily become a problem.
- Voices and nighttime crying: A baby crying at night, parties, or arguments late at night are often perceived as disruptive.
- Television and music: Deep bass travels downstairs as vibration, so it cannot be completely blocked even with headphones or earplugs.
- Sounds of moving objects: Impact sounds such as a heavy “thud” from moving furniture or setting down heavy items are especially noticeable.
- Equipment noise and exercise noise: Vibrations from elevators or water pumps, as well as vibrations from indoor exercise, can also become sources of noise.
What should you do first when the upstairs unit is noisy?
Once you notice the noise, going straight to the other party with a complaint carries the risk of making the situation worse. Please follow the steps below.
- Confirm the source of the noise: The cause may not be the unit directly above you, but a unit diagonally above. Filing a complaint based on assumptions can create unnecessary trouble.
- Keep a record: Write down “when, from where, and what kind of sound” you hear, and organize objective data.
- Measure it with a sound level meter: 70 dB or more is a general guideline for what is considered “loud.” Objective data is useful when explaining the issue to the property management company.
- Check with nearby residents: If others are also affected, your consultation with the management company will carry more weight.
- Consult the property management company or management association: As a rule, the basic approach is to respond through the management company, such as posting a notice or making direct contact.
What soundproofing measures can you take on your own?
While consulting the management company, you can also reduce stress by taking measures inside your own room.
- Earplugs and earmuffs: Effective for simple noise such as footsteps while sleeping. They are easy to try right away without much cost.
- Soundproof curtains and sound-absorbing panels: These reduce noise entering through windows and walls. Soundproof curtains also provide insulation benefits.
- Soundproof mats and interlocking floor mats: Laying them on the floor helps absorb impact noise. They are also effective for preventing noise leakage from your own room.
- White noise machine: Playing a constant ambient sound can make disruptive noise less noticeable.
How can you avoid becoming the source of noise yourself?
It is important to be mindful, from the opposite perspective as well, of whether the sounds you or your children make are disturbing the unit below.
- Lay down thick carpets or soundproof mats
- Avoid using the washing machine or vacuum cleaner late at night
- Ask children not to run around indoors
- Lower the volume of the television and music at night
When residents are considerate of one another, comfortable apartment living becomes possible.
What should you do if the problem still does not improve?
If there is no improvement even after consulting the management company, consider the following next steps.
- Make a formal request to the management association: In the case of condominiums, procedures may be available through the management association.
- Noise mediation or legal action: For serious harm, you may consult a lawyer and consider mediation or litigation.
- Consider moving out: In some cases, changing your environment may ultimately be the fastest way to resolve the issue.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q. Is it okay to complain directly to the upstairs unit?
- A. As a general rule, the matter should first be handled through the property management company. Direct negotiation increases the risk of escalating the conflict.
- Q. Where can I get a sound level meter?
- A. You can buy one at home improvement stores or online shops for around 2,000 to 10,000 yen. Smartphone sound meter apps can also be used for simple measurements.
- Q. At what dB level is something considered “noise”?
- A. In general, 70 dB or more is considered a guideline for what people perceive as loud. A vacuum cleaner is about 70 dB, and a piano is about 80 dB.
- Q. What should I do if the management company will not take action?
- A. If there is no improvement even after making repeated requests, consider consulting a lawyer or a consumer affairs center.
