NOISE COMPLAINTS.
EVERY ASSOCIATION GETS THEM, WHETHER THEY ARE TOWNHOMES, CONDOMINIUMS OR HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATIONS.
The first step in addressing noise complaints is a well- defined policy in your association’s rules and regulations. Quiet hours should be addressed. Most associations follow the hours set by the local government. For some associations, there should be rules preventing noise issues requiring sound deadening materials when replacing floors. In some cases, not allowing televisions to be attached to certain walls or banning their attachment may be necessary. The rules and regulations should state the process that owners should take regarding noise complaints. The first step in your rules should be that the owner speaks with the offender. If the situation escalates, written notice of the violation to the association should be required.
determine if the complaint is valid. With Covid-19 there has been an increase in noise complaints, some of which are not valid. This is where your rules and regulations come in to play. The person complaining about lawn mower noise or children making noise while outside playing can be referred to the rules and regulations and the policy regarding quiet hours.
In the event that the issue is loud music or loud
disagreements, suggest that the police be called. This is often the fastest and most effective solution to this situation. It is also helpful to have a police report if the situation persists and the association needs to step in.
It could be that the person complaining is having a dispute with their neighbor and is using this as a way to escalate the dispute. In this instance, they should be told prior to the association stepping in, they need to speak with the neighbor regarding the issue. Again, they can be referred to the rules and regulations regarding this step.
If speaking with the neighbor does not settle the dispute, a written complaint should be sent to the association.
The board then needs to do some investigating. Is the person complaining more sensitive than most to noise? Is this a neighbor dispute or does the person have unreasonable expectations regarding noise? In one instance a person complained that they could hear their neighbors when they pressed their ear against the wall! Are there steps the association can take to mitigate the noise issue? If so, the measures should be taken.
If the association does find the noise complaint to be valid, notice should be sent to the offender, along with steps that
they can take to address the issue. If the situation is not resolved after the association followed all the steps available, the matter should then be turned over to the attorney.
www.cai-illinois.org • 847.301.7505 | 9
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