A quiet apartment is a priority for most homeowners. Studies have shown that constant noise can result in negative health effects.
It is important to reduce exposure to noise to protect one’s hearing and prevent adverse effects of noise.
If you are in search of an apartment, you should continue reading to learn about tactics for finding a quiet apartment where you can live in peace.
Ask About Soundproofing Elements
When you are looking to move into an apartment, you should find out about soundproofing elements.
You can also hire an expert for a more thorough evaluation of the place.
Some of the elements you should look for include the following.
The walls
Noise can enter the room through the thin walls of the apartment. A soundproofed wall includes an extra drywall layer with no cracks and gaps.
To test if the wall is soundproofed, you should knock on the wall, or ask an expert for a more conclusive evaluation.
The Windows
Windows is another main channel through which noise enters the room. Find it if the weather stripping or window plugs are installed.
You should also see whether the windows have single, double, or triple panes. The more panes there are, the more effective the soundproofing ability is of the window.
The Door
Doors are also a culprit in allowing noise inside the room. A soundproof door has a hollow core that traps air inside.
To find out if the door is soundproofed, you should knock a few times to determine whether it has a hollow core.
Neighborhood Noise
You should take into account noise from the surrounding areas. Find out if the apartment is located near an airport or church that rings loud bells.
The area can also be noisy if there is a basketball court nearby.
Other sources of neighborhood noise include:
- Near a busy road
- School or College
- Hospital
- Fire station
- Police station
- Nightclub or bar
Another major source of noise is if the apartment is located near a large construction project such as a condo or shopping mall.
The building itself may require renovation that may be a source of outside noise. Ask the landlord if there are any plans to renovate the apartment.
If there are plans for a renovation, you should find out if you can rent a unit where you can’t hear the outside noise.
You need to make sure that there are no major noise sources near the apartment.
If the apartment is next to a busy street, you will likely hear less noise close to the middle of the complex.
Also read: How Loud Is Too Loud in An Apartment?
Pet Free Apartment
If you are conscious of noise from the neighbors, you must look for an apartment unit that does not allow pets inside the units.
By doing so, you will not be troubled at night due to the incessant barking of the dog.
A pet-free apartment may not seem to be a concern. But if you happen to live next to a neighbor with an untrained dog, you will know how annoying it can be.
Most untrained dogs bark day and night, making life miserable for neighbors.
Consider the Topmost Apartment Floor
The top floor of the apartment offers a great view of the outside. Moreover, the top floor is much quieter and more peaceful than the lower floors since there are no neighbors above.
The noise from below the apartment is easier to deal with as compared to noise from the upper floor.
You will find perfect peace and quiet on the top floor in a high-rise apartment as there will be less noise coming from outside as well.
The top floor of an apartment will have significantly reduced noise due to the thumping of the floor and the rowdy voices of the children.
Due to the high demand for top floor units, you will find them to be more expensive compared to lower floor units.
You should factor the cost into your budget when looking for a quiet apartment.
Look for Old Apartments
Apartments built before the World Wars typically have concrete floors.
The older units also have plastered walls that significantly reduce the noise traveling from one room to another.
Newer apartments have gypsum walls and concrete and steel floors. The units are not as effective in preventing noise from traveling from one place to another.
You should look for pre-war apartments if you want peace and quiet inside the apartment.
You won’t be bothered by the incessant chatter from the next-door neighbors.
Find out About Noise Policy
Find out about the noise policy of the apartment by speaking with the landlord.
Ask the landlord about the policy about having a drum set or noise from the audio system. If the policy allows these items, ask the landlord if they are allowed at night.
You should ask how much noise is tolerated inside the unit.
Also, consider asking the neighbor whether the noise policy is implemented.
Here are some of the things you can enquire about:
- How the landlord handles noise complaints?
- Has a tenant been evicted due to making a lot of noise?
- Is there any policy about quiet hours? Is it enforced?
The answers to the above will allow you to know whether the noise policy is effective in controlling noise by neighbors.
You will know what lengths the landlord goes into enforcing the noise policy inside the apartment.
Carry Out a Noise Test Tour
You should plan to spend some hours listening to the noise inside the apartment.
Consider visiting the place at different points of the day to know about the noise levels.
Take a tour of the apartment when most people are likely to be at home, such as early morning and late afternoon during weekdays.
Walk around the hallway near the unit that you plan on renting. You should also walk around the neighborhood to find noise sources, such as a sports venue, club, noisy intersection, and bus stop.
In the case of a multi-unit building, you should listen to common areas for noise. Find out if the neighbors are loud or the floor is too squeaky.
Speak to the Tenants
Ask the tenants near the unit where you plan to rent the apartment. Landlords and the real estate agent may try to hide negative things about a rental unit.
Their job is to try to convince you to sign the lease agreement, but the current tenants will not have any reason to not tell the truth.
You should ask the tenant about noises from inside or outside the apartment.
Find out if the apartment is generally quiet or noisy. You will likely get a more accurate account of the noise situation.
Request tenants who live near the unit you plan to rent to give you a moment of their time. The tenants will likely have no reason to hype up the apartment.
They will tell you if the noise policy is really enforced by the landlord.
Consider asking the tenant the following questions about the apartment unit.
- How long have you been living in the apartment?
- Has the experience been positive or negative?
- Is the area noisy or quiet?
- Is there something about the place that makes it difficult to sleep at night?
- Are the neighbors noisy or quiet? Do they organize noisy parties?
- Do you have any problems with the noise from the floor, walls, or windows?
- Is the surrounding street quiet or noisy?
The answers to the above questions will let you know whether you will find peace and quiet in the apartment.
Asking the aforementioned questions will also let you know if the landlord or the real estate agent has been withholding any information regarding the apartment noise.
An added bonus is that you will form a good connection with possible neighbors when you rent the apartment.
The answers from the tenants will prove invaluable in making the right decision in renting or buying the apartment unit.
Consider Adding a Noise Clause in the Agreement
Make sure that the lease or rental agreement has a noise clause that entitles you to peace and quiet inside the apartment.
Consider consulting with a lawyer to know about the right wording for the noise clause.
Should you ever encounter a noisy neighbor, you can use the noise clause and make your landlord take an action.
Most landlords worry about one thing: rent. They don’t really care if the tenants are troubled by a noisy neighbor.
If the landlord does not take action, you can contest that you have the right to peace and quiet by pointing to the noise clause.
Final Remarks about Finding a Quiet Apartment
Finding a quiet important may not be easy.
But if you persist in your search, you may find the perfect apartment where you can have a restful sleep due to peace and quiet.
Following the tips in this blog post will help you find the
quiet place that you desire.
The efforts to find a quiet place will be worth it as it will result in a pleasant experience living in an apartment.
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