Peace and quiet. The two things that everyone looks to have as they lay down to rest, unwind from a long work day, or focus on a specific task. The close quarters of an apartment community can negatively impact the availability of these two things. Thankfully, most apartment communities carefully collect and collaborate on noise restrictions, quiet hours, and peaceful living implementation. When signing a lease, the lessee agrees to legally abide by these rules and restrictions. One of the hardest things to hold accountability to is the pet policy. Most apartments will have weight restriction and aggressive breed restrictions with pets, but that is about as far as they will go in terms of legal statements.

When considering the size of the pet, owners often neglect the different mannerisms that go with different sized dogs. Sure the big dog naturally makes a lot of noise as it trots across the floor, fully placing all body weight on its paws as it moves. Unfortunately, the small dog considerations come out in similar fashion. They love to run around until they are tired. Some breeds work like the energizer bunny, requiring hours of play before reaching a point of rest and quiet. Collars, dog tags, and chew toys also make noise when they are moving, adding extra noise concerns for the downstairs neighbors.

One of the hardest parts about apartment communities that allow pets is challenging or confronting other residents about disruptive issues with their pets. While some annoying behavior by pets, such as a dog owner not cleaning up after the pet during their afternoon walk, are pretty straight forward, it is often difficult to state a case, as a neighbor, if the sounds their pet is making is just a natural occurrence. For example, small pets will often be categorized with the sound annoyances of a small infant or child. The pet is hardly aware of the sound (to the downstairs neighbors) their paws make pushing off the hardwood floor just as a child is unaware of the volume their voice carries when they cry. Neither an infant nor a pet possesses the ability to think with the consideration of others in terms of how they walk or cry. There is limited case material that you can use in terms of the complaint, leaving it as something that just comes with the apartment that allows pets. There are also limited ordinances that will prevent these noises or protect you from having to continue to listen to them. They are defined as a natural occurrence, meaning they can not be accurately prevented.

If you find yourself in a situation facing the wrath of the sounds a pet possesses, it is best to find means that work to keep your mind off of it. For example, the air conditioner unit makes for a great tool in Spring, Summer, and early Fall. If it is warm outside, simply set the cool breeze on high. These powerful units provide plenty of gusto inconsistent waves, making for a noise that can sooth rather than annoy over time. As the temperature starts to cool, just run the fan on high instead. Winter is often tough on to combat due to the pet being inside most of the time. These months may be the most difficult. 

But if you insist on addressing the issue directly, it is best to lodge your complaint with the apartments property management staff instead of confronting your neighbor directly.  If they can’t or won’t do anything about the offending pet, then maybe they can move you to another unit.

For pet-owners, hopefully after reading this blog, you will consider how your pet impacts neighbors and potentially use these tips to better manage your pet to lower the chances of noise complaints from neighbors.