Tenant's rights in regards to noise?

[phaedras.livejournal.com]

The landlord has been renovating the apartment above us for the last 2-3 weeks and plans to continue for another 2-3. The laborers usually start around 7 and continue until 5. I usually work nights so I'm here during the day and sleep late. The noise is close to unbearable, since they are tearing out everything and are using saws, drills, etc. Lately they've been destroying the yard and cutting down trees for a *parking lot* so that adds to the din. Can I demand a reduction in rent? I don't see how they can charge me the same for an apartment that was relatively quiet when I moved in, and now sounds like a logging camp.

Comments

[viellen]

I'm going to follow this thread since I'd love to know if there are actually laws about this type of thing.

My landlord did the same thing, renovated two apartments in my building which took a total of two months. I also work nights often. I was told by friends and co-workers that as long as they start after 8am (so you might be able to get them on the 7am start) there is nothing that can be done about it. No reduction in rent, no lawsuits, no nothing. I ended up investing in some very heavy-duty ear plugs and dealing with it--plus I learned to sleep through the vibrations, ugh. Out of curiousity, have you spoken to your landlord about it?

communicay-ay-shun

[enochs-fable.livejournal.com]

Out of curiousity, have you spoken to your landlord about it?

That would seem to be the logical first step - since unless you say something, the landlord has no idea it's even a problem. Working nights presents a challenge - if you (the OP) talk to the landlord, make sure to come up with a reasonable alternative (instead of expecting the landlord to figure out what you need.)

Noise sucks

[push-stars.livejournal.com]

You have a lot more rights than you would think.. Start here, www.nonoise.org then you can check local ordiances here : or from www.nonoise.org/cgi-bin/query.cgi and search for "sleep" "sleep AND disrupt" or "sleep AND interference"

There are town and state ordinances. State ordinances are pretty progressive. The local cops don't know how to support the local ordinances though. You may have to send a letter to the owner and state the ordinances and that the sound and vibration is effecting the peacful enoyment of your property.

I know you can find both ordinances online. I have. start here www.nonoise.org/lawlib/states/states.htm

Good Luck!