Can Your Neighbors Complain About Daytime Noise in Oklahoma City?

Property management, a vital aspect of real estate investment, requires navigating a complex web of regulations and tenant relations and often dealing with issues like noise complaints. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 1.3 million people reside in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, a vibrant and growing community, but this also means there can be heightened situations regarding neighbor interactions. 

Understanding local noise ordinances in Oklahoma City (OKC) is crucial for maintaining harmonious tenant relationships and avoiding potential legal issues. As a landlord, being well-versed in these rules is not just good practice; it’s essential for protecting your investment and ensuring a peaceful environment for your tenants.

OKC Noise Ordinances – The Legal Framework

Oklahoma City has specific noise ordinances designed to maintain a reasonable level of peace within the community. These ordinances are crucial for landlords and tenants to understand, as they provide the guidelines for what is considered acceptable noise levels at various times. Failing to comply can lead to warnings and, if issues persist, fines. Understanding these ordinances helps you know what to expect, what you can reasonably control in your property, and what actions are valid for any complaints from neighbors.

According to Oklahoma City Municipal Code, Chapter 30, Article IV, certain decibel levels are considered excessive, particularly during nighttime hours. While daytime noise is less stringently regulated, activities that are unusually loud and disruptive can still lead to complaints. The exact decibel limits vary, with lower limits during the night. While daytime noise is less restricted, there is the stipulation that noise should not be unreasonably loud and intrusive.

Actionable Tips:

• Familiarize yourself with the specific decibel levels and prohibited time frames outlined in the Oklahoma City Municipal Code. You can find this on the city’s official website or by contacting the City Clerk’s office.
• When creating or updating lease agreements, include a clause that specifically mentions noise ordinances and the tenant’s responsibilities to adhere to the rules.
• As a landlord, be proactive. If you know you may have tenants who are louder than others, address these concerns to tenants in a professional manner early to avoid complaints from neighbors.

What Constitutes “Excessive” Daytime Noise?

While daytime hours generally allow for more activity than nighttime, there are still limits to what is considered acceptable. “Excessive” daytime noise isn’t always about decibel levels alone. It’s also about the nature of the sound, its duration, and how it affects the immediate area. For landlords, understanding this nuance is key to managing tenant behavior and mitigating complaints.

The OKC noise ordinance, while focused on measurable decibel levels, also includes language that considers “unreasonable” and “disturbing” noise. This is subjective, but it’s a legal recognition that some sounds, even if not technically above a certain decibel, can cause disruption. This includes things like prolonged construction, very loud music, or yelling for extended durations. Local enforcement agencies also take into account complaints from neighbors, and if they find the noise disturbing and unreasonable, they can be subject to legal action.

Actionable Tips:

• Encourage tenants to be mindful of the noise they create, particularly if they are involved in projects like renovations, parties, or music rehearsals.
• If your property is close to other properties, consider adding soundproofing in common areas or at least a thick buffer of landscaping.
• Communicate with tenants. If a tenant is receiving noise complaints from neighbors, speak with them about the ordinances and make sure they are aware of their responsibilities.

The Tenant’s Responsibility and Your Role

As a landlord, you are not solely responsible for your tenants’ actions, but you do have a role in setting expectations and maintaining a peaceful environment within the community. It’s important to ensure your tenants understand their responsibilities regarding noise and to be proactive in addressing any issues that may arise.

Landlord-tenant laws typically hold tenants responsible for maintaining a peaceful environment in the leased property. A standard lease agreement will often have a clause about noise or disruption. In legal terms, the tenant has a “covenant of quiet enjoyment,” meaning they have to maintain a space for all tenants within the community to live without disturbance. While the City of OKC will deal with individual noise violations, if a landlord allows continuous noise violations or encourages them, they can also be held liable.

Actionable Tips:

• Include a section in your lease agreement outlining tenant responsibilities for managing noise and respecting neighbors.
• When receiving complaints about noise, mediate quickly and fairly. Talk with all parties and establish clear guidelines to avoid future occurrences.
• Be prepared to take action, which can include warnings or, in extreme cases, lease termination if violations persist after communication and a change has not been made.

Documenting Complaints and Actions

Maintaining detailed records of any noise complaints and the steps you take to address them is critical for protecting yourself and your property. This documentation can be vital if legal action becomes necessary. It demonstrates that you are a responsible landlord and take tenant relations seriously.
In case of legal issues, having documented complaints with dates, times, and actions taken to resolve the issue will be essential for demonstrating a pattern of noise violations from a tenant and a willingness from the landlord to resolve it. Documenting issues like noise complaints as they occur will help establish the history of the case.

Actionable Tips:

• Create a system for receiving and logging noise complaints. This can be a simple spreadsheet or a more sophisticated property management system.
• Document all conversations with tenants about noise complaints, including dates, times, and outcomes.
• Keep copies of any written warnings or legal notices that may be issued.
• Keep in close communication with your tenants about how to deal with noise issues. It is best practice to provide options like using headphones or going to other rooms for loud activities.

Final Thoughts

Managing noise complaints is a significant aspect of being a responsible landlord in Oklahoma City. By understanding local ordinances, defining tenant responsibilities, and having clear procedures for addressing issues, you can maintain a peaceful environment and protect your investment. The most important takeaway as a landlord is to act quickly and be communicative with all parties. Don’t let these complaints fester and damage the peace of your property or the reputation of your business.

Partner with us, OKC Home Realty Services, an experienced property management service in Oklahoma City, to navigate these challenges and achieve stress-free landlordship. We can assist with everything from lease agreements to mediating and documenting tenant issues. Contact us today for a free consultation on how we can help!

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