Keeping your property compliant with local laws is essential for avoiding potential disputes and legal costs. We spend a lot of time talking with landlords about fair housing, security deposits, and evictions. Today, we’re focusing on something a little different, and that’s the Albuquerque Noise Ordinance.
Understanding these regulations will help protect your property’s value and maintain a positive environment for your tenants.
Here’s a guide to what landlords need to know about Albuquerque’s noise ordinances.
What Are Albuquerque’s Noise Ordinances?
Albuquerque’s Noise Ordinances are city regulations designed to control excessive noise that could disrupt the comfort and well-being of its residents. The ordinances set permissible noise levels based on the time of day, location, and type of activity causing the noise.
The city categorizes noise complaints into two groups:
- General Noise Complaints. These often arise from loud music, parties, or personal disturbances.
- Industrial or Construction Noise. Includes noise due to business operations or ongoing construction projects.
For residential areas, the city typically enforces stricter noise limits during nighttime hours (10 PM–7 AM). For landlords, this means being vigilant about tenant behavior and potential disturbances from nearby properties.
Use this helpful decibel guide to understand the general limits:
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- 55 decibels (dB): daytime limit for residential areas. This is a normal conversation-level sound.
- 50 decibels (dB): nighttime limit for residential areas. This is more like the level of a whisper.
You can find the detailed ordinances under the Albuquerque Code of Ordinances, Section 9-9-6.
Albuquerque Landlord Responsibilities Under the Noise Ordinance
While tenants are often directly responsible for generating noise, landlords can also carry certain liabilities. Here’s how Albuquerque landlords play a role in ensuring compliance:
1. Include Noise Rules in Lease Agreements
Your lease agreements should explicitly outline your property’s noise policies. They should specify quiet hours, acceptable behaviors, and potential penalties for noise violations. Including a section on the city’s noise ordinance can ensure tenants understand the seriousness of these rules.
2. Respond Promptly to Complaints
If a neighbor reports excessive noise from your property, address the issue immediately. Ignoring repeated complaints could escalate into formal violations, fines, or even legal action against you as the property owner.
3. Guide Tenants on Preventing Noise
Provide tenants with clear guidelines for reducing noise. For example, instruct them to keep windows closed when they engage in loud activities, and ask them to avoid late-night gatherings in common areas or on patios and balconies.
Carpet can also minimize sound transmission in your multi-family building.
4. Monitor Noise from Shared Spaces
If your property includes shared spaces like courtyards, gyms, or pools, make sure these areas are quiet during nighttime hours. Maintain clear signage reminding tenants and visitors of noise expectations.
5. Proactively Mitigate Ongoing Issues
For properties in busier areas, like downtown Albuquerque, external noise from traffic or nightlife might be beyond your control. Consider improving soundproofing measures, such as double-pane windows and acoustic insulation in the walls.
Consequences of Noise Ordinance Violations
Failure to comply with Albuquerque’s noise ordinances could result in serious consequences. These may include:
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- Fines range from $50 to $500 depending on the nature and frequency of the violation.
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- Legal action if violations persist without resolution.
- Tenant dissatisfaction could lead to higher turnover rates and negative property reviews.
By addressing these matters early and ensuring noise compliance at your property, you can avoid these costly issues.
We can help you approach noise concerns and the legal requirements within the framework of your Albuquerque rental property. Contact our team at Bruni Karr Agency.
