Which letter to send first
- Your neighbor. If you feel safe doing it, a friendly note is often all it takes. Many people don’t know how far their noise travels.
- Your landlord, property manager or HOA. If the note doesn’t work, or you’d rather not approach them, put it in writing to whoever manages the building. Leases and community rules often cover noise.
- Your city or council. For noise that keeps going, cities and councils have noise rules and teams that handle complaints. In New York City that’s 311; in England, it’s your council’s environmental health team.
- Police non-emergency. For a loud party or noise happening right now, many places use the police non-emergency number. In an emergency, call 911 in the US or 999 in the UK.
What makes a complaint letter work
- Specific. Dates, times and how long it lasted beat “all the time”.
- Calm. Stick to what you heard and how it affects you. No threats, no guesses about motives.
- One clear ask. Say what you’d like to happen, and ask for a reply.
- Backed by a log. Attach a noise diary or a log from the noise meter.
- In writing. Email or keep a copy, so you have a dated record of when you raised it.
Sample letter to a landlord
Sam Rivera
Apt 4B, 220 Alder Street
Portland, OR 97205
[email protected]
November 9, 2026
Ms. Alvarez
Alder Street Properties
1400 Grand Avenue
Portland, OR 97214
Re: Noise from Apt 5B
Dear Ms. Alvarez,
I am a tenant at Apt 4B, 220 Alder Street, Portland, OR 97205, and I am writing about repeated noise from Apt 5B.
Since early October, I have heard loud music and heavy footsteps several times a week, mostly late at night. It is affecting my sleep and my work from home.
I spoke to the people at Apt 5B on October 18, but the noise has continued.
I have kept a log of the dates, times and length of each occurrence, which I have attached.
I would be grateful if you could look into this and remind the occupants of the noise rules in their lease. Please let me know what steps you will take, and when.
You can reach me at [email protected]. Thank you for your help.
Sincerely,
Sam Rivera
Sample note to a neighbor
November 9, 2026
Hi neighbor,
I’m Sam Rivera, from Apt 4B, 220 Alder Street, Portland, OR 97205. I hope you don’t mind a quick note.
Lately I’ve been hearing loud music and heavy footsteps from Apt 5B, mostly late at night, since early October. It’s been affecting my sleep and my work from home. You may not realize how much carries through.
Would you mind keeping it down late at night and early in the morning? Turning the bass down, or moving speakers off the shared wall, would make a big difference. Rugs or soft shoes help a lot with footsteps.
If it’s easier to talk, you can reach me at [email protected]. Thank you, I really appreciate it.
Best wishes,
Sam Rivera
Questions
Should a noise complaint letter mention the law?
Usually not in a first letter. Facts work better than legal language: what you hear, when, how often and how it affects you. If you want to point to a rule, quote your lease, your HOA’s rules or your city’s noise code, and check the current wording first. This tool gives general information, not legal advice.
Can I send a complaint anonymously?
You can leave a note to a neighbor unsigned, but landlords, HOAs, cities and councils usually need your name and contact details to act. Many will not tell the neighbor who complained, but ask them if that worries you.
What if my landlord does not respond?
Send a short follow-up in writing after a week or two, with your updated log. If nothing changes, you can contact your city or council. Our guide on complaining to a landlord covers the next steps.
Should I attach recordings?
A log of dates, times and lengths is the core. Short recordings can help show what it sounds like, but rules on recording differ by place, especially for conversations. Check your local rules before you share them.
Is this legal advice?
No. These are plain-English templates. For a legal dispute, speak to a tenant advice service, a lawyer or your local housing authority.