How to Choose Quiet Apartments?

Every tenant has the right to live in “quiet-enjoyment” as per most leases state, but especially if you are sensitive to noise and prefer living in peaceful surroundings.  If you are looking for quiet apartments to live in, you should be aware of all the factors that contribute to creating noise and disturbing the peace of the surroundings. By doing so, you would be well aware of what to look for and avoid in the future when selecting an apartment for yourself.  

Although no apartment is soundproof, but here are some tips that will surely improve your chances of finding quiet apartments to live in.

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EXTERNAL FACTORS

When we talk about factors leading to noisy apartments, we should keep in mind both the internal and external aspects of it. First, let us have a look at the external factors which include all the sources outside of the apartment building that contribute towards creating unnecessary noise. For instance,

• Busy streets 
• Plenty of traffic 
• Playgrounds and schools 
• Active construction works nearby
• Railway station or an airport nearby
• A hospital in close vicinity 

Having read all of these points, you now know what to keep in mind when you’re out looking for quiet apartments for rent.

INTERNAL FACTORS

In addition to external factors, there are some internal factors also involved that contribute towards creating nuisance or unnecessary noise. This is the noise that originates from within the building premises. An instance of such a scenario could include noise coming from your neighbor’s apartment.

Here are more details on how you can better understand internal factors that help create noise.

 

• The overall layout or the construction plan of the apartment plays a significant role in controlling unwanted noise. For example, reviewing the material used in the construction of ceilings and floors. Concrete floors are more soundproof as compared to wooden ones.
• Similarly, you must know the condition of the walls between the apartment units. Thin walls will allow more sound to come through as compared to concrete walls. In addition to this, insulation panels between the walls also act as solid sound barriers.
• The number, size, and type of windows in the apartment also play a significant role. You need to assess if the windows are double panned or single panned because when the windows are double panned, they will help curb the noise levels due to extra insulation.
• Are you a pet lover? Do you own a pet? While pets can be a very rewarding part of our lives, when it comes to wanting to live in a quiet apartment, pets can cause lots of noise. However, if you own a pet or your neighbor owns a dog, for instance, ask others living around in the building if they face any noise related troubles because of the dog. If there are no bad reviews and you also want to own a dog as a pet, you can perhaps choose a breed that isn’t known for barking so that your apartment doesn’t become the center of attention. Also, you may consider a quieter animal like a cat, or even a building that does not allow pets.

Majority of these factors can be mitigated if the apartment building is built using certain materials, while that is impossible to control, you can help to soundproof and improve on noise within your apartment by the way you decorate. Rugs will absorb the noise you make for your neighbors below, and vice versa.

So, if your focus is finding a quiet apartment then make sure to do your due diligence while on the search. Be aware of the building’s noise level when you view, and if you can, try to view after work hours to witness the maximum noise level.

Having discussed the internal factors which you should keep in mind, let us dive into the external factors so you can be uber aware of what to look out for your next rental lease.

BUSY STREETS

If you choose an apartment located on a main strip of road, or in the vicinity of more bustling streets, then you will most likely experience blaring horns and noise from buses, motorbikes, cars, and pedestrians. Deciding to live in such an area most likely means bidding farewell to a somewhat quiet apartment, but in exchange you have close proximity to restaurants, shops, and other services. If you want to live in a more bustling area you can focus on apartments that are located in the back of the building, rather than in the front close to the main drag.

 

TRAFFIC & HOSPITALS NEARBY

If you are currently looking for an apartment, besides looking out for busy streets, make sure you also evaluate the traffic situation. If you currently live surrounded by heavy traffic, or near a hospital, police station, or fire station, and this bothers you, you will benefit from moving further away from these locations. Although hospitals and other health and medical outlets are extremely necessary and can be convenient in times of despair, living next to them could disturb your peace and quiet a great deal. Living in the vicinity of where there is a hospital nearby means hearing the ambulance sirens every now and then. If you know you do not want to live near these locations, map out the apartments prior to going so you do not waste time on places that will bother you later.

 

CONSTRUCTION SITES NEARBY

The incessant early-morning drilling, the noise of building materials dropping from cranes, or the sound of powerful machinery operating all day long…if this sounds like this would be bothersome to you, then you would definitely want to reconsider renting near a construction site. Especially, if you are working from home, or taking classes from home, and your concentration might be hindered. If yes, then take this factor into consideration when you head out to search an apartment for yourself or your family. Make sure that while you’re out exploring, you look around for construction sites and ask the neighbors as well if they experience any nuisance caused due to construction of any sort. If you’re an individual who values and needs quiet hours in your apartment, then you must be aware of such factors.

 

Many cities across the US have stringent laws and regulations which favor residents and help curb the nuisance spread in terms of noise from nearby construction sites. There are designated time slots followed most often for when to start and end construction activity on any given day.

 

TRANSPORTATION HUBS

When considering an apartment near transportation hubs including airports, railroad tracks, bus stops and more, you should be aware if the proximity would distort your peace. If you happen to live near any such transportation hub, you could be frustrated due to excessive noise pollution, or be grateful you are close to getting around most places; but imagine you reach home after a tiring day at work only to know that it is the peak hour for flights to either arrive or depart. If this noise would bother you, consider this before signing any lease.

 

NOISY NEIGHBORS

Never forget to check for noisy next-door neighbors. Ideally, your neighbors are sympathetic and welcoming towards your concerns to maintain a peaceful and quiet environment.  When you visit your next tentative apartment, try to assess how the neighbors are and if it would be ideal if you could exchange greetings to develop a brief understanding of their living style. If you cannot meet them make sure to get their contact information later to let them know if they are being too loud. Always try to approach peacefully as to not create a hostile living environment. If their noise continues, notify the Landlord before getting into a bigger confrontation.

 

BUILDING POLICY REGARDING NOISE

In addition to all the factors discussed, you can also find out what the building policy is regarding tolerating noise. Try and inspect if there have been complaints in the past regarding noise from a certain apartment or a floor. If you find out multiple instances of such complaints, then that apartment is not the right choice for you.

After reading through these essential external and internal factors on how to detect if an apartment will be noisy or not, you should have no problem locking in your next ‘quiet’ apartment. Do your due diligence and use this knowledge so you live a peaceful life in your next apartment without regretting your decision.

As a prospective tenant, an individual must always mitigate risks that could hamper their well-being before renting an apartment. At Ridgeview Properties, we offer a myriad of options of apartments for rent, located in optimal locations, at the most affordable prices, while ensuring our clients honesty and an enjoyable rental experience.