landlord obligations re sound insulation?

Question

I just moved to a second floor of a triple decker, and the apartment was just remodeled--the landlord who purchased the house had a wall put in the middle of the floor, thus dividing the floor into two apartments. I rented one of these apartments, and when other tenants moved into the second apartment, it turned out that the wall in between does not hold anything at all. I can hear every word that people are saying in the other side, even if they are talking quietly. When there is music, it is like I have music on in my apartment. I hear every small sound they make, and they can hear me, so I can't even talk on the phone. The landlord implied that it his not his business and does not want to deal with the situation. My question is--what are my options here, as the noise situation is absolutely unbearable. Did the landlord violate building codes by putting a simple interior wall without any insulation to divide separate apartments? Is it his responsibility to do something about it?

Answer 1

Call your local code enforcement..my guess it would have to be a 'firewall' and he (your landlord) may be in violation

Answer 2

You'd have to check the building codes for your specific area. My guess is that the codes may deal with fire protection but not sound proofing.

Your options are to move out, assuming you do not have a lease, try negotiating with the landlord, e.g., you and your neighbor each pay a percentage of some soundproofing, or hang draperies or some other material to absorb some of the sound.

Answer 3

I would talk to one of those free consultation lawyers and see what they have to say. Hopefully, at the very least, you can use this as a valid excuse to move and not have to worry about breaking the lease. I've always hated apartments for that very reason. Everyone I've ever lived in you could always hear what's going on in the apartments above, below and beside you.

Answer 4

more likely then not he did not have the proper permit or else it would never have been approved.. if you feel he did a shoddy job call property standards look in the blue pages of phone book... should you find it unbearable and he is at fault try asking the courts for a rent reduction and move out.... check with your local city hall about the permits..

Answer 5

It does depend on what state your in and the laws there, but in my state I know there has to be a firewall (privacy wall) between the two apartments.

Answer 6

This is going to be dependant on local or state laws. Do a web search for tenant rights in your state and you will likely find an organization to whom you can send this question.