Can My Upstairs Neighbors Hear Me?

Home | Blog | Can My Upstairs Neighbors Hear Me?
Husband and wife in bed with pillows over their heads to block out noisy neighbors

Reading Time: ( Word Count: )

By definition, renting an apartment means you will be living close to your neighbors. When you live in an apartment building, you are probably wondering if your neighbors can hear you. Let’s dig deeper into whether your upstairs neighbors might be able to hear you.

Will the Sound From My Apartment Travel Upstairs?

mid rise apartment building

Yes, it is entirely possible that the sound from your apartment can travel to your upstairs neighbors. It really depends on how your apartment building is built. Even though it is more likely for neighbors living below you to hear sounds such as footsteps and neighbors living in adjacent apartments to hear the sound from a loud television and music, sound will also travel in an upward direction. This is why you could be heard even on the top floor.

In general, a well-built apartment building with a strong sound control (STC rating) lowers the potential for noise to travel from one apartment to another. Typical noise from sources such as footsteps, television, and/or music should be much less audible in a well-built apartment building. Noise from a very loud television, music, jumping, and running sounds are still likely to be heard.

Are Top Apartments Less Noisy Than Bottom Apartments?

The short answer is yes! Lower-level apartments tend to hear more noise from foot traffic, furniture moving, and the like. The biggest complaint with regard to noise from lower-level apartments is the noise neighbors above them make while walking around.

Some apartment complexes have done a great job with soundproofing so this issue is minimized in them. Unfortunately, when budgets are tight, sound control is among the expenses to be cut. Sound control is significantly more important to the long-term happiness of a resident, but it rarely makes the priority list of apartment hunters.

Can You Minimize Noise?

You may not be able to completely eliminate noise as most of this is controlled by the sound control features of the building itself. You can, however, take measures to help minimize it, giving you more peace and quiet in your apartment. Here they are –

Add Rugs

Thick rugs are a relatively inexpensive way to help with sound control. Add them to your floors and consider asking your upstairs neighbors to do the same if the sound is traveling upwards.

Look for Cracks in Your Walls and Ceilings

Cracks in walls and ceilings, and openings along poorly fitted apartment doors can cause sound to travel. Get in touch with your landlord or property manager to have them fix it.

Be Considerate

Even if you think the noise from your apartment isn’t traveling too far, try to keep it down, especially during apartment quiet times. It’s always best to be a considerate neighbor.

Noise can be a big issue between neighbors so it’s important you take steps to minimize your contribution to the problem.

Subscribe

* indicates required

Don't Forget to Share this post! If you like it!

Fidelity Management – Our content has been featured or mentioned nationally by some of the industry’s best websites including:
ApartmentGuide | Rent.com | MyFirstAmartment | RENTCafe | The Balance …and many more

Tags

Categories

Finding an Apartment

i

Leasing an Apartment

Living in an Apartment

Moving Into an Apartment

Neighborhoods

Things to Do In Philly

News and Announcements

Editor’s Picks

Ben Franklin Bridge leading into Philadelphia at sunset

Subscribe

Stay a Smart Renter. Join the Group!

* indicates required

Related Articles

How do I Decline an Apartment after Approval?

How do I Decline an Apartment after Approval?

Have you applied for an apartment, been approved, and decided you don't want to move in? There are many reasons this could happen. You may have found something better, or perhaps you didn't need the apartment after all. So, let's find out more about how and what...

read more
How can I make my apartment feel expensive?

How can I make my apartment feel expensive?

When you move into an apartment, you naturally want to make it look as lovely as possible. So, if you are ready to give your apartment that extra pop and luxe factor, follow these tips. Remember, less is more in many cases when you're looking to go glam! Take it room...

read more
What is the shortest time you can rent an apartment?

What is the shortest time you can rent an apartment?

Are you thinking of renting an apartment but only for a few months? If so, this is possible and typically referred to as a short-term lease. Read on to learn more about short-term leases and some of its pros and cons. What is a short-term lease? A short-term lease is...

read more
8 Shares
Skip to main content
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap