What should be included in a noise complaint log?

A noise log should include the date, exact start and end times of the noise, a description of the sound (e.g., 'loud bass music'), and how it affected you. Note any actions taken, such as asking the neighbor to stop or calling the police.

How long should I keep a noise log before complaining?

It is best to document at least 3-5 separate incidents over a period of 1-2 weeks to demonstrate a pattern of behavior before submitting a formal complaint to a landlord or HOA.

How to Effectively Document a Noise Complaint: A Step-by-Step Guide

Published on: October 20, 2025

Key Takeaways

Learn how to create a detailed noise log that can be used for complaints to landlords, HOAs, or law enforcement. This guide covers what to record, when, and how.

Why is a Noise Log So Important?

A noise log transforms a subjective complaint ("they're always loud!") into objective evidence. It demonstrates a pattern of behavior and shows that the issue is persistent and substantial, not just a one-time annoyance. This record is essential for:

Landlords/HOAs: They need concrete evidence to take action, such as issuing warnings or eviction notices.
Police/Code Enforcement: A detailed log helps them understand the history of the problem and justifies potential citations.
Mediation or Legal Action: Should the situation escalate, your log serves as critical evidence.

What to Include in Your Noise Log

For each incident, be as specific as possible. Your log should be a factual account of what happened. Include the following details every time:

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Date and Exact Times: Note when the noise started and when it ended. Don't estimate—be precise.
Type of Noise: Describe the sound clearly. Is it "loud bass music," "shouting and arguing," "a dog barking continuously," or "power tools"?
Location of the Noise: Note which neighbor or property the noise is coming from (e.g., "Apartment 3B, directly above me").
Impact on You: Explain how the noise is affecting your life. Examples: "Could not sleep," "Unable to concentrate on my work," "Vibrations could be felt through the floor."
Decibel Reading (Optional but helpful): If you can get a reading, it adds objective data. While a phone app isn't a calibrated legal tool, it can still be useful.
You can use our website's to get an approximate measurement during an incident.
Any Action You Took: Did you speak to the neighbor? Did you call the non-emergency line? Record the time and the outcome.

Start Your Log Now

You can use our free tool right here to get started. It saves data to your browser automatically, so you can come back and add more later.

General Mode (No City Selected)

Date

Start Time

End Time

Noise Type

Impact & Description

Action Taken

No entries yet.

Add your first incident above to start building your case.

Example Log Entry

Date: Oct 20, 2025
Time: 11:15 PM - 12:45 AM
Type of Noise: Loud, repetitive bass music.
Location: Apartment 3B (upstairs).
Impact: Vibrations felt in my living room. Unable to fall asleep.
Action: Called the non-emergency police line at 12:05 AM. An officer arrived around 12:30 AM and the music was turned down.

Next Steps: Using Your Log

Once you have documented several incidents (usually 3-5 is enough to show a pattern), you can take more formal action. Present a copy of your log to your landlord or HOA board. A clear, factual record makes your complaint much harder to ignore.

If you're writing a formal complaint letter or email, you can use your log as a reference. After you search for your city's ordinance, an "AI Complaint Assistant" button will appear with the results. This tool can help you draft a polite and effective message using the specific local laws.

The Takeaway

Documentation is key. A detailed noise log is the best way to move your complaint forward and achieve a resolution. It provides the objective proof needed for others to take your issue seriously.