Pool Parties and Midnight Laundry: A Guide to Noise in Shared Apartment Amenities

Your Lease and HOA Rules Are the Primary Law

Unlike a noise complaint against a neighbor's loud music, issues in shared amenities are rarely governed by your city's public noise ordinance. Instead, the rules are almost always defined by your private governing documents:

• Your Lease Agreement: If you're a renter, your lease will outline the rules for using common areas.
• HOA/Condo Association Bylaws (CC&Rs): If you're an owner, the community's CC&Rs are the definitive rulebook.

These documents will almost always specify the hours of operation for amenities. Any use outside of these posted hours is a direct violation of your community's rules.

Common Amenity Noise Issues and Who to Contact

For any noise issue in a shared amenity, your first and primary point of contact is your property manager, landlord, or HOA board. They are responsible for enforcing the community's rules.

Pools and Hot Tubs

The Issue: After-hours parties, loud music, and shouting are common problems.
Action: Report the violation to your property manager. If your community has an after-hours courtesy patrol or security service, they are the right people to call for an immediate response. Only call the non-emergency police line if the gathering is exceptionally large, out of control, or you suspect illegal activity.

Fitness Centers

The Issue: The most common complaint is the loud thud of dropped weights, which can create significant impact noise for adjacent or lower-level apartments. Loud music is another frequent issue.
Action: Report the problem to your property manager. They can post additional signage about not dropping weights and enforce rules about using headphones.

Laundry Rooms

The Issue: Residents using machines late at night, causing noise and vibration that disturbs nearby units.
Action: This is a clear-cut rule enforcement issue for your property manager. They can send reminders to residents about laundry room hours or even install timers on the machines.

Documenting the Problem

Even though you're reporting the issue to a property manager instead of the police, documentation is still key. Keep a simple log of the date, time, and nature of the rule violation. A video from your phone showing a loud pool party at 1 AM is powerful evidence that your property manager can use to take action, such as issuing warnings or fines to the responsible residents.

The Takeaway

Noise in shared amenities is a community issue that requires a community-based solution. Your property manager or HOA is responsible for ensuring these spaces are used respectfully. By familiarizing yourself with the posted rules and formally reporting violations, you can help them enforce the policies that keep your community peaceful for everyone.