The Squeaky Floor Standoff: Is It the Tenant's Fault or the Landlord's?

It is a Structural Defect, Not a Behavior

A squeaky floor is caused by friction. Usually, the subfloor boards have come loose from the joists, and when weight is applied, the wood rubs against the nail or another board. This is a maintenance issue.

Your neighbor has a right to walk in their apartment. They cannot hover. Therefore, complaining that your neighbor is "walking loudly" when the issue is a creak is ineffective. They cannot stop the floor from squeaking by walking softer.

The Landlord's Responsibility

Because the squeak is a structural defect, it falls under the landlord's duty to maintain the premises. If the noise is excessive enough to violate your "quiet enjoyment," the landlord is obligated to fix it.

However, fixing a squeaky floor is difficult. It often requires pulling up the carpet or hardwood in the unit above to screw the subfloor down tight. Landlords are often reluctant to do this while a unit is occupied.

How to Get It Fixed

To get action, frame your complaint correctly:

1. Don't blame the neighbor. Blame the building.
2. Record the sound. A video proving how loud and piercing the squeak is will be more effective than a written description.
3. Request a Specific Repair. Ask the landlord to use "Squeak-No-More" kits (which can drive screws through carpet) or to repair the subfloor from below if your ceiling is accessible/unfinished.

The Takeaway

Don't feud with your neighbor over a squeaky floor. They hate it as much as you do. Team up with them to pressure the landlord into making the necessary structural repairs.