Knowing my rights
Disclaimer: The content on this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always consult with a qualified expert for legal, medical, or mental health matters. Use your own judgment and discretion when applying any of the ideas discussed here.
This article is about regulations that may be applicable in your local area. Please use these as a starting point - continue to investigate the local noise regulations that protect you as a resident.
Sound Transmission Class, STC, rates how well a building partition attenuates airborne sounds like voices and music.
See here for common noise levels.
Impact Insulation Class, IIC, measures impact sound transmission like dropping objects, footsteps and closing doors.
Check your rental lease agreement for this clause. The Covenant of Quiet Enjoyment ensures that tenants can use and enjoy their rented property, in peace.
The International Building Code (IBC) is a set of regulations developed by the International Code Council (ICC) that establishes minimum standards for building construction to ensure safety, health, and welfare. It is widely adopted across the United States and many other countries.
See here for New York State Building Codes.
See here for Australia’s National Construction Code
A noise ordinance is a municipal law that regulates the nature and level of sound that can be emitted in a given place at a given time. To find the specific noise regulations for your area, search for “municipal code” or “code of ordinances” on your city or country’s official website.
May this empower you, opening the door to solutions.
Cosy lounge
An image depicting a cosy lounge area with a couch, tall lamp, indoor plant, small mat and wall art