Do Noise Complaints Go On Your Record?

Understanding how noise complaints affect your rental history, credit score, and legal record

Quick Answer

Noise complaints generally do not appear on your criminal record or credit report. However, they can affect your rental history, appear in landlord databases, and may influence future rental applications. Police reports involving noise complaints are public records in many jurisdictions but typically do not impact your criminal background unless they escalate to other charges.

1

Rental History Impact

Noise complaints can become part of your rental history when reported to property management, landlords, or building owners. This information may be shared with future landlords through various screening services.

What Landlords See

  • •Complaint frequency and dates
  • •Nature of complaints (noise type, severity)
  • •Resolution status (resolved/unresolved)
  • •Eviction history related to noise violations

Landlord Screening Services

  • •First Advantage: Nationwide tenant screening
  • •Experian RentBureau: Rental payment history database
  • •TransUnion ResidentScore: Tenant risk assessment
  • •Building-specific databases: HOA and apartment complex records

⚠️ Important: Even if you leave on good terms, multiple noise complaints may remain in building or management company records for several years.

2

Credit Score Impact

Standard noise complaints do not appear on credit reports or affect your credit score. However, certain financial consequences related to noise complaints can indirectly impact your credit.

✅ What Does NOT Affect Credit

  • ✓Landlord complaints about noise
  • ✓Police noise citations (unless unpaid)
  • ✓HOA fines (if paid)
  • ✓Building management warnings

❌ What CAN Affect Credit

  • •Unpaid fines: Court-ordered noise fines sent to collections
  • •Eviction judgments: If eviction results in court judgment
  • •Damage to property: If noise complaint escalates to property damage lawsuit
  • •Small claims judgments: If landlord successfully sues for damages
3

Police Records & Criminal History

Police reports related to noise complaints are generally public records, but they do not become part of your criminal record unless the incident escalates to criminal charges.

Types of Police Records

Non-Criminal Reports (Most Common)

  • •Disturbance calls: Police respond to noise complaint, no charges filed
  • •Warnings: Verbal or written warnings issued
  • •Civil citations: Municipal code violations (traffic tickets for noise)

✓ These do NOT appear on criminal background checks

Criminal Records (Rare)

  • •Disorderly conduct: If noise complaint escalates to public disturbance charges
  • •Noise ordinance violations: Criminal misdemeanor charges in some jurisdictions
  • •Harassment: If noise complaint involves harassment allegations

✗ These DO appear on criminal background checks

ℹ️ Public Records: In many states, police reports are public documents. Anyone can request them, but they typically require knowing the date, time, and case number.

4

Eviction Due to Noise Complaints

Chronic noise violations that violate lease terms can lead to eviction. This is the most serious consequence of noise complaints and has long-lasting impacts.

Eviction Process Timeline

  1. 1
    Notice to Cure: Landlord provides written notice to stop noise (typically 3-10 days depending on state)
  2. 2
    Second Notice: If noise continues, second notice or cure-or-quit notice issued
  3. 3
    Formal Eviction Filing: Landlord files eviction lawsuit with court
  4. 4
    Court Hearing: Both parties present evidence in housing court
  5. 5
    Judgment & Removal: If granted, eviction becomes court record

Long-Term Consequences

  • •Eviction record: Remains in court records for 7-10 years
  • •Tenant screening databases: Reported to nationwide databases
  • •Rental applications: Many landlords deny tenants with eviction history
  • •Higher rents: May need to accept higher-priced rentals
5

Impact on Future Rental Applications

When applying for new rentals, landlords may review your rental history and discover previous noise complaints. Understanding how this affects your application can help you prepare.

What Landlords Consider

  • •Frequency of complaints
  • •Severity (warnings vs. eviction)
  • •Time since last complaint
  • •Resolution method (amicable vs. legal)
  • •Overall rental history quality

How to Address Concerns

  • ✓Be honest about past issues
  • ✓Explain circumstances and resolution
  • ✓Provide strong landlord references
  • ✓Show long-term tenancy stability
  • ✓Offer higher security deposit if needed

💡 Pro Tip: Some landlords may be willing to work with you if you show you've learned from past experiences. Good references and proof of changed behavior can outweigh previous issues.

6

How to Prevent Noise Complaints

The best way to avoid noise complaints affecting your record is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are practical strategies for common noise sources.

Apartment Living Tips

  • •Use rugs and carpets to absorb sound
  • •Watch TV/music at reasonable volumes
  • •Avoid heavy activities during quiet hours
  • •Be mindful of foot traffic noise
  • •Keep pets quiet during rest hours
  • •Use headphones for late-night entertainment
  • •Inform neighbors about planned events
  • •Close doors and windows when possible

Quiet Hours Guidelines

Time PeriodRecommended Practices
10 PM - 7 AMNo loud music, TV at low volume, minimal activity
7 AM - 9 AMReduced noise, be considerate of sleeping neighbors
9 AM - 10 PMNormal living noise acceptable, keep reasonable levels

When You Receive a Complaint

  1. 1
    Acknowledge promptly: Respond to complaints respectfully and quickly
  2. 2
    Verify the issue: Listen for yourself to understand the noise source
  3. 3
    Document: Use our noise evidence recorder to verify if you're violating local ordinances
  4. 4
    Communicate: Apologize and explain how you'll address it
  5. 5
    Follow through: Make changes and follow up with the complainant

Key Takeaways

✓
Not on credit report: Standard noise complaints don't affect your credit score
!
Rental history impact: Landlords may see complaints in screening databases
ℹ
Police records vary: Most noise calls are non-criminal public records
⚠
Eviction consequences: Evictions have serious long-term impacts
💼
Prevention is key: Avoid complaints through considerate behavior
🔧
Document everything: Keep records if you're accused unfairly

⚖️ Legal Disclaimer

This article provides general information about how noise complaints affect various records. It does not constitute legal advice. Laws regarding tenant rights, landlord-tenant relationships, police procedures, and record-keeping vary by jurisdiction. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. The author and publisher disclaim all liability for any actions taken based on this information.

Need to Document a Noise Complaint?

Create professional court-ready evidence with our noise measurement tool

Generate Noise Evidence