Strata Noise Complaints: Noise Reduction Tips for Apartment Living
Living in an apartment offers many benefits, convenience, community, and affordability. But it also comes with shared walls, communal spaces, and often, unwanted noise. Whether it's footsteps from the unit above, loud conversations next door, or traffic from a nearby street, noise can seriously impact the comfort and quality of life in an apartment.
This article explores practical tips for reducing noise in apartment living, from minimising external sounds to implementing soundproofing techniques. It also looks at how persistent noise affects sleep and overall well-being, helping residents understand why creating a quieter space is more than a luxury, it’s essential.
The Impact of Noise on Health and Well-being
Noise pollution is more than just an annoyance. According to the World Health Organization, ongoing exposure to high levels of noise can cause stress, irritability, poor concentration, and even cardiovascular problems. In strata living, where peace and quiet are a shared interest, excessive noise can also lead to neighbour disputes and complaints to the owners corporation.
Sleep is one of the most affected aspects. Noisy environments disrupt sleep patterns, reduce sleep quality, and can even trigger insomnia. Over time, this can impair memory, mood, and immune function. Creating a peaceful, quiet apartment helps support not just physical rest but also emotional well-being and healthy neighbourly relations.
Practical Tips to Minimise Neighbour and Street Noise
While apartment noise can’t always be eliminated, there are effective ways to reduce its impact. Here are some strategies residents can consider:
1. Soft Furnishings and Layout Adjustments
Sound bounces off hard surfaces, so incorporating soft furnishings can make a noticeable difference. Curtains, rugs, cushions, upholstered furniture, and even wall hangings help absorb noise within a space.
Use thick, lined curtains or acoustic drapes on windows.
Lay down large rugs or carpets with underlay to dampen impact noise from above or reduce echo.
Bookshelves filled with books can also act as a sound buffer between shared walls.
Rearranging furniture can help too—placing bookshelves or wardrobes against shared walls may reduce sound transmission.
2. Seal Gaps and Cracks
Sound often enters through gaps in doors, windows, and walls. Sealing these openings helps reduce both incoming and outgoing noise:
Use weather stripping or draft stoppers under doors.
Apply acoustic sealant to cracks in walls, around windows, or skirting boards.
Install door sweeps or noise-blocking door seals, particularly on entrance or balcony doors.
3. Window Treatments
Single-pane windows are poor insulators of sound. For residents dealing with traffic or construction noise, upgrading windows or applying treatments can be effective:
Consider secondary glazing, which adds a layer of acrylic or glass inside the existing window.
Use acoustic window inserts, which can reduce noise without replacing the entire window.
Double-glazed windows are ideal, especially in high-density or busy urban areas.
Soundproofing Techniques and Materials
For those wanting more permanent solutions—particularly owners, renovators, or investors—there are several soundproofing techniques worth considering:
1. Acoustic Panels
Acoustic foam panels or fabric-wrapped panels can be mounted on walls and ceilings to absorb sound waves. They are effective at reducing echo and internal noise, making them popular in home offices and media rooms.
2. Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV)
MLV is a dense, flexible soundproofing material that can be installed under floors, inside walls, or beneath ceilings to reduce airborne noise. It’s especially effective in reducing sound transmission from neighbours.
3. Soundproof Underlay
Installing underlay beneath flooring (especially timber or laminate) adds a sound-dampening layer. It’s particularly useful in multi-storey buildings to reduce footfall noise for neighbours below.
4. Resilient Channels and Acoustic Plasterboard
For major renovations or new constructions, resilient channels can be installed between plasterboard and wall studs or ceiling joists. These reduce vibrations that carry sound. Acoustic-rated plasterboard can also help minimise sound transfer between rooms or units.
Note: Always consult your owners corporation before undertaking any renovation or structural soundproofing work, as some changes may require approval under your strata by-laws.
Considerate Behaviour Goes a Long Way
While materials and techniques are effective, community awareness and courtesy are just as important. Noise in apartment living is often caused by everyday activities, TVs, parties, pets, or renovations.
Here are a few tips for being a considerate neighbour:
Keep TV and speaker volume low, especially at night.
Use rugs to reduce noise from furniture movement or foot traffic.
Notify neighbours of upcoming gatherings or noisy maintenance work.
Observe quiet hours if they’re set out in the by-laws.
In some buildings, the owners corporation may introduce or update by-laws to manage noise, such as limiting renovation hours or restricting hard flooring installations unless soundproofed.
Living in close quarters doesn’t mean sacrificing peace and quiet. With a combination of thoughtful design, practical soundproofing, and respectful community behaviour, noise levels can be significantly reduced, improving comfort for everyone.
Strata residents across Australia are increasingly recognising the value of a calm, restful environment. Whether you're a renter looking to block out street noise or an owner planning renovations, investing in noise reduction is an investment in better sleep, improved well-being, and stronger neighbourly relations.
