05/25/2026
Times Colonist Condo Smarts:
What constitutes reasonable noise?
Noise can be a difficult complaint to evaluate. Every building is different, we all have different sensitivities to noise, some buildings are well soundproofed, while others have significant soundproofing defects.
Tony Gioventu is the executive director of the Condominium Home Owners Association of B.C. SUBMITTED
Dear Tony: We are on the second floor of a wood frame four story condo building. Our strata council have permitted owners the option of installing hard surface flooring where there are carpeted areas. While the installations are required to meet the sound proofing requirements, there is no evidence this has ever been confirmed. In addition, any sound proofing does not consider the change in surface resulting in a much louder impact when furniture is moved, or items are dropped on the floor. Our strata council is not properly investigating the complaint and our occupancy has become continuously disturbed.
JJF
Noise can be a difficult complaint to evaluate. Every building is different, we all have different sensitivities to noise, some buildings are well soundproofed, while others have significant soundproofing defects. The noise may be between units, from exterior mechanical equipment, adjacent elevators or locations such as a garage or main entry.
Carpeting is low-noise impact and part of the sound management in buildings. This is especially common in sleeping areas above units to reduce the risk of noise. Daily living areas are the common option for conversions to hard surface flooring, and there are some health conditions that require a strata corporation to accommodate an owner permitting complete conversions within the units.
It is the obligation of a strata council to investigate complaints. If the investigation is beyond their ability to evaluate or to be impartial, they may be required to employ an acoustic consultant to determine the decibel levels and frequency of noise spikes.
In writing, request a hearing with your strata council, address the noise complaints and ask them to properly investigate. The hearing must be within 28 days of request and they must provide you with a written notice of their decision within seven days of the hearing. Refer to the bylaws of your strata corporation. Most have different language from “quiet use and enjoyment” to “ no noise after 10 p.m. or before 7 a.m.” and frequently the prohibition of “appliance use between certain time periods.”
Pet noise, musical instruments, games nights, family gatherings, and normal activity are all part of living in a home. Remember when you buy into a strata, your home is not your castle. If the levels and frequency of noise are making it impossible to reasonably and quietly enjoy your home, a tribunal application may be your next option.
The Civil Resolution Tribunal, www.civilresolutionbc.ca hosts their strata decisions and you can quickly search the extensive number of decisions. NWS1896 provides a recent and thorough evaluation of noise and in relation to the changing of flooring.
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Tony Gioventu is executive director of the Condominium Home Owners Association.
The CRT is Canada’s first online tribunal. We're part of the British Columbia public justice system. We offer an accessible, affordable way to resolve disputes without needing a lawyer or attending court. We encourage a collaborative approach. If you can’t resolve your dispute, a tribunal member...
