Condo residents often complain to condo management about mechanical noise, hum, or vibration in their apartments and demand that management take action to fix it.
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Types of mechanical noise sources
I have investigated the following noise problems reported to me by condo owners or condo managers:
Noise from non-mechanical sources is often a problem as well:
Condominium management often faces a difficult dilemma: How much should be spent to reduce or eliminate noise in a resident’s apartment? Determining the appropriate level of response can be challenging, especially when there is no clear regulatory standard defining what constitutes an acceptable noise level. Property managers frequently ask me what level of noise is acceptable. Still, in practice, this depends on many factors — including the building’s construction, the nature of the noise, and residents' expectations.
What is an acceptable noise level in a condo apartment?
The answer to this question is not straightforward. Ontario has no legal standard for the maximum noise level in residences. Several trade and standardization organizations provide non-binding recommendations, often quoted by acoustical consultants:
MOECP regulates exterior and environmental noise. Ontario municipalities follow the MOECP guidelines. Therefore, Toronto Noise Bylaw primarily regulates environmental noise, although some clients tell me that Toronto Bylaw officers also use it to asses interior noise.
Recommended indoor noise limits.
Organization | Recommended maximum |
|---|---|
MOECP | 50 dBA day; 45 dBA night |
Toronto Noise Bylaw | Same as MOECP |
ASHRAE | 35 dBA or NC 30 |
WHO | Nighttime 30 dBA |
This often quoted list of noise limits is almost meaningless without context of how the noise level is tested.
What level of noise annoys people?
Sensitivity to noise varies greatly from person to person. What may be considered acceptable background sound to one resident can be perceived as highly disturbing to another.
For example, I have had clients who found a steady noise level of only 28 dBA intolerable, while others were disturbed by intermittent elevator sounds peaking at around 33 dBA. These levels are quite low by objective acoustic standards, yet they can still cause significant annoyance to individuals with heightened sensitivity or in particularly quiet environments.
On the other hand, I tested an in-suite heat pump noise level, which was 42 dBA. One resident did not mind, and another resident vehemently complained.
Mechanical noise test standards
Noise measurement standards are essential for ensuring consistent, reliable, and accurate assessments of sound levels across different industries and applications. These standards define the measurement methodology, instrumentation requirements, testing conditions, and reporting procedures, allowing results to be compared and interpreted meaningfully.
The choice of standard depends on the specific noise situation and the professional judgment of the acoustical consultant conducting the test. Selecting the correct standard is critical, as the test method directly affects the results and, consequently, the interpretation of the noise problem.
Remediation of the mechanical noise problem
The appropriate course of action depends on the source of the noise and the measured sound levels. It is the role of the acoustical consultant to interpret the data and recommend corrective measures where feasible.
In some situations, the measured noise levels fall below industry-recommended limits, yet residents continue to experience annoyance. This presents a dilemma for condominium management: they may either inform the resident that the noise is within acceptable limits and take no further action, or pursue additional noise-reduction measures to improve resident satisfaction.
Ultimately, this becomes a management and business decision, balancing technical compliance, resident comfort, and financial considerations
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