How to Deal With Noisy Airbnb Neighbors (Without Losing Your Listing or Your Mind)

Your space is perfect. Your guests are respectful. But the unit next door? Loud music, barking dogs, or shouting at midnight. Nothing kills a 5-star review faster than noise you don’t control. Whether it’s neighbors in the building or the house next door, noisy neighbors can ruin your guest experience—even if you’re doing everything right. Here’s how to deal with it the smart way, protect your business, and keep guests (and reviews) happy.

1. Identify the Source of the Noise
Before you panic, confirm what’s actually happening.

• Is the noise coming from neighbors, another tenant, or street activity?
• Does it happen consistently or just during certain hours?
• Is it a one-time event or a recurring issue?
  Knowing the pattern helps you decide if you can fix it—or just need to work around it.

2. Talk to the Neighbor (Tactfully)
If the noise is recurring and it’s coming from someone nearby, a friendly conversation can go a long way.

• Be calm, respectful, and clear: “Hey, I rent this place out on Airbnb, and I’ve had some guest concerns about the noise late at night. Would you mind keeping it down after 10 PM?”
• Don’t threaten, blame, or escalate unless you’ve already tried being kind.
  Sometimes people don’t realize they’re being disruptive until someone points it out.

3. Add It to Your House Manual (And Acknowledge It)
If the noise is occasional or outside your control (like city sounds, kids playing, or traffic), set expectations upfront.
Example: “Please note this is a vibrant area and occasional outside noise may be heard during the day. Earplugs are provided for light sleepers.”
This shows transparency and can prevent poor reviews from guests who were expecting silence.

4. Use Noise Management Tools

• Provide earplugs in the bedroom drawer
• Add a white noise machine or fan to mask external sounds
• Use soft rugs and curtains to absorb echo if your own unit is adding to the issue
  Guests appreciate thoughtful solutions—even if the problem isn’t your fault.

5. Time Your Check-Ins Strategically
If your neighbors get loud during the evenings or weekends, try to:

• Encourage longer bookings that include weekdays
• Offer early check-in for guests arriving before peak noise hours
• Space out bookings so you're not running back-to-back on weekends if that’s when it’s loudest

6. Document Guest Complaints and Protect Your Reputation
If a guest complains about the noise in a review, respond publicly and professionally:
“We’re so sorry to hear that. The neighborhood is normally quiet, and we’re actively addressing this with our neighbors. We appreciate your feedback and have added noise solutions to improve the experience.”
This protects your brand, builds guest trust, and shows you care—even if the problem wasn’t you.

7. When It’s Time to Escalate
If your neighbors are truly disruptive and uncooperative:

• Report noise disturbances to your landlord, condo board, or local bylaw officers
• Use Airbnb’s resolution center if the noise affects bookings
• Consider relocating your listing if the noise consistently leads to guest dissatisfaction
  You’re running a business—your environment matters.

You Can’t Control Everything—But You Can Control the Experience
Noisy neighbors are frustrating. But how you handle them—calmly, transparently, and professionally—makes the difference between a 3-star review and a guest who still feels taken care of. Guests don’t expect perfection. They expect effort. And when you show it, they remember it.

Want help managing guest expectations, setting up a noise-proof system, or improving your reviews despite outside disruptions? BookedHosts helps Airbnb owners with full and virtual co-hosting that makes hosting smoother—even in tricky situations. Email info@bookedhosts.com or scroll down to submit your property now.

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