Noise Complaint Against My Child
Not sure if this is the correct thread, but I currently live in an apartment complex that was converted to apartments from a hotel that had halted construction. I live above a leasing agent, where Me(25M) and my 3-year-old son live. I recently just got a noise complaint that brings up my son, and how he is stomping/bumping things. They are saying the noise is extreme, but the most he does that is loud is crying if he does not want to go to bed, or if he is running from point A to point B, which I typically try to get him to not run during later hours. However, a 3-year-old is a 3-year-old and there is only so much I can do. I'll give you the email exchange that went on, but keep in mind, nowhere in my lease does it mention the 8pm-8am quite time she is stating. In my city, it is 10pm-7am. The leasing agent I am messaging is a coworker to the leasing agent that lives under me. For reference, I live in Columbus, OH
"The noise complaint was in reference to loud noises occurring after 8pm most nights. There seems to be a lot of running, stomping, and banging coming from your unit. While we understand that there is a young child in your unit, it has been reported as an excessive amount, especially late at night. I would recommend some sound dampening pads from amazon to help limit the noise. I know some of my other residents use them and they work quite well." -leasing agent
"Thank you for passing along the concern. I do want to clarify that we are already doing our best to be mindful of noise in the unit. However, I do have a young son who has been diagnosed with autism, and like many children, he does move around and play in the evenings as part of normal daily life.
I want to be cooperative and respectful of our neighbors, and we will continue doing what we reasonably can to reduce noise where possible. That said, normal household activity from a child; especially one with a diagnosed condition; is something that cannot be completely eliminated.
I also want to note that families with children and individuals with disabilities are protected under the Fair Housing Act. I trust that the property will keep this in mind when addressing concerns that may stem from normal child-related activity.
Again, we will continue doing our best to be considerate, but I wanted to make sure the situation and context are understood.
Thank you." -me
"I am well aware with the Fair Housing rules, as this is why I'm reaching out. Normal noise is not reported, only when it becomes an excessive amount. As we treat everyone the same here, I am responding to a noise complaint and speaking with both parties to be mindful of their environment. Rest assured, I have also reminded the resident that there is a difference between normal noise and excessive noise. We've spoken about a similar issue to our lawyer, who has confirmed that while the child is disabled, there are still rules and regulations that need to be followed by all residents and minors while residing at the property.
Normal play and activities are fine, but please be mindful of the later hours of the night, when people are settling down. 8-8 is usually the time frame we tell people is the normal hours, whereas anything outside those hours is when residents should be mindful of their neighbors. " -leasing agent
"I do want to clarify that my son is not engaging in excessive activity. The sounds being referenced are the result of normal, light play and movement within the apartment. I am already making a conscious effort to keep noise levels down and to be mindful of our neighbors, particularly during the evening hours.
As mentioned previously, my son has been diagnosed with autism, and like many children, he does move around as part of normal daily activity. While I will certainly continue doing my best to be considerate of those around us, normal household activity cannot be completely eliminated.
Additionally, it appears that sound may carry more easily in the building, likely due to the structure originally being built as a hotel and later converted into apartments, which may limit soundproofing between units.
I appreciate you keeping in mind that families with children and individuals with disabilities are protected under the Fair Housing Act. My goal is simply to maintain a normal living environment for my son while also being respectful of our neighbors, and I will continue making reasonable efforts to do so." -me
That's where it left off. I have no clue on how to go about this. I think I will get a camera if this thing ever goes to court to display what I am doing is reasonable. What would you guys do?
Posted Mar 6, 2026, 8:43 PM UTC