Neighbor noise is the number one complaint among apartment dwellers. Whether it's conversations through thin walls, footsteps from above, or music at odd hours, living in close proximity to others means dealing with sounds you didn't make.
This guide covers both the soundproofing approaches and the non-technical strategies that often work better than any material solution.
Start with Communication
Before spending money on soundproofing, consider talking to your neighbor. Many people genuinely don't realize how much sound travels. A friendly conversation can resolve issues that would cost hundreds to address physically.
How to Approach It:
- Choose a calm moment, not while angry about noise
- Be specific but not accusatory ("I can hear conversations through the wall" not "You're too loud")
- Ask for help rather than demand change
- Suggest solutions ("Would area rugs be possible?")
- Be willing to compromise on timing
Many noise issues—especially footsteps—can be largely resolved if the upstairs neighbor adds rugs. This costs them less than soundproofing would cost you and is more effective.
Noise from the Side (Through Walls)
Voices, TV, and music typically come through shared walls. Solutions:
Seal Any Gaps
Check electrical outlets, baseboards, and anywhere pipes or cables penetrate the wall. Seal gaps with acoustic caulk or putty pads behind outlet covers.
Add Mass
Place bookcases filled with books against the noisy wall. Hang mass-loaded vinyl panels. Add heavy wall hangings.
Rearrange
Move your bed or work area away from the shared wall. Sometimes the simplest solution is changing which part of your apartment you use for sensitive activities.
Absorb Sound
Add soft furnishings, rugs, and curtains to reduce how much sound bounces around your space. This doesn't block incoming noise but makes your room feel quieter.
See our detailed wall soundproofing guide.
Noise from Above (Through Ceiling)
Footsteps, dropped items, and moving furniture create impact noise that's hard to block from below.
Talk to Your Neighbor
This really is the most effective solution. Area rugs with dense pads can dramatically reduce impact noise. Most people don't know their footsteps are bothering you.
White Noise
Impact sounds are irregular, which makes them attention-grabbing. White noise helps your brain ignore them, especially for sleep.
Add Absorption Below
Acoustic panels on your ceiling won't block impact noise, but they can soften the sound that does come through.
Manage Expectations
True ceiling soundproofing requires construction that's not possible for renters. If footsteps are severe, this may be an apartment you can't comfortably live in long-term.
See our ceiling soundproofing guide.
Noise from Below
Less common, but sound can travel upward, especially voices and TV sound.
Rugs
Thick rugs with dense pads help absorb sound in your space and reduce what reflects back from your floor.
Seal Gaps
Check for gaps around radiators, pipes, and other floor penetrations.
Noise from Hallways
Footsteps, voices, and doors in hallways typically enter through your front door.
Seal the Door
Weatherstripping around the frame and a door sweep at the bottom make a significant difference. See our door guide.
Add Mass to the Door
Hang a heavy blanket or MLV panel behind the door if hallway noise is severe.
When to Involve Management
If direct communication doesn't work or isn't possible:
- Document the noise (times, duration, impact on you)
- Review your lease for noise policies and quiet hours
- Submit a formal complaint in writing
- Request mediation if your building offers it
- Know your local noise ordinances
Management can enforce lease terms, require rugs in upstairs units, or take other action. They're often more effective than direct confrontation with difficult neighbors.
When Soundproofing Isn't Enough
Sometimes the honest answer is that the building isn't suitable for your needs. If:
- Walls are extremely thin (STC below 35)
- Neighbors are deliberately inconsiderate
- Noise occurs at all hours
- Management won't act
- You've tried everything with minimal improvement
Then finding a different apartment—one with better construction, fewer shared walls, or different neighbors—might be the realistic solution. It's not the answer people want, but renter-friendly soundproofing has real limits.