Auto Noise in the Community

A new tenant just bought a nice Ford Mustang. It looks very nice, but two residents have complained about it being "loud." Both residents have said it wakes them up from sleep.
When the resident moved in, he mentioned buying a new car and that it might be loud. I told him if it disturbed the neighbors, he may not be able to keep it on the property.
I sent him a letter and asked him not to "rev" the engine. Of course, he still does.
I only have verbage in my Community Polices that cars in "unacceptable condition" cannot be kept on the property. However, I'm not sure how far I can take this.
This is his transportation. Wanted to know how everyone else handles a "loud" engine on cars in their communities. What about motorcycles? Harley's can also be very loud. I don't have anyone with a motorcyle, yet, but I know other communities do.
Thanks! :unsure:

I would suggest reading over the entire Lease Agreement the Resident has signed. In Texas, the lease has provisions that are promulgated into the Contract, clearly stating the excessive noise is grounds for eviction.

My suggestion, send him documented Lease Violations, also talk to your local Police Department regarding noise disturbances.


As as side note, I was a former Mustang owner. While I can tell you it is fun to rev the engine, there is a time and a place for it... on a Residential Property is NOT such a place! This Resident needs to become a responsible and mature adult and realize he would not want to be in a situation where his peace was being disturbed.

I would also make sure there is no miscommunication with the resident. For example, you told him not to rev his engine, and I would make sure (unless you heard it yourself) that he is actually revving the engine. A good friend of mine used to collect old, fast, and very loud cars, and even if he was practically idling through the neighborhood, people would assume he was going 50 miles per hour. In other words, you might have asked him not to rev his engine, and he might be thinking, "I have never been doing that."

Of course, that doesn't change the fact that his car may just be too loud regardless, but at least that will make sure you are on the same page.

Hi Sandy,
Most leases contain a "quiet enjoyment" clause that basically says you can't disrupt your neighbors. A noisy muffler would be considered a violation of the terms of the lease. I would have the complaining residents put their complaint in writing, then send the gentleman a lease violation letter.

He can change the muffler to a quieter one but he may resist doing that because it might affect the performance. There are also 'baffles' to quiet mufflers.

Have you ever thought about getting them together and coming up with a compromise all parties can agree with? Such as having him park in a different area...

A little compromise can go a looong way!!

Chrissy