I'm a landlord in New Jersey. I recently bought a two-family home and closed in June. The first floor tenants breached and left early. I was ok with that as I found a suitable tenant to replace them. The first floor needed a lot of work - approximately three weeks of renovation. Numerous noise complaints from second floor tenants while on-going. Work was done during daytime hours 9AM to 6PM. Tenants were advised when work would be completed. They are requesting a half-months rent compensation for excessive noise etc. Do they have any legal recourse here? Does this sound reasonable to anyone? What would you do in my case? --96.57.xxx.xx

I own lots of property and there are times I have no choice but to make noise. So long as I advise my other tenants of the "Day" and "Times" I plan on making noise -- this gives them a chance to make other arrangements. One tenant worked at night and slept during the day. He said I kept him awake and should reduce the rent. I asked him if he needed ear plugs, they cost a buck or two at the store, that I can affored. He laughed and said he didn't want to wear ear plugs. Then I asked him why didn't he sleep over at his girlfriends apartment, she sleeps here 5 nights a week. He said he doesn't have to accomdate me, that I need to accomdate him since he's paying rent. I then reminded him that when his shower pan started to lead, I had to make noise for 3 days to replace the shower pan and re-tile the shower base -- no one else complained bacause they all knew it was part of living in an apartment building and a needed repair. I told the tenant that if he didn't like noise once in a while to effect repairs, he should purchase a home out in the country at least half a mile from his nearest neighbor because even owners of homes make noise from time to time. --173.55.xx.xxx

Hey, Robert. Thanks for the quick response and advice. I pretty much advised him of the same things. I believe I acted in a reasonable manner with the construction... I'm still trying to handle it amicably, however, a half-month's credit with next months rent is not going to work with me. So, if I need to get nasty, I will. I just wonder if he has any legal recourse? I inherited this tenant with the property and the current/existing lease. I'll have to scrutinize it tonight. --166.159.xxx.xxx

Arm yourself with facts and in a professional way let them know who is in charge. --75.160.xxx.xxx

--67.233.xxx.xxx

Thank you BillS and Mike45 for the constructive and helful replies. Will do! I'll check into the local ordinance statutes for sure... --166.159.xxx.xxx

"We will be working on the neighboring unit for a while, but only during the working hours of 9am-5pm. We understand that this might still be disruptive at times, but of course you realize that REPAIRS are necessary to keep the entire property clean and neat and a place we would all want to live." Blah blah blah. --173.22.xx.xx

I would mention that you want to fix their unit too but there will be some noise then too, ask them how to solve this problem. Work is work and it will mean nicer people moving there next. --64.134.xxx.xxx