Understanding Noise Complaints as a Singapore Landlord
As a landlord in Singapore, managing tenant-related noise complaints is one of the most common challenges you'll face in rental properties. Whether your tenant is causing the disturbance or receiving complaints from neighbours, understanding your legal obligations and the proper procedures to follow is essential for protecting your property investment and maintaining a safe, harmonious living environment. Homejourney is committed to helping you navigate these situations with transparency and trust, ensuring you make informed decisions that protect both your interests and your tenants' rights.
Noise complaints in Singapore are taken seriously by the courts and government agencies. Unlike many property management issues that can be resolved through informal discussion, persistent noise disturbances can escalate to formal legal proceedings, fines, and even criminal records for the offending party. Understanding the regulations, documentation requirements, and proper escalation procedures will help you respond effectively to complaints and protect yourself from liability.
Singapore's Legal Framework for Noise Nuisance
Singapore has a comprehensive legal framework governing noise levels in residential properties. The primary legislation governing noise complaints is the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act, which defines what constitutes a noise nuisance and the remedies available.[1] Under Section 15 of this Act, a magistrate's court can act on a complaint made by an occupier when they are aggrieved by noise amounting to a nuisance.
The permitted noise levels in Singapore vary depending on the type of premises and time of day. For residential premises, the maximum permitted noise levels are 65 decibels (dBA) during the day (7am-7pm) and 60 dBA in the evening (7pm-11pm).[1] These are measured as equivalent continuous noise levels, meaning the average level over the specified period. Understanding these thresholds helps you assess whether a complaint is legitimate and actionable.
When a noise nuisance is proven to exist, offenders can be ordered to abate the nuisance within a specified timeframe or execute any works necessary to prevent recurrence.[1] Failure to comply without reasonable excuse can result in fines not exceeding $2,000.[1] This escalation path underscores the importance of addressing complaints promptly and documenting your efforts to resolve them.
When Your Tenant is the Source of Complaints
If neighbours have reported that your tenant is creating excessive noise, your first responsibility is to investigate the complaint thoroughly. Contact your tenant immediately to discuss the allegations. Approach this conversation professionally and non-accusatory—your goal is to understand what's happening and find a solution that works for everyone.
Ask your tenant specific questions: What time are the complaints occurring? What type of noise is being reported (music, voices, construction, pets)? Are they aware of the complaints? Have neighbours spoken to them directly? This information helps you determine whether the noise is genuinely excessive or a matter of differing expectations about normal residential living.
Document this conversation in writing. Send your tenant a follow-up email summarizing what was discussed, any commitments they made to reduce noise, and the timeframe for improvement. This creates a paper trail that demonstrates your proactive management approach. As a landlord, you're not directly liable for your tenant's behaviour, but you have a responsibility to take reasonable steps to address complaints when they arise.
For related guidance on managing tenant issues systematically, review our article on Handling Tenant Complaints Effectively: Singapore Landlord Guide Handling Tenant Complaints Effectively: Singapore Landlord Guide | Homejourney , which covers broader complaint resolution strategies.
When Your Tenant Receives Noise Complaints
Conversely, if your tenant is the one receiving noise complaints from neighbours, you should support them in documenting the disturbance and pursuing formal remedies. Encourage your tenant to keep a detailed noise log with specific dates, times, and descriptions of incidents.[2] This documentation is crucial if the matter escalates to formal proceedings—tribunals and courts decide cases based on evidence, not just statements.
Advise your tenant to attempt friendly resolution first by speaking directly with the neighbour causing the noise. If that fails, they should file a formal complaint through the appropriate channels. In HDB flats, complaints go to HDB; in private condominiums, they go to the management office or the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals (CDRT).
The CDRT handles neighbour disputes including excessive noise in high-density housing.[2] Your tenant can file a claim online via the Community Justice and Tribunals System (CJTS) for a filing fee of $150.[3] The tribunal will examine evidence and can issue orders requiring the noisy neighbour to stop the disturbing conduct.[2] If the offending neighbour ignores the tribunal's order, the matter can escalate to State Courts with potential fines or other penalties.
The Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals (CDRT) Process
Understanding the CDRT process is essential for landlords because it's the primary mechanism for resolving neighbour noise disputes in Singapore. The CDRT operates under the Community Disputes Resolution Act and provides a structured, cost-effective alternative to court proceedings for residential disputes.
The typical steps in a noise dispute are: pre-filing and mediation where parties are encouraged to try community-based resolution first; filing the claim describing the behaviour, impact, and requested remedies; hearing and order where the tribunal hears both sides and can issue orders to stop behaviour or take corrective steps; and enforcement where non-compliance can lead to State Court involvement and fines.[2]
If your tenant files a claim at the CDRT, they'll need to prepare supporting documents including police reports (if applicable), mediation agreements, and media such as photos and videos supporting their claim.[3] The stronger the evidence, the easier it is for the tribunal to conclude that the behaviour is unreasonable and persistent.[2]
Property managers and landlords should have clear written procedures for handling noise complaints and recording them.[2] This documentation becomes invaluable if a case must proceed to formal tribunal or court proceedings. Maintaining detailed records demonstrates your commitment to resolving disputes fairly and professionally.
Documentation: Your Most Powerful Tool
Evidence and documentation are decisive in noise disputes.[2] Whether you're responding to a complaint about your tenant or supporting a tenant who is receiving complaints, meticulous record-keeping is your strongest asset. Implement a system for documenting all noise-related incidents and communications.
For complaints about your tenant, record: the date and time you received the complaint, the neighbour's name and unit number, specific details about the noise (type, duration, frequency), the neighbour's contact information, and any impact they reported. Document your conversation with your tenant, including the date, what was discussed, and any commitments made.
For complaints your tenant receives, encourage them to maintain a detailed noise log with dates, times, and descriptions of incidents. Where lawful and appropriate, audio or video recordings strengthen a case significantly.[2] Recordings of attempted mediation or discussion with the neighbour also provide valuable evidence of good faith efforts to resolve the matter.
Keep all written communications—emails, text messages, letters—in a organized file. These demonstrate the timeline of events and show that you took the matter seriously. If the dispute escalates to tribunal or court proceedings, this documentation will be crucial to establishing your credibility and the legitimacy of the complaint.
Mediation: The First Step to Resolution
Before pursuing formal legal action, Singapore strongly encourages mediation and community-based resolution.[2] The Community Mediation Centre (CMC) offers free mediation services for neighbour disputes. You can contact CMC's enquiry line at 1800-CALL-LAW (1800-2255-529) from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays), 8:30am to 5:00pm.[3]
Mediation is often more effective than formal proceedings because it allows both parties to express their concerns and work toward a mutually acceptable solution. A neutral mediator helps facilitate discussion and can often identify compromises that satisfy both parties. Mediation is also faster and less expensive than tribunal proceedings, and it preserves the relationship between neighbours, which is important in high-density housing like Singapore's condominiums and HDB blocks.
If your tenant is willing to participate in mediation with the neighbour causing noise, encourage this approach. If you're responding to a complaint about your tenant, suggest mediation as a way to resolve the issue without formal proceedings. Many disputes can be settled through mediation if both parties approach the process in good faith.
Escalation: When Mediation Fails
If mediation fails or the noisy neighbour refuses to participate, formal legal action becomes necessary. In 2025, a Singapore resident was found guilty in court for repeatedly breaching a CDRT order to stop disturbing a neighbour with shouting, banging, and other disruptive behaviour.[2] This case demonstrates that Singapore courts take persistent noise violations seriously and will impose penalties for non-compliance.
For HDB residents, complaints can be lodged with HDB directly. HDB officers will investigate and remind the offending party of regulations. If the problem persists, residents may be advised to pursue CDRT proceedings.[4] For private residential properties, the CDRT is the appropriate forum for filing a formal claim.
When filing a CDRT claim, the affected party must describe the behaviour, its impact on their enjoyment of their home, and the remedies sought. The tribunal examines evidence and can issue orders requiring the offending party to stop the behaviour, pay modest damages, or take corrective steps.[2] If the order is ignored, the matter escalates to State Courts, where non-compliance can result in fines or other penalties.
Your Responsibilities as a Landlord
As a landlord, you have responsibilities in both scenarios. If your tenant is causing noise, you should take reasonable steps to address the complaint. This doesn't mean you're liable for your tenant's behaviour, but you should demonstrate that you're managing the property responsibly. Respond promptly to complaints, communicate clearly with your tenant, and document your efforts to resolve the issue.
Include noise and quiet hours provisions in your tenancy agreement. Specify what constitutes acceptable noise levels and what times are designated as quiet hours. This sets clear expectations and gives you grounds to take action if your tenant violates these terms. For guidance on drafting comprehensive tenancy agreements, see our related article on Diplomatic & Break Clauses in SG Tenancy Agreements Diplomatic & Break Clauses in SG Tenancy Agreements | Homejourney .
If your tenant is receiving noise complaints, support them in documenting the disturbance and pursuing formal remedies. This demonstrates that you're a responsible property owner who cares about your tenant's quality of life. A tenant who feels supported is more likely to remain in the property and maintain it well.
Building Management's Role
For properties in condominiums or managed apartment buildings, the property management company plays a crucial role in noise complaint resolution. Property managers should have clear written procedures for handling complaints and recording them.[2] They should provide guidance to residents on acceptable noise levels and quiet hours, and encourage early, cooperative solutions while being ready to support residents if a case must go to external tribunal or court.
A structured approach by management reduces frustration, ensures fairness, and produces better documentation if formal proceedings become necessary.[2] As a landlord, you should work closely with your building's management to ensure complaints are handled professionally and documented thoroughly.
Practical Tips for Landlords Managing Noise Issues
- Act quickly: Respond to complaints within 24-48 hours. Delays suggest you don't take the matter seriously.
- Stay neutral: Don't take sides until you've investigated. Approach both your tenant and the complaining neighbour professionally.
- Document everything: Keep detailed records of all complaints, conversations, and actions taken. This protects you legally.
- Set clear expectations: Include noise and quiet hours clauses in your tenancy agreement. Make expectations explicit.
- Encourage mediation: Before pursuing formal action, try friendly resolution through mediation. It's faster and less expensive.
- Know the regulations: Familiarize yourself with Singapore's noise limits (65 dBA day, 60 dBA evening for residential premises).[1]
- Support your tenant: If your tenant is receiving complaints, help them document the disturbance and pursue formal remedies if needed.
- Work with management: In managed buildings, coordinate with property management to ensure consistent complaint handling.
FAQ: Common Questions About Noise Complaints
What noise levels are illegal in Singapore?
Residential premises have maximum permitted noise levels of 65 decibels (dBA) during the day (7am-7pm) and 60 dBA in the evening (7pm-11pm).[1] These are measured as equivalent continuous noise levels. Exceeding these limits consistently can constitute a noise nuisance under the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act.
Can I be held liable if my tenant makes noise?
As a landlord, you're not directly liable for your tenant's behaviour. However, you have a responsibility to take reasonable steps to address complaints when they arise. This includes communicating with your tenant, documenting the complaint, and supporting efforts to resolve the issue. Failure to respond to complaints could suggest negligence on your part.
What should I do if my tenant receives a noise complaint?
Support your tenant in documenting the disturbance with a detailed noise log including dates, times, and descriptions.[2] Encourage them to attempt friendly resolution first. If that fails, they can file a complaint with HDB (for HDB flats) or the CDRT (for private properties). The filing fee for CDRT is $150.[3]
What happens if a CDRT order is ignored?
If the offending party ignores a CDRT order, the matter can be escalated to State Courts. Non-compliance can result in fines or other penalties.[2] In 2025, a Singapore resident was convicted for repeatedly breaching a CDRT order to stop disturbing a neighbour.[2]
