NYC Noise Code: What Tenants Need to Know in 2026
New York City’s noise code (NYC Administrative Code §24-218) sets specific decibel limits for different times of day. If you’re a tenant dealing with persistent noise, understanding these regulations is your first step toward getting results.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Rules and enforcement practices may change.
What the Code Actually Says
The NYC noise code doesn’t simply ban “loud” noise. It establishes measurable thresholds:
- Daytime (7 AM - 10 PM): Sound from an external source should not exceed 45 dB(A) inside your apartment
- Nighttime (10 PM - 7 AM): The limit drops to 42 dB(A)
- Construction: Generally prohibited between 6 PM and 7 AM on weekdays, and all day on weekends and holidays
For context, 42 dB(A) is roughly the level of a quiet library. A normal conversation at close range is about 60 dB(A).
Common Noise Sources and What to Do
Neighbor Noise
Music, parties, TV, and loud conversations from adjacent apartments are the most common complaints. If the noise regularly exceeds the code limits inside your unit, you have grounds for a complaint.
Construction
Construction noise is heavily regulated in NYC. The Department of Buildings issues after-hours work permits, but the work must comply with specific noise limits even with a permit.
Commercial Noise
Bars, restaurants, HVAC units, and delivery trucks are regulated under the same code. Commercial establishments can face fines for repeated violations.
How to File an Effective Complaint
- Document the noise with date, time, duration, and decibel readings. Apps like SilentProof can capture this automatically with GPS timestamps.
- Contact your landlord or management company first. Send a written complaint with your documented evidence.
- File a 311 complaint if the landlord does not act. Call 311 or use the NYC 311 app. Include your evidence.
- Contact your local community board for persistent issues. They can put pressure on enforcement.
Why Documentation Matters
A 311 complaint with “my neighbor is loud” gets low priority. A complaint backed by timestamped decibel readings, specific dates and times, and a clear pattern of violations gets attention. SilentProof is designed to generate exactly this kind of evidence pack: a PDF with a decibel timeline, GPS data, and your notes, formatted for 311 and property managers.
Before Taking Legal Action
Persistent noise may support stronger escalation options, but legal outcomes depend on lease terms, evidence quality, and local court practice.
- Keep a complete timeline of incidents
- Preserve all written communications with management
- Consult a tenant attorney or legal aid clinic before withholding rent or attempting lease termination
Strong documentation improves your position, but it does not replace professional legal advice.
Related Resources
- NYC regulation reference page: /regulations/nyc
- 311 complaint script: /templates/311-noise-complaint-script
- Landlord letter template: /templates/landlord-noise-complaint-letter