We’ve had more experience managing noise in multi-unit properties than we’d like to admit — and it’s taught us a lot.
Properties that share walls or split into multiple units bring both headaches and opportunities. On one hand, you can market the units separately and as a whole, attracting everything from couples to large family groups. On the other hand, you’ve got to manage the reality of noise transfer. Guests don’t always realize how easily sound travels, and it only takes one late-night game of cards or an outdoor gathering to cause a neighbor complaint.
The good news: a few smart improvements, open communication, and the right tools can turn potential noise problems into smooth operations.
Start with Low-Cost, High-Impact Improvements
Some noise issues can’t be solved without major upgrades like added insulation or solid-core doors. We’ve done that before, but most owners don’t need to go that far. Here are quick fixes that make a big difference:
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Weather stripping and door sweeps on shared doors to block sound bleed.
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Thick curtains that absorb noise while making spaces feel cozy.
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Area rugs with pads in upstairs units to soften footsteps and dampen echo.
These are easy, affordable, and they go a long way toward keeping the peace.
Be Transparent in Your Listings & Guest Messaging
One of the most effective things you can do is set clear expectations before guests even book.
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Listing photos & captions: Show both units, and use captions like “Unit A — part of a duplex” so guests know the setup.
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Listing description: Clearly state that the property shares walls or outdoor areas, and note your quiet hours if you have them.
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Guest messaging: Reinforce the shared setup and quiet hours in your pre-arrival notes.
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On-site reminders: Place signage in high-traffic or high-risk areas (like hot tubs or patios) and include a note in the welcome station.
The more transparent you are, the fewer misunderstandings you’ll face — and most guests are perfectly respectful once they know what’s expected.
Add Smart Noise Monitoring
Physical fixes and guest messaging are huge, but you also need proactive monitoring.
We use Minut noise monitors across our portfolio. They’re discreet, battery-operated (up to a year of life if features are limited), and completely privacy-safe — no recordings, just decibel readings. They also monitor temperature, humidity, occupancy, smoking, and even alert you if a smoke alarm goes off.
Pricing Plans (per property):
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Standard Plan: $10/month — monitoring and environmental tracking.
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Pro Plan: $15/month — PMS and API integrations, plus free devices if you pay annually ($180 upfront).
We recommend the Pro plan if you’re serious about scaling and want direct integration with your property management system.
Placement Matters
Where you place noise monitors depends on the risks at your property:
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Outdoors (patios, hot tubs, fire pits) — to stay ahead of neighborhood complaints.
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Indoors (living rooms, game rooms) — to manage noise transfer between units.
Each property has its own “hot spots.” Target those areas.
Quiet Hours: More Than Just a Sign
Technology is only part of the equation. The other piece is setting clear expectations with guests.
We build quiet hours (typically 10–11 PM to 7 AM) right into our listings, guest messages, and house signage. Then we program the monitors to reflect those hours:
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Normal hours: 75 dB for 10 minutes before a friendly reminder goes out.
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Quiet hours: 70 dB for 5 minutes before a firmer message is sent.
By the second message, the tone is direct. If noise continues past that point, we get an alert on our phones that breaks through “Do Not Disturb,” and we’ll reach out directly. Honestly though — most guests quiet down after the first gentle reminder.
Why This Works
By combining transparency, small property upgrades, smart monitoring, and clear quiet-hour policies, you can:
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Prevent conflicts before they escalate.
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Keep neighbors happy.
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Protect your reviews (and your sanity).
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Maximize income by marketing both the “parts and the whole” of your property.
At ChattaStays, we’ve found that when you manage noise proactively, multi-unit properties can be some of the most profitable setups out there.
If you’d like help making your property both peaceful and profitable, reach out. We’d love to share what’s worked for us — and help your rentals reach their full potential.
