How do I make a noise complaint against a neighbour in my Ontario condo?
If a neighbour in your condo building is causing noise that breaches the corporation's rules or constitutes a nuisance, your first step is to put your complaint in writing to the property manager or board of directors. Document specific incidents — dates, times, duration, and the nature of the noise — because detail strengthens any complaint.
The condominium corporation has an obligation under the Condominium Act, 1998 to enforce its rules against all owners and residents. If the property manager or board fails to take action after reasonable time, you can escalate through the Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT). The CAT's jurisdiction has been expanded to include nuisance complaints related to noise, vibration, smoke, vapours, odours, and light.
The CAT process is online, accessible without a lawyer, and offers negotiation and mediation steps before a formal adjudication hearing. If you reach the adjudication stage and succeed, the tribunal can order the offending party to comply with the rules and may award costs.
Key takeaways
- Document specific noise incidents before filing a formal complaint.
- Submit a written complaint to the property manager or board first.
- The CAT handles condo noise and nuisance disputes through an accessible online process.
- The corporation has a legal obligation to enforce its rules against all residents.