Soundproofing on a Budget: How to Handle Noise Complaints Before They Happen

Most vacation rental noise issues can be solved for under $300 and a weekend of work.

Nothing kills a five-star review faster than a noise complaint. Whether it’s thin walls, street traffic, or rowdy neighbors, sound issues can transform your dream property into a host’s nightmare. The good news? You don’t need to gut your rental or spend thousands on professional acoustic treatment to solve most noise problems.

The Real Cost of Noise Complaints

Before diving into solutions, let’s talk numbers. We looked at our data and here’s what we found: properties that receive noise-related complaints see their average rating drop by 0.3 stars within 30 days, which translates to a 12-15% decrease in booking inquiries. Meanwhile, listings with an average rating of 4.9 stars or above in 2023 had approximately a 10% higher occupancy rate and 18% higher revenue than their lower-rated counterparts. We also know that 79% of consumers say they trust online reviews just as much as a personal recommendation.

All that to say, consistent unaddressed noise complaints can have a major impact on your business.

The most successful hosts take a proactive approach: they identify potential noise issues before guests do and address them systematically. Here are a few tips on how to handle noise complaints before they become a problem.

Quick Wins: The 48-Hour Soundproofing Solutions

Door and Window Seals ($20-50)

Your biggest sound leaks are often the simplest to fix. Weatherstripping around doors and windows blocks both outside noise and sound transfer between rooms. Focus on:

Strategic Furniture Placement ($0-100)

Rearrange what you already have to create natural sound barriers:

Place bookcases or wardrobes against shared walls
Position beds away from thin walls shared with neighbors
Use your sofa as a buffer between living areas and bedrooms
Add area rugs in high-traffic zones (bonus: they reduce noise complaints from downstairs neighbors)

White Noise Solutions ($25-75)

Sometimes you can’t eliminate noise, but you can mask it:

Learn more about listing with Whimstay

Medium-Investment Solutions That Actually Work

Soft Furnishings Strategy ($100-300)

Hard surfaces amplify sound, while soft materials absorb it:

DIY Acoustic Panels ($50-150)

You don’t need expensive studio equipment. Create attractive sound-absorbing panels using:

Floor Treatment ($75-200)

Especially critical for upstairs units:

Addressing Specific Problem Areas

Street Noise

For rentals facing busy roads, construction, or nightlife, the key is creating multiple layers of sound protection. Start by doubling up on window treatments with both blinds and heavy curtains, which can significantly reduce exterior noise penetration. When possible, relocate sleeping areas to the quietest side of the property, away from street-facing windows.

Thoughtful touches like providing high-quality earplugs show guests you understand urban challenges and care about their comfort. For properties with persistent street noise issues, consider installing window inserts, essentially temporary secondary windows that can reduce noise by 10-15 decibels for around $200-400 per window.

Neighbor Noise

When walls are paper-thin and neighbor sounds become disruptive, strategic interior design becomes your best defense. Create a buffer zone by positioning large furniture pieces like bookcases, wardrobes, or upholstered seating against shared walls. Soft wall hangings such as tapestries, fabric art, or even decorative quilts can absorb sound while adding visual appeal. Layer rugs and soft furnishings throughout the space to minimize sound reflection, and always position entertainment centers, TVs, and speakers away from shared walls to prevent your guests from inadvertently disturbing neighbors.

Internal Noise Transfer

For multi-level rentals or open floor plans where sound travels easily between spaces, focus on sealing gaps and softening hard surfaces. Install door sweeps on all bedroom doors to prevent sound from traveling underneath, and upgrade to soft-close cabinet doors and drawers to eliminate slamming noises. Consider providing house slippers as an amenity—guests appreciate the comfort, and you’ll reduce footstep noise throughout the property. Weather stripping around interior doors creates an additional sound barrier while also improving energy efficiency.

Learn more about Whimstay’s host referral program

The Guest Communication Strategy

Sometimes the best soundproofing is setting proper expectations:

In Your Listing

In Your Welcome Guide

Proactive Check-ins

Send a message 24 hours after check-in asking specifically about noise levels. This shows you care and gives you a chance to address issues before they become complaints.

When DIY Isn’t Enough

Some situations require professional help, but even then, you have budget-friendly options:

Targeted Professional Solutions ($300-800)

Know When to Pivot

If noise issues persist despite your efforts, consider repositioning your property:

Measuring Success

Track these metrics to gauge your soundproofing efforts:

Your Soundproofing Action Plan

Most vacation rental noise issues can be solved for under $300 and a weekend of work. The key is taking a systematic approach: identify your biggest sound leaks first, implement quick wins immediately, and then tackle larger projects based on guest feedback.

The hosts who get ahead of noise complaints often earn positive mentions for being thoughtful about guest comfort. In a competitive market, that attention to detail can be the difference between a struggling property and a consistently booked one.

Learn more about Whimstay’s host referral program