How to Deal with Noise Issues in Apartments and Houses in the Netherlands?

Living in the Netherlands, especially in cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, or Rotterdam, often means sharing walls, ceilings, or even courtyards. While urban life has its perks, one common challenge many renters face is noise. Whether it’s upstairs neighbors with heavy steps, thin walls in student housing, or ongoing renovations next door, understanding how to manage noise issues can make your rental experience a lot smoother.

1. Why Is Noise Such a Common Problem?

Many Dutch homes, especially older buildings, were constructed before modern soundproofing standards became common. Add to that:

High population density in urban areas

Shared housing in student or expat-friendly neighborhoods

Renovations in growing cities

This often means you hear more than you’d like, from footsteps and loud music to early morning conversations.

2. What Can You Do About It?

Here are some helpful steps if you're dealing with excessive noise:

✅ Talk to Your Neighbors

Sometimes, a friendly conversation goes a long way. Your neighbors might not even realize how much noise travels.

✅ Contact Your Landlord

If the noise is ongoing and disruptive, your landlord can mediate, especially if the source is another tenant in the same building.

✅ Consider Soundproofing

For long-term rentals, ask the landlord if minor improvements are possible, like:

Installing carpets or rugs

Adding acoustic panels or heavy curtains

These small changes can reduce noise dramatically.

✅ Keep a Log

If things don’t improve, keeping a written record of disturbances can help if you need to escalate the issue through formal channels like the municipality or a tenants’ association.

3. Choosing the Right Home from the Start

One of the best ways to avoid noise-related stress is choosing the right type of housing from the beginning.

If you're sensitive to noise, you may want to consider:

Detached houses or townhouses (less shared walls)

Newer buildings with modern insulation

Smaller apartment complexes

That’s where Huisly comes in. Our platform lets you filter and compare listings from multiple trusted sources, all in one place. Whether you’re looking for a vrijstaand huis te huur or a studio in a quieter area, Huisly helps you find homes that fit your lifestyle better.

4. Know Your Rights

Under Dutch rental law, tenants are entitled to quiet enjoyment of their home. This means:

Repeated, excessive noise may count as a disturbance

Landlords have a duty to maintain a livable environment

If noise becomes unmanageable, and all attempts at resolution fail, you can contact your municipality or legal aid center for further help.

Final Thoughts

Noise issues can be frustrating, but they’re not hopeless. With open communication, smart housing choices, and awareness of your rights, you can reduce stress and enjoy your home much more.

Looking for a peaceful place to live in the Netherlands? Use Huisly to compare housing options from trusted websites, and find a home that truly suits your needs.