The issue of noise in apartment buildings in Spain has once again come into the public spotlight after an unusual incident that quickly went viral. A resident who works from home could no longer tolerate the constant “auditory surprises” from her neighbors next door and decided to take action. She left a note on their door asking them to reduce the noise during working hours. The story instantly sparked lively reactions on social media and highlighted the ongoing problem of acoustic comfort in Spanish homes.
This issue has become particularly relevant in the era of widespread remote work. For many Spaniards, home has turned into both a place of rest and an office. Any extraneous noise, especially involving neighbors’ personal lives, can not only disrupt concentration but also cause awkward moments during videoconferences. In this case, according to the note’s author, she heard four “notable” episodes in four hours, making her morning especially eventful.
The note on the door
The message was handwritten in large letters to avoid any misunderstandings. In it, the neighbor emphasized she had nothing against the residents’ private life but asked for more restraint during working hours. She noted that her living room shares a wall with their bedroom and that loud noises disrupted her business meetings. At the end of the letter, the author wished the neighbors happiness and even offered to lend them some salt if needed, adding a touch of humor to the situation.
The publication of a photo of this note online sparked a flurry of comments. Some users supported the initiative, while others argued that people have the right to behave as they wish in their own homes. Several noted that such issues should be resolved with humor and without conflict, so as not to spoil relationships within the building.
Legal aspects
In Spain, noise issues are regulated not only by norms of neighborliness but also by legislation. According to Article 7.2 of the Ley de Propiedad Horizontal (Law on Property Ownership), actions deemed harmful, dangerous, or excessively disruptive to other residents are prohibited. If the noise becomes unbearable, the president of the homeowners’ association is required to demand that the offenders stop such conduct.
If warnings are ignored, the community may initiate legal proceedings. In particularly severe cases, the court may even temporarily revoke the offender’s right to use the apartment. However, in practice, such measures are rarely applied and only in cases of systematic and gross violations.
Time restrictions
Most Spanish cities have clearly defined quiet hours. At night, from 23:00 to 7:00 (sometimes until 8:00), noise levels must not exceed 25–30 decibels. During the day, up to 35–40 decibels are permitted. There are separate regulations for construction work: noise is allowed from 8:00 to 21:00 on weekdays, with the use of loud equipment restricted.
Violating these regulations can lead to administrative fines. However, proving excessive noise can be difficult — it often requires involvement from the police or acoustics experts. When it comes to intimate noises, the situation becomes even more complicated due to the sensitive nature of the issue and residents’ reluctance to make such problems public.
Public reaction
The note sparked not only laughter but also serious discussions about personal space and respect for neighbors. Many recalled their own experiences of having to put up with noise — whether from parties, renovations, or loud music. Some users pointed out that such situations are becoming increasingly common, especially in older buildings with thin walls.
In recent years, complaints about noise in residential complexes have become more frequent in Spain, especially after the pandemic, as people began spending more time at home. In major cities like Madrid and Barcelona, local authorities regularly receive reports of noise disturbances. In some cases, neighbors join forces and lobby for stricter community rules.
A similar incident occurred in Valencia, where residents of an entire entrance signed a collective complaint against a couple who regularly disturbed the peace at night. In Malaga, authorities recently discussed implementing additional noise restrictions in apartment buildings. All this indicates that the problem remains relevant and highlights the need to balance personal freedom with respect for others.
