Ask the Mayor: Noisy Housemate

Mayor Michael Victorino answers some of the most-asked questions submitted to his office staff.

Q: Please inform me at what time of the night may I ask my housemate to please be quiet? Thanks, I would like to know my rights.

A: Mahalo for your question. I think this issue is something many of us have dealt with in our lifetime as renters sharing units, so I’ll provide you with a little guidance.

I consider this a civil matter involving living arrangements so many of the issues between your housemate, including noise complaints, would be addressed in the rental contract. This would include quiet
hours, laundry, trash and other rules.

If quiet hours are not covered in the contract, this would be a “noisy neighbor” type of incident and police have had to apply the “reasonable person” standard. This is not an easy issue to address,
but I would strongly encourage you to talk with your landlord or try to work things out with your housemate.

If the issue escalates and you fear for your safety, however, please call the Maui Police Department at 244-6400.

Want to Ask the Mayor? Submit your Maui County related questions to Mayor Michael Victorino by emailing [email protected], by phone at 270-7855, or by mail at 200 S. High St., ninth floor, Wailuku 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column; to request a personal response to a concern, email [email protected].