Real estate Q&A: What can I do about much louder new lobby doors?

Gary M. Singer, South Florida Sun Sentinel on Apr 3, 2025

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Q: I live on the first floor of a condo building. Recently, the board replaced the lobby entrance doors, which now create a loud noise when someone enters or exits, startling my neighbor and me. The installers have attempted multiple fixes but say the doors are better suited for a commercial building. What can we do if they can’t adjust or replace the doors? The previous door was nearly silent. —Sean

A: Dealing with excessive noise from newly installed lobby doors in your condominium can be frustrating, but there are practical steps you can take to address the issue.

When the condo board replaces common elements, such as lobby doors, it must ensure that the changes don’t negatively impact residents’ quality of life. It appears that the board has been attempting to address the issue, so you should continue to work with them. It is all too easy to take out your frustrations regarding the lack of progress on the folks who are trying to help.

If the lobby doors cannot be replaced, perhaps due to a revised building code, the issue may need to be addressed by soundproofing or replacing the door of your unit.

Check your condo’s governing documents to determine whether your entrance door is considered part of your unit or a limited common element, as this affects who is responsible for the work. If it is part of your unit, you are responsible for the work. If it is a limited common element, the board may share responsibility for maintenance or replacement, especially since the noise originates from the lobby, which is a common area.

Even if it turns out to be your responsibility under the documents, see if the board will cover or contribute to the cost of soundproofing your door.

While there is legal precedent to support the position that the noise is creating a nuisance that the association is responsible for addressing, you should weigh the cost of litigation, along with its inherent risks and unpleasantness, against the cost of soundproofing the door yourself if your community will not step up and help.