How to Soundproof Your Rental (Without Upsetting the Landlord)

Noise is one of the most common complaints from renters in Australia. Whether it’s early-morning traffic, thin apartment walls, or loud housemates, sound can seriously affect your comfort and focus. Unfortunately, most lease agreements don’t allow permanent changes like wall insulation or window replacement.

The good news is that learning how to soundproof your rental doesn’t require major renovations. There are renter-friendly ways to reduce noise using soft furnishings, adhesive panels, and smart layout choices. These solutions are low-cost, reversible, and don’t require landlord approval.

If you’re working from home or studying, How to Set Up a Productive Work from Home Space in a Rental explains how soundproofing can also improve productivity.

1. Use Curtains to Block External Noise

Windows are often the biggest source of noise, especially in city apartments or busy neighbourhoods. Thick curtains act as a buffer and also help with heat and light control.

Look for:

• Floor-length thermal or blackout curtains

• Double curtain rods to add a sheer layer behind the main fabric

• Adhesive strips or draft blockers to reduce gaps

  
  

Curtains are simple to install and easy to take down when you move.

2. Rugs, Mats, and Soft Furniture

Hard floors create echo and amplify footsteps, especially in unfurnished rentals. Adding texture helps absorb sound and softens the feel of a room.

Try:

• Area rugs or floor runners, especially in hallways and bedrooms

• Cushioned furniture and fabric lounges

• Draft stoppers or seals under doors

These upgrades improve both noise and comfort. For more tips on space-saving decor, Clever Storage Ideas for Small Rentals That Don’t Break Your Lease is a great next read.

3. Rearrange Furniture for Natural Sound Barriers

If you can’t build a wall, you can still block noise by moving furniture.

Ideas include:

• Placing bookshelves or wardrobes against shared walls

• Hanging fabric art or a large tapestry

• Avoiding furniture that backs directly onto windows or noise sources

This layout trick is especially useful in shared rentals.

4. Stick-On Acoustic Panels

Adhesive acoustic panels are popular with musicians, streamers, and people who live in apartments with echo-prone walls. They come in foam, felt, or fabric and can be removed without damaging paint.

They are perfect for:

• Bedrooms that face traffic or a train line

• Walls shared with neighbours

• Home office setups

If you’re unsure how much you can modify your rental, What to Do If Your Rental Application Is Ignored includes tips on how agents respond to tenants who ask for permission to make small improvements.

5. Use White Noise Strategically

White noise helps mask background sound, especially in bedrooms or study areas.

Options include:

• Dedicated white noise machines

• Apps with rainfall, waves, or soft static

• Small fans or air purifiers

These are also great for renters with unpredictable neighbours or thin walls between rooms.

Final Thoughts on How to Soundproof Your Rental (Without Upsetting the Landlord)

You don’t need to renovate or negotiate with your landlord to live more peacefully. With simple upgrades like curtains, rugs, layout changes, and acoustic panels, you can significantly reduce daily noise without breaching your lease.

If your current home isn’t suitable, or if noise is stopping you from getting proper rest or focus, Find My Home can help you apply for properties that better match your lifestyle. We assess each property before applying and work closely with our network to make sure you get placed somewhere that suits your needs, including quieter locations, better layouts, or newer buildings.