Landlord Letter Templates

Dear (tenants)

On September 1, the Boulder City Council voted to amend ordinance BRC 5-9-6 of the Boulder Municipal Code, which is an ordinance about unreasonable noise. Previously, this ordinance prohibited any amplified sound that could be heard more than 100 feet away between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. With this vote, noise restrictions have been extended to daytime hours, from 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., and prohibit amplified sound that can be heard from more than 200 feet away. The nuisance party ordinance will also be updated to include daytime noise as a qualifier for nuisance parties. 

This means that if you have music or other sounds playing from speakers, instruments played with amplifiers or use a megaphone or microphone, you can receive a ticket if police can hear it from 200 feet away from your property line during the day. That could be just three or four houses away from your apartment or house. Previously, daytime noise-related tickets would be initiated by a neighbor complaint. This new addition to the ordinance means that any excessive noise during the day can receive a ticket. Any parties or gatherings taking place during the day could be cited as nuisance parties for unreasonable noise during the day. Remember that each person that is listed on a lease can receive a citation, regardless of whether or not you are present when the violation takes place. 

In order to avoid a ticket, make sure any music or other noise is happening inside the house and not in your yard where it may disturb your neighbors. You can also download a decibel measuring app (check out Decibel X) to see how loud your gathering is. Noise should not exceed 55 decibels during the day and 50 decibels at night. Register your party‒happening day or night‒with CU Boulder’s Off-Campus Housing and Neighborhood Relations to get a warning before the police issue a citation. 

Dear Tenants, 

The beginning of the school year is an exciting time, and a great chance to start off on the right foot with your neighbors. In collaboration with CU Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations (OCHNR), I want to share some reminders to be a good neighbor:

1. Connect with your neighbors - Don’t forget that Boulder neighborhoods are made up of not just students, but also faculty and staff that work at the university as well as other professionals, families and retirees. Your neighbors may have a very different schedule than yours. Here are some things you can do to be a good neighbor:

• Introduce yourself either in person or in writing.
• Share your contact information so your neighbors can easily contact you if they have concerns. Off-Campus Housing and Neighborhood Relations has a free printable contact card template as part of their move-in resources.
• If you plan to host a party, make sure you and your roommates agree about who will be invited, how you will monitor noise levels and what you will do if too many people show up.
• Let your neighbors know ahead of time if you plan to have a party that could cause noise or other disruptions.
• Be considerate of your noise levels, especially in the evening and late at night and if you are gathering outside.

1. Register your party - If you are hosting a gathering, you can register your party with OCHNR. This will give you a 20-minute warning with which to shut down your party before police are dispatched to your home if a noise complaint is made. 

Remember, even if you do register your party, you are still responsible for obeying city laws, and it is still possible to receive a nuisance party ticket. If the police show up at your house or contact you to give you a warning, do not ignore them. Be respectful and let them know you registered your party and will shut it down. If you ignore your warning, whether by phone or in person, you are likely to get a ticket. 

How to register your party:

• Please email Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations to set up an appointment to complete your first party registration in our office.
• You will need to bring your Buff OneCard (or your student ID number) and provide your address, contact number and the contact number for a backup host. 
• After you register your first party, you will be able to register subsequent parties online.

1. Be aware of Boulder ordinances - remember, violations of the law are also enforced under the CU Student Code of Conduct and can result in sanctions such as fines, probation or educational courses.
   
   1. Noise: There are many noise-related ordinances in the City of Boulder that, if violated, can result in expensive tickets. Keep your neighbors in mind if you plan to have guests or music playing outside and closely monitor noise levels after 11 p.m. to avoid an “Unreasonable Noise” ticket. If your house receives a formal warning for a noise violation, make sure to inform all of your roommates. 
   2. Alcohol: It is illegal to possess or consume alcohol under the age of 21. It is illegal to provide alcohol to someone under the age of 21. Serving underage individuals could result in a fine of up to $1,000 or even jail time. It is also illegal to have kegs on the front porch or in the yard - they must be kept inside. 
   3. Fireworks: The use and possession of fireworks in Boulder are always illegal. This includes sparklers, snaps, snakes, bottle rockets, roman candles and smoke bombs. Fireworks not only pose a significant fire risk, but they also can cause significant noise disruption to residential areas. You can also be held responsible for fireworks used by your roommates and guests.
   4. Littering and trash: Keep your neighborhood clean and reduce your impact on the environment and local wildlife by picking up your trash. Make sure your guests dispose of trash properly and clean up immediately after any gatherings to avoid trash-related citations or visits from bears. 
   5. Outdoor furniture restriction: In the University Hill area, it is prohibited to keep any upholstered indoor furniture, including chairs, couches and mattresses, from being kept or stored outside on any porch, front or side yard, or any back yard not on an alley.
   6. Lock windows and doors: Don’t leave yourself open to a crime of opportunity. Make sure you close and lock all windows and doors, and don’t leave valuables out and visible from outside.

Dear Tenants, 

Halloween is a fun time of year, but can also have the potential for noise or nuisance party tickets if you decide to host a party. In collaboration with CU Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations (OCHNR), I want to share some reminders to have a safe weekend: 

1. Register your party - If you are hosting a gathering, you can register your party with OCHNR. This will give you a 20-minute warning with which to shut down your party before police are dispatched to your home if a noise complaint is made. 

Remember, even if you do register your party, you are still responsible for obeying city laws, and it is still possible to receive a nuisance party ticket. If the police show up at your house or contact you to give you a warning, do not ignore them. Be respectful and let them know you registered your party and will shut it down. If you ignore your warning, whether by phone or in person, you are likely to get a ticket. 

How to register your party:

• Please email Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations to set up an appointment to complete your first party registration in our office.
• You will need to bring your Buff OneCard (or your student ID number) and provide your address, contact number and the contact number for a backup host. 
• After you register your first party, you will be able to register subsequent parties online.

1. Be aware of Boulder ordinances - remember, violations of the law are also enforced under the CU Student Code of Conduct and can result in sanctions such as fines, probation or educational courses.

• Noise: There are many noise-related ordinances in the City of Boulder that, if violated, can result in expensive tickets. Keep your neighbors in mind if you plan to have guests or music playing outside and closely monitor noise levels after 11 p.m. to avoid an “Unreasonable Noise” ticket. If your house receives a formal warning for a noise violation, make sure to inform all of your roommates. 
• Alcohol: It is illegal to possess or consume alcohol under the age of 21. It is illegal to provide alcohol to someone under the age of 21. Serving underage individuals could result in a fine of up to $1,000 or even jail time. It is also illegal to have kegs on the front porch or in the yard - they must be kept inside. 
• Fireworks: The use and possession of fireworks in Boulder are always illegal. This includes sparklers, snaps, snakes, bottle rockets, roman candles and smoke bombs. Fireworks not only pose a significant fire risk, but they also can cause significant noise disruption to residential areas. You can also be held responsible for fireworks used by your roommates and guests.
• Littering and trash: Keep your neighborhood clean and reduce your impact on the environment and local wildlife by picking up your trash. Make sure your guests dispose of trash properly and clean up immediately after any gatherings to avoid trash-related citations or visits from bears. 
• Lock windows and doors: Don’t leave yourself open to a crime of opportunity. Make sure you close and lock all windows and doors, and don’t leave valuables out and visible from outside.

Be Safe - I hope that you will have a safe and fun Halloween. For more tips on staying healthy and safe this weekend, check out this CUBT article.

Dear Tenants, 

St. Patrick’s Day is a fun time of year, but can also have the potential for noise or nuisance party tickets if you decide to host a party. In collaboration with CU Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations (OCHNR), I want to share some reminders to have a safe weekend: 

Register your party

If you are hosting a gathering, you can register your party with OCHNR. This will give you a 20-minute warning with which to shut down your party before police are dispatched to your home if a noise complaint is made. Remember, even if you do register your party, you are still responsible for obeying city laws, and it is still possible to receive a nuisance party ticket. If the police show up at your house or contact you to give you a warning, do not ignore them. Be respectful and let them know you registered your party and will shut it down. If you ignore your warning, whether by phone or in person, you are likely to get a ticket. 

How to register your party:

• To be eligible to register, CU students must attend an in-person party registration orientation during business hours (M-F 9:00-5:00) with OCHNR in UMC 313. Bring your Buff OneCard or your student ID number, address, contact number and the contact number for a backup host. 
• A passcode will be provided to register as a student. Students that register a party without receiving the orientation, or who do not register as a student, may have their party registration voided. 
• Greek organizations must make an appointment with OCHNR at och@colorado.edu for a Greek specific orientation with their exec board.

Be aware of Boulder ordinances

Remember, violations of the law are also enforced under the CU Student Code of Conduct and can result in sanctions such as fines, probation or educational courses. Here are some ordinances you should be aware of:

• Noise: In the city of Boulder, you may be ticketed for unreasonable noise at any time of day. Unreasonable noise is defined as amplified sounds that can be heard from more than 100 feet away between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. and more than 200 feet away between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Amplified sounds include music played on speakers, instruments played with amplifiers or speaking with a microphone or megaphone. Remember that each person that is listed on a lease can receive a citation, regardless of whether or not you are present when the violation takes place.  
• Alcohol: It is illegal to possess or consume alcohol under the age of 21. It is illegal to provide alcohol to someone under the age of 21. Serving underage individuals could result in a fine of up to $1,000 or even jail time. It is also illegal to have kegs on the front porch or in the yard - they must be kept inside. 
• Fireworks: The use and possession of fireworks in Boulder are always illegal. This includes sparklers, snaps, snakes, bottle rockets, roman candles and smoke bombs. Fireworks not only pose a significant fire risk, but they also can cause significant noise disruption to residential areas. You can also be held responsible for fireworks used by your roommates and guests.
• Littering and trash: Keep your neighborhood clean and reduce your impact on the environment and local wildlife by picking up your trash. Make sure your guests dispose of trash properly and clean up immediately after any gatherings to avoid trash-related citations or visits from bears. 
• Lock windows and doors: Don’t leave yourself open to a crime of opportunity. Make sure you close and lock all windows and doors, and don’t leave valuables out and visible from outside.

Find information on other Boulder ordinances here.

Invite people you know

Remember that you are responsible for what happens at your residence. As a host, you can be found responsible for guests and their actions, including actions that would warrant a nuisance ticket. 

Be safe

I hope that you will have a safe and fun St. Patrick’s Day. For more tips on staying healthy and safe this weekend, read these 6 ways to stay safe over St. Patrick's Day weekend.