Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hi everyone. Brand new here!

I have a frustrating problem. I started a business last October. I had some extra room adjacent to my other business that was not being used for anything. We did some renovations (with the landlords permission) and created a fitness/dance studio. We planned on taking advantage of a new craze called Zumba. Everything was running smoothly except that we were recieving complaints from a downstairs neighbor (this was just before and during the renovations) about our 6pm classes. She was complaining that it was too loud. We had never anticipated this problem as the offices close downstairs at 5:00.

We went downstairs to see how bad it was and could barely hear anything but a muffled beat. I'll shorten it up here. Her boss (big Company) threatened to sue our landlord, landlord begged us (got on his knees!!) to stop 6pm classes. we said no he begged some more and then offered to reduce our rent. Against my wishes my two other partners promised him (in writing) not to have classes before 7:30pm.

Flash forward; We are now at complete capacity in our classes ,have long waiting lists and I can't even promote my business because I can't add more classes. I wrote the Landlord that this was the case and that we could not anticipate what would happen and that the agreement was signed under duress. His lawyer wrote back basically saying too bad.

This is what kills me. I have ONE woman downstairs who CHOOSES to work when the office is closed that is preventing me from expanding and profitting from my business. Our first business is a women's fitness facility that plays music. That is what is stated in our lease and our lease covers both areas. Our lease states that we have evening hours.

So any advice out there? I don't want to move we have parking and are close to the "T"

Thanks for any help! 

Since the issue is sound transmission, you could consult with an architect to determine if you can add soundproofing under your floor or in the ceiling area of the offices below yours to eliminate the sound transmission. There are some products available that may be able to make it so that the offices downstairs can't hear anything, but it is somewhat dependent on the construction of the building itself.

Once you know that it is possible, and the likely cost, you can evaluate if you would be better to stay at your current class level, pay for the upgrades in exchange for being allowed to do earlier classes, or move to a new location.

Best regards,

Molly Donaldson

Molly,

Thanks for your response! We are crawling out of a very deep financial hole so we can't really afford sound proofing. what I was wondering is if our lease states specifically what our hours are wouldn't their lease do the same? If their lease states their facility as open between 9-5 then don't they just have to deal with?

Thanks,

Cristina

Is the noise coming through the floor or the doorways and hallways to the down stairs area.  If it’s coming through the doorways and resonating through the halls, there are some inexpensive sound proofing steps you can take around your doors.  I used to work in the door gasketing business and might be able to help.  You can contact me at

culshaw@spcfreelance.com

Sound proofing isnt too expensive. Try looking around as increasing your business is important and if sound is coming in the way, then you need to look into all possible options.