How To Soundproof a Window in a Rental? 6 Best Ways

Living in a rental can come with a host of challenges. One of the most common complaints tenants have and that I have personally experienced is excessive noise coming from outside.

So if you are dealing with the same problem and you want to enjoy a peaceful living space without breaking any of your rental agreement terms, soundproofing windows in your rental is an effective way to block out unwanted noise.

To help you do so, in today’s guide, we’ll provide six highly effective and actionable methods to soundproof windows in a rental so you can enjoy a quiet, comfortable space. 

Ready to reclaim your peace of mind? Let’s dive in…

Is it possible to soundproof a rental window without making permanent changes? 

If you’re tired of hearing every car honk, loud conversations, and the neighbor’s music, you might be thinking; is it really possible to soundproof a window in a rental without causing any permanent damage. The good news is, it is!

You don’t have to worry about violating your lease agreement or spending a ton on renovations. 

Here are a few non-permanent solutions to soundproofing a window in a rental:

• Sealing gaps around the window frame
• Use soundproof curtains
• Position heavy mass-loaded furniture near the window
• Attach soundproofing foam panels around the window
• Add thick sheet of Plexiglas
• Combine using a white noise machine and a noise-canceling headphone

6 Best Ways To Soundproof a Window in a Rental

1: Sealing gaps around the window frame

I am sure you have probably heard about sealing gaps a ton of times. It is a simple and cost-effective way to reduce energy loss and soundproof your window at the same time.

When it comes to minimizing noise in a window, sealing gaps around the window frame is super important particularly if you are reducing noise in old windows. As you already know, gaps allow noise to easily penetrate into your space, and make your space noisy.

And let me tell you that even when your closed, it will still let the noise penetrate throughs the gaps.

I recommend using weather-stripping to effectively seal gaps around your window frame. Weather-stripping is both easy to use and affordable.

To apply it, start by removing any existing weather-stripping or caulking to ensure that new weather-stripping works better.

Then, measure your window frame’s length and breadth and cut the weather-stripping material to size. Finally, apply it along the window frame, making sure it adheres firmly to the window frame and you are good to go!

Remember, the key to effective soundproofing is ensuring a tight seal. So take your time during the installation process, and make sure the weather-stripping is securely attached to the window frame.

2: Use soundproof curtains to soundproof a window in rental

If you’re looking for a non-permanent solution to soundproofing a window temporarily, using a soundproof curtain is an excellent choice. These curtains are made with a dense and heavy material that helps block out sound.

Soundproof curtains work by absorbing and dampening sound waves. The dense layers of fabric and the addition of an inner lining with soundproofing properties create a barrier that prevents noise from entering or leaving the room through the window, door or wherever it is hung.

When selecting soundproof curtains, choose ones with multiple layers of fabric. The more layers, the better the noise reduction. 

Go for curtains that are made with thick materials such as velvet or polyester, as they have higher noise reduction ratings. To install soundproof curtains, simply hang them over your existing curtain rod or attach them to a tension rod mounted inside the window frame.

This is one of the best tips for noise reduction of sliding windows in rental and other windows as well.

So go ahead, implement this technique. It works best for noise reduction for sash window in a rental and enjoy the benefits.

3: Position heavy mass-loaded furniture near the window

When you want to reduce noise in a rental window without making permanent changes, a clever solution is to position heavy furniture near the window.

The science behind this technique is simple. Sound waves travel through the air and get either absorbed or reflected by different surfaces.

By placing substantial furniture like bookcases or sofas near the window, you create a barrier that absorbs and muffles the sound waves before they enter your room. Keep in mind, the more mass the furniture has, the better it will work at absorbing noise.

When positioning furniture near the window, just make sure that the furniture does not obstruct natural light or restrict access to the window. Additionally, be mindful of the placement to avoid blocking airflow. 

In addition, the level of soundproofing achieved with this method may not be as effective as other techniques such as using soundproofing curtains. For optimal results, it’s recommended to combine this approach with additional soundproofing strategies.

4: Attach soundproofing foam panels around the window

If you’re looking for a cost-effective and temporary solution to soundproof single-pane window in a rental, attaching soundproofing foam panels might be the answer. These panels are designed to absorb and minimize sound waves, reducing noise transfer into your space.

To use this method, simply purchase foam panels or acoustic panels and install them around the window area, such as on the wall or ceiling. It’s a straightforward process that doesn’t require any permanent alterations and any special skill.

Soundproofing foam panels offer several advantages for tenants. They are affordable, easy to install, and can decrease noise transmission effectively. Plus, when it’s time to move out, you can easily remove them without leaving any damage behind.

However, let me tell you that, foam panels may not provide the same level of soundproofing as other techniques specially when it comes to noise reduction for a noisy window. They also have a limited lifespan and might need replacement over time.

Despite these limitations, attaching soundproofing foam panels around your rental window can still make a noticeable difference in reducing outside noise. It’s a quick and temporary solution worth trying to enjoy a quieter living space.

5: Add thick sheet of Plexiglas

If you’re still struggling with noise issues despite trying previous methods, here’s another solution: adding an extra layer of protection by using Plexiglass. 

To use this method, for noise blocking for jalousie window or any window in rental, follow these steps:

1. Measure your window and order a slightly larger piece of Plexiglas.
2. Remove any window treatments.
3. Clean the window and surrounding area.
4. Apply silicone caulk around the edges of the window frame.
5. Carefully place the Plexiglas over the opening, pressing it against the caulk.
6. Apply a second layer of silicone caulk around the edges of the Plexiglas.
7. Let the silicone dry as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Now, you’re done!

By adding a thick sheet of Plexiglas, you create an additional barrier against noise, especially from traffic or noisy neighbors. When you move out, you can remove the Plexiglas and silicone caulk without causing any damage.

Give this method a try to enjoy a quieter rental home. It’s a win-win solution that provides peace and tranquility.

6: Combine using a white noise machine and a noise-canceling headphone

Combining a white noise machine and a noise-canceling headphone can be used for reducing noise impact in a rental apartment. As you may ready know, a white noise machine emits a continuous and soothing sound that helps to mask background noises. 

Placing the machine near the window creates a constant sound that masks unwanted noise. Noise-canceling headphones, on the other hand, use microphones to detect and counteract incoming noise, allowing the user to enjoy their own audio or experience silence.

By combining both the white noise machine and noise-canceling headphones, you can effectively reduce the impact of noise coming through Velux window in rental.

This technique will be more useful if you live in a noisy area or have loud neighbors, as it creates a more peaceful environment for work or relaxation.

By the way, this combination can be highly effective, it is not a permanent solution and that is why it may be the best option that you may want to consider.

Recommended to read: Soundproofing hacks for existing windows

My Final Thought: Window soundproofing options for tenants

Now you know; How to Soundproof a Window in a Rental, you can finally enjoy some peace and quiet in your own space. By following the above methods, you can significantly reduce outside noise without spending a ton of money or causing any damage to the property.

While each mentioned methods has its own unique advantages, the most affordable way to soundproof a window in a rental is using weather-stripping and sealing gaps around the window frame. 

The most effective way is using soundproofing curtains or a thick sheet of Plexiglass. I hope you found this DIY Guide to Soundproofing Windows in a Rental useful and informative.

If you’ve tried any of these methods or have any additional tips to share, feel free to leave a comment below and let the world know.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. We will see you in the next one.

Happy Soundproofing!

Till than soundproof your bay window by reading this post: Soundproofing tricks for your bay window

And if you want to know how much does it cost to sound insulating a window then this read the link post.

Want to know whether double-pane windows are effective for soundproofing? Find out in this informative post: https://soundproofaddict.com/are-double-pane-windows-soundproof/