Are Leopalace's walls really thin? Check out the reviews and reputation
The search results are largely influenced by the experiences and reputations of people who actually live there. In particular, on Yahoo! Answers and social media, there are many reviews saying things like "You can hear everything your neighbors say" and "The TV and voices echo."
However, not all properties are the same, and soundproofing performance varies depending on the architectural structure and age of the building. When choosing a property, it is important to take these opinions into consideration and do your research in advance and check the property when you view it. Soundproofing is an important factor that determines how comfortable a property is to live in.
Comments on Chiebukuro and SNS
The most commonly used sources for information gathering are Yahoo! Answers and social networking sites such as X (formerly Twitter). Many of these posts include comments such as "I can clearly hear the conversation next to me" and "I can even hear footsteps and alarm sounds."
There are also complaints from residents about people knocking on the walls and noise late at night, which shows that poor soundproofing is widely recognized. This seems to be particularly prevalent in older buildings made of wood or lightweight steel. These real complaints are valuable reference material when assessing soundproofing performance before moving in.
Experiences with sound leakage
People who have actually lived in Leopalace have reported hearing things like "phone calls from next door," "sneezes," and even the sound of a hair dryer.
Many people say that even small sounds of daily life bother them, especially during quiet times such as at night or early in the morning. Some also say they feel stressed because they are aware that their own sounds are leaking out. Some people have dealt with the problem by using soundproofing items or moved to properties where it is harder to hear noise, which shows that soundproofing performance is directly linked to a comfortable life.
What sounds do you hear in your daily life?
Sounds that can often be heard in Leopalace include neighbors' conversations, alarm clocks, smartphone vibrations, vacuum cleaners and washing machines, and even the sounds of televisions and games. In some cases, residents have even heard the opening and closing of refrigerators.
Since these sounds occur every day in our daily lives, properties with poor soundproofing can be a major stressor for people who are sensitive to noise.
Before moving in, it is important to check the structure and actually view the property to see how you can hear the surrounding sounds.
Soundproofing varies depending on the structure and age of the building.
The reason why Leopalace buildings are said to have thin walls depends largely on the structure and age of the building.
Wooden and lightweight steel-framed buildings have poor sound insulation and tend to transmit sounds from adjacent rooms. On the other hand, properties with sturdy structures such as reinforced concrete (RC) may be able to reduce the impact of everyday noise. Also, properties built after 2012 have seen improvements in soundproofing due to revisions to building standards and improvements in construction. If you want a comfortable living environment, be sure to check the structure and age of the building.
We will explain in detail here.
Differences between wood, steel and reinforced concrete construction
Leopalace properties are mainly classified into three types: "wooden construction," "light steel frame construction," and "reinforced concrete construction (RC)."
- Wooden construction: While it is cost-effective, it has the least soundproofing and the sounds of conversations and the television can easily be heard.
- Light steel frame construction: Although it has slightly better sound insulation than wooden construction, sound leakage can still be an issue if the walls are thin.
- RC construction: Made of concrete, it has excellent soundproofing properties and you will be less bothered by noise from your neighbors.
If you are concerned about noise, it is a good idea to prioritize reinforced concrete structures.
Have properties improved since 2012?
Leopalace is said to have been improving soundproofing in properties built after 2012. Since that year, in response to revisions to the Building Standards Act and past construction deficiencies, soundproofing materials have been introduced and wall structures have been revised.
In fact, there are reviews saying that "the noise was not an issue in the new Leopalace properties." When choosing a property, it is important to check the age of the property, and it is effective to consider properties that are listed after 2012 if possible.
What is the problem of defective parting wall construction?
The reason why Leopalace's "thin walls" issue has attracted social attention is due to a serious construction problem: improper construction of the parting walls.
Partition walls are walls that separate adjacent rooms for fire and soundproofing, but it was discovered in the past that many properties had not been constructed according to the blueprints. In 2019, the government pointed this out as a violation of the Building Standards Act, and large-scale investigations and repairs were carried out. There is still a possibility that some properties have not been repaired, so it is best to check with the management company when viewing the property to be safe.
Who is suitable for Leopalace because of its thin walls?
The thin walls of Leopalace are a concern for many users, but that doesn't mean it's unsuitable for everyone. Depending on your lifestyle and purpose of stay, you may be perfectly satisfied with the apartment.
For example, the convenience of Leopalace is a big attraction for those who are looking for temporary housing for transfers or training, or who want furniture and appliances included to keep initial costs down. On the other hand, it may not be suitable for people who are sensitive to noise or who lead irregular lifestyles.
It is important to carefully consider your lifestyle and the characteristics of the property. In this chapter, we will explain who is suitable and who is not.
Is it suitable for short-term stays or company housing?
Leopalace is a highly convenient property for short-term housing. It comes fully furnished and equipped with appliances, and many properties do not require a deposit, key money, or brokerage fee, making it ideal for "temporary use" such as for work transfers, business trips, or training.
Many companies use them as company housing, and the ease of procedures and well-established management system are popular. For stays of a few months to a year, many people prioritize cost-effectiveness, location, and ease of immediate move-in over soundproofing, so in some cases "thin walls" are not such an issue.
People who are sensitive to noise or who work the night shift should be careful.
Depending on the building structure, Leopalace properties may allow you to clearly hear your neighbors' conversations, television sounds, and other everyday sounds. For people who are sensitive to noise, this can be a source of stress and can significantly impair their quality of life.
In particular, people who work the night shift and sleep during the day often report being unable to sleep because they are bothered by the sounds of their neighbors' activities. For those who value a quiet environment or who have an irregular lifestyle, a property with highly soundproof reinforced concrete construction would be a safer choice.
Is it okay for a woman to live alone?
If a woman is considering living alone at Leopalace, in addition to soundproofing, security and privacy are also important points to consider.
Some Leopalace properties come with auto-locks and security cameras, so relatively new buildings offer a certain level of security. However, the walls are thin and conversations and sounds of daily life can easily leak out, meaning that your privacy may be easily heard by those around you.
In order for a woman living alone to live comfortably, it is important to thoroughly check the soundproofing, security, and management system when viewing the property.
What if sound leakage is an issue? Soundproofing measures you can take while living in the property
Even if you are worried about sound leakage due to the thin walls of Leopalace, there are many soundproofing measures you can take while living there. With a little ingenuity, you can reduce the transmission of everyday sounds, which also helps relieve stress. Soundproofing measures around floors, walls, and windows are particularly effective. You can also minimize the sounds you make by using headphones and managing the volume thoroughly. In addition, if the noise is serious, you can also consult Leopalace's customer service center.
Here we will tell you about some soundproofing measures you can take while living in your home.
Use of sound-absorbing mats and carpets
To prevent sound leakage from the floor, it is effective to use a soundproof mat or thick carpet. Especially when furniture is placed directly on the floor, walking sounds and vibrations can easily be transmitted to the floor below or the next room.
By laying rugs or joint mats with excellent vibration-proofing properties, you can absorb the reverberation of sounds and be considerate of your surroundings. They also add a warm look and help create a comfortable living environment.
Earphone and speaker innovations
When enjoying music or videos, the basics of noise control is to use earphones or headphones instead of speakers. It is especially important to be considerate of neighbors when using them late at night or early in the morning. Also, when using a television or smart speaker, it is important to place it away from the wall and set the volume low. Choosing the right device for your purpose, such as Bluetooth earphones or bone conduction types, will help you live a comfortable, soundproof life.
Preventing gaps in doors and windows
Sound can easily leak through gaps in doors and windows, so using "gap tape" or "soundproof curtains" is an effective way to improve sound insulation. Gaps under front doors and in sashes are particularly easy to overlook, but as sound often enters and leaves through these gaps, simply applying soundproofing material can make a big difference.
Additionally, using thick curtains can help block out outside noise while also reducing sound leakage into your room.
Consider contacting the customer service center.
If soundproofing measures have not improved the situation, or if your neighbors are making a lot of noise, it is effective to consult Leopalace's customer service center. By recording and reporting the specific circumstances, time, and content of the noise, the management may consider taking measures such as investigating or issuing a warning.
By not trying to handle the issue on your own and making use of the appropriate resources, you can achieve a better living environment.
Tips for choosing a room to avoid noise problems
To avoid the "thin wall problem" in rental properties such as Leopalace, it is very important to choose a room before signing a contract. If you are particularly sensitive to noise, you need to check the structure, layout, surrounding environment, and other points to note when viewing the property. There are big differences in soundproofing depending on the property, so it is dangerous to make a judgment based on superficial information alone.
Here are some points to check in order to prevent noise problems from occurring.
What to check when viewing the property
When viewing a property, checking soundproofing should be your top priority. We recommend lightly knocking on the walls to check the reverberation and opening the windows to check the surrounding noise level. Also, make sure you can hear no living noises from the next room or upstairs. Listen carefully to the sounds of plumbing and doors opening and closing.
Ideally, you should view the property multiple times, on weekdays and weekends, and at different times of the day. Checking the property based on the actual living environment will help prevent noise problems.
Distance between adjacent rooms and floors above and below
Noise can occur not only in neighboring rooms, but also in relationships with the floors above and below. Corner rooms and rooms on the top floor tend to be less affected by noise because there are fewer neighboring units. You should also pay attention to the layout of the floor plan. If your bedroom is adjacent to the living room or kitchen of the next room, daily life sounds may easily be transmitted.
In properties where the ceilings and flooring on the floors above and below are thin, footsteps and vibration sounds can be a major source of stress, so it is essential to check the distance and structure.
Ask if there have been any past incidents of problems
In order to prevent noise problems, it is effective to check with the real estate company or management company to see if there have been any complaints or complaints about noise in the past. Properties that have received frequent complaints may have structural problems.
In particular, in Leopalace properties, where construction defects in parting walls and ceilings have been an issue in the past, advance checks are essential. Also, in properties with a high turnover of tenants, caution is required as there are many cases of tenants moving out due to dissatisfaction with the environment.
Let's consider other options
While Leopalace is convenient to live in, many people have concerns about soundproofing and structure. In such cases, it is worth considering other options such as furnished rental properties, reinforced concrete buildings, shared houses, and monthly apartments. Housing is an important factor that determines the quality of life.
The key to choosing a property you won't regret is to calmly compare not only location and cost, but also whether the environment suits your lifestyle.
Comparison with other properties with furniture and appliances
Besides Leopalace, there are many other rental properties with furniture and appliances. Some real estate companies handle properties that are relatively new and have good soundproofing, so you have a wide range of options. Other points to compare include the grade of appliances, internet facilities, and contract terms.
Leopalace is excellent in that it keeps initial costs low, but properties from other companies may be superior in terms of comfort and noise control, so it is important to compare multiple companies before making your decision.
If soundproofing is important, consider reinforced concrete buildings
For those who are sensitive to noise or who want a quiet living environment, we recommend properties made of reinforced concrete (RC). RC structures have thick walls and floors, which make it difficult for noise from neighboring rooms or floors above and below to be transmitted, making them far more soundproof than wooden or steel-framed structures like Leopalace.
If you look around, you can also find properties that are furnished and made of reinforced concrete, making this a good option for those who prioritize comfort even if it means paying a little more in rent.
Consider a monthly apartment for a short stay
If you are planning a short stay of a few weeks to a few months, a monthly apartment is a good option. Many monthly apartments come with furniture and appliances, do not require a deposit or key money, and the contract is simple. They are also popular because they are cheaper than hotels and allow you to cook your own meals and do your own laundry.
You can also choose properties with excellent soundproofing, so if you're looking to live comfortably even for a short period of time, it's worth actively considering as an alternative to Leopalace.
summary
Leopalace offers the convenience of low initial costs and comes with furniture and appliances, but many people complain that the walls are thin and that sound leakage is a concern. To avoid noise problems, it is important to check the building structure, age, and whether or not soundproofing measures are in place.
It is suitable for short-term stays or company housing, but if you are sensitive to noise or prefer a quieter environment, you should also consider reinforced concrete structures, other furnished properties, or monthly apartments.
The key to finding a comfortable home is to gather information and check the property when viewing it.
