Problem Neighbours

I'm usually able to handle issues, such as with neighbours. However, I can't seem to bring myself to face them about a problem. Probably because of other problems I've experienced recently.

They're a young couple who have no concept of living in a flat. Every footstep is heavy, things are constantly dropped on the floor and the television is very loud. The latter because he's deaf and takes out hearing aid when he's home. They've just had first child and I expected things to quieten down. Wrong!

Have spoken to them before about the noise, not long after they moved in. For several nights, on and off, the television has been so loud that I've had to put mine on full volume. That's now affecting my hearing. This goes on until late in the evening. If I knocked on the door they wouldn't hear me anyway, lol!

Made up mind to write a note to them, when I've calmed down.... Rant over!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by poshgirl I'm usually able to handle issues, such as with neighbours. However, I can't seem to bring myself to face them about a problem. Probably because of other problems I've experienced recently. They're a young couple who have no concept of living in a flat. Every footstep is heavy, things are constantly dropped on the floor and the television is very loud. The latter because he's deaf and takes out hearing aid when he's home. They've just had first child and I expected things to quieten down. Wrong! Have spoken to them before about the noise, not long after they moved in. For several nights, on and off, the television has been so loud that I've had to put mine on full volume. That's now affecting my hearing. This goes on until late in the evening. If I knocked on the door they wouldn't hear me anyway, lol! Made up mind to write a note to them, when I've calmed down.... Rant over!!!

Since you used the word ‘flat’ can I assume you are in the UK? If so what are the ways that noise issues and neighbor issues are usually addressed? Here in the US if there is an issue with the neighbors that a nice quick chat can’t solve you turn it over to the landlord to handle however the landlord isn’t required to handle it. Technically here if there is a noise violation because it’s during quiet hours you have to call the police.

FYI, I bought a noise machine on Amazon recently and it is amazing. It drowns out most noise. Might try that. I would insist that your landlord handle it. But until that time, see about the noise machine.

Definitely go to your landlord. Every rental lease explains the noise policy for each unit in an apartment building that is supposed to be enforced by the landlord. You could also resort to calling the police on your neighbors, then let your landlord know that you did and provide them with the police report of your noise complaint. You're not living there to win friends or make enemies. But if you've already voiced your concern over their noise to the young couple living above you, and they've chosen to blatantly ignore your request, then they have to deal with the consequences of their actions.

Thanks for your advice.

To clarify, it's actually a maisonette I live in. Similar to a flat/apartment but with own front door direct from road, rather than accessing through a communal entrance. I own my property, the people above are tenants. I also know their landlord, as she's my late neighbour's daughter-in-law. Sorry, forgot to provide explanation.

I've decided to have a word with them tomorrow. This can't go on. Don't want to involve police , they've got more important things to do over here. If unsuccessful, then I'll talk to their landlord, as we always got on well.

Thanks for allowing me to vent my feelings!!

It happens the same to me. I don’t want problems with anybody and I always think people don’t do things on purpose, I mean...to bother others.
I guess there are meetings to treat all these issues among neighbours.
If something is bothering you up to a point you can’t cope, tell it in these meetings, without any fear. As long as you say it with respect and taking into account that others’ faults aren’t on purpose, because most of the time, they aren’t on purpose to bother the others in the community, you have all the right to bring them out.

A better idea is to talk to them directly but I know it’s a touchy matter. Not everybody accept their mistakes.

If you have a smart phone, download an app such as "smart meter" to record decibel levels. Do a screen grab of levels if necessary for proof. There are many apps that do this. Once you have decibel readings, you can look online for examples of what it compares to.

For example, a jet has a decibel level of 140. Sound levels above 85 are harmful.
You will at least be well informed if you have to approach their landlord.

You could also record their noise, and then play it back to the landlord at the equivilant decibel level so they hear exactly what you are putting up with. You would however need an app that shows the decibel level as the recording is in playback mode.

And that would be the decibel level you are hearing, it would be even louder in their home.

Again, thanks for all the advice given.

It eased for a while then last evening, finally decided I'd had enough. As expected, when I knocked on the door (bell doesn't work, lol!), they didn't hear me. Compiled a note, starting with the fact that I'd knocked the door. Was polite but firm with my comments and asked for their consideration, so that I did not have to resort banging on my ceiling with a large broomstick. Missed out point about hearing them taking a pee; saving that for another time!

About two hours later, the noise died down so they'd probably then read the note. All was fine until about 10.15pm when the tv was turned up again. Not sure whether I fell asleep shortly after or it was turned down.

Have I received an apology, no! Cynic in me says this won't be the final time.....

This is terrible. I don’t understand how people can have such bad manners but it’s not uncommon. I hope you can resolve the issue soon.