Living in a flat.

ovy_2

Sorry if this is the wrong forum...

Hey Guys/Gals, Just wondered if anyone had lived in a flat before and their experiences.

I've lived in my flat for just over a year, The Lady below me moved out a few months ago, and no i've got new neighbors.
Thing is, Last night I had some friends around, having a few drinks and chilling out, While having a smoke out the balcony bit, the chick below looked up and asked to turn the noise down as she was up at 4 in the morning for work, I felt really bad
As I live on the top floor (only 3 floors) I don't know what the noise is like for people below me, and tbh I didn't even think it was loud, it was about 12pm, with just light music in the background.
I wrote her a letter saying i'm sorry and I don't know the noise tolerance, and I appreciate that she has to be up early, as I also sometimes get up early to work, I chucked it under her door and that was that.

I can't wait to move now.

thistledome

I used to live in the bottom flat of a converted terraced house. The neighbours above me were a nice young couple, not particularly noisy. When they moved out the new owner put down laminate flooring and the noise was terrible.

When she moved out the new people were even worse. Slamming the front door at all hours, music, shouting and they also used my address instead of their own for utilities/court summons(!). The last straw was they flooded their kitchen, which in turn flooded my newly renovated kitchen and got the arseache when I told them what they'd done (they said they hadn't noticed the water - !!!!!!?!). I couldn't wait to move out.

Would never want to live in a flat again. I felt really oppressed by the amount of noise from the people upstairs.

I think 12pm during the week is quite late to be making noise and you probably don't find it loud, but she will if she's in bed already and trying to sleep. Why do you want to move? You've apologised and it doesn't sound like she was nasty or anything?

ovy_2

I always try to be quiet, I have laminate flooring, but I make sure i'm quiet walking around etc, especially at night.

Yeah I know 12pm is quite late, but I didn't think it was that loud, but i guess when your trying to sleep it could of been too loud.

I love my apartment, but i find that it's a bit of an ache to keep noise down or do things for other people when all you want to do is relax, I don't want the worries of waking people up or annoying other people.

She seems a lovely person, I've not spoken to her before, but I feel awful about it, and want her to understand.

morg_monster

I'm sure she'll understand! I think you have done the right thing but you are worrying too much about it :-)

We lived in a purpose built block of flats, we lived in the 2nd floor of 7. Our walls were pretty thick and we only really heard music noise in the summer when people had their windows open. All the flats' leases said that there was to be no noise after 11pm or before 8am which I think seems a reasonable time frame, although there are always going to be people working shifts, who might need special consideration by their close neighbours. We occasionally used to get notes through our door complaining about late night noise, but it was ridiculous as it was always times we'd been in bed by 10, or away for the weekend. But whoever it was, never put which flat they were in, so we didn't know who it was, or who HAD been making the noise.

I think you've done the right thing, in future to be safe I would always try and turn music off entirely by 11pm, if you do want to have people over later it might be OK at the weekend, but talk to the neighbours beforehand. I bet the new neighbour was just as worried about asking you to turn it down as you are about upsetting her! I'm sure she understands. Don't worry too much about the noise from you walking around or doing "normal" things. There's not much you can do about that unless you like to wear clogs in the house!

I know what you mean though about flats though, we're in a house now and I do like not having to worry about other people, I hate the thought that I'm ever inadvertantly upsetting someone or driving someone nuts but they are too scared to say anything. Although, our house is a semi, so still some potential for noise - our neighbour sometimes comes plays Elvis quite loud when he gets in from his shifts! Its always during the day though when we're not in - I only found out about it when I was off sick one day!

suisidevw

OP, chill out, you obviously quietened down when asked and even dropped an apology note round. If I were your neighbour I'd definitely appreciate that!

ankspon

I live in a ground floor flat,the couple above me have been reported numerous times,they have people round all the time and jump about,slam doors,shout and let there kid run riot.They are on a final warning from there landlord.

27col

It's like when you are doing DIY. The noise that you are making never sounds as loud to you as it does to other people. Everyone's idea of "not noisy" is quite different from that of everyone else. For one thing, if you are entertaining, it is likely that there will be background noise from talking etc, and the music might well be turned up to compensate. The other point is that if someone is trying to get some sleep prior to an early start,they can be very sensitive to noise, at least until they have got off to sleep. You seem to be a reasonable person so I hope it all works out allright.

melona

Hi, I wonder if anybody has any information as to whether or not there are laws related to lack of insulation between flats.
I live in a ground floor flat (converted Victorian house, split into 2 flats) and the owners have refurbished the upstairs flat as they are trying to sell it.
There is no insulation between the flats and I know that in some rooms they haven't put the carpet yet, but in other rooms they have now put tiles and restored the original floor boards, but the noise is now unbearable (it really sounds like there are elephants and as if these people are actually in my flat!).
Just this morning I was woken up by people walking upstairs (estate agent showing the property... and she was wearing high heels!) - it's just driving me insane.
Does anyone now if I have any rights and/or where I could get more information on this matter please?
I own my flat (mortgage) and we share the freehold.
Any help would be much appreciated :-)

thursday

I think you have done the right thing and should stop worrying.

The noise can be disturbing and is really unacceptable after 11pm till say 6am, but before you react ask yourself how would you feel if it was a complete silence.
I had a full month of neighbour free house last summer for myself, the rest of my family were away too, and it was rather eery.
I live in a flat with flat above and below me and lots of noise gets exchanged but we are all rather reasonable about it. For a short while last year there was a neurotic renting the flat below me who made fuss every time I walked across my place, even though I have carpets with underlay, and never do parties or loud music...thank god we are spared of this primadonna now.

So, what I am trying to say, we all have to put up with reasonable amount of noise, as hearing other humans around is comforting. And love thy neighbour, good and fair communication goes a long way...

Endofmytether

If all else fails and your neighbours are aware that they make a lot of noise but are simply inconsiderate I recommend the use of a vuvuzela/air horn. I have been fed up with the constant slamming of doors, wardrobes and kitchen cupboards, chairs scraped across floors plus foul mouthed loud swearing from the workshy tennants next door. They are middle aged but don't know how to behave. I'm working from home at the moment and also studying for a diploma and will take the exam in October. I've had a nightmare of a time. I decided to try the vuvuzela option as a last resort. I ONLY use it when they make a rackett and so far it appears to be working. It may sound ridiculous but if you are suffering it's worth a try.

ankspon

There is a legal limit on insulation,i don't think my flat has it though,noisy b######s