Anything I can do? Upstairs LL installed new washer now my whole lounge shakes

Bossypants

I don't suppose there is much but I thought I would ask: The owner of the property upstairs recently rearranged the property to put in a kitchen-diner in the lounge (directly above mine). He put a washing machine in, and it causes my entire lounge to vibrate. Apart from the irritation (not great really, they are a young couple in a one bed so unlikely to wash every day), I am really concerned for my lounge windows, which are the original sash single glazed. When what I assume is the spin cycle is on, they shake quite violently in their frames and I am afraid they will crack.

Question is, are there any rules about this sort of thing (e.g. proper insulation must be put down below units, anything like that)?

HappyMJ

Bossypants wrote: »

I don't suppose there is much but I thought I would ask: The owner of the property upstairs recently rearranged the property to put in a kitchen-diner in the lounge (directly above mine). He put a washing machine in, and it causes my entire lounge to vibrate. Apart from the irritation (not great really, they are a young couple in a one bed so unlikely to wash every day), I am really concerned for my lounge windows, which are the original sash single glazed. When what I assume is the spin cycle is on, they shake quite violently in their frames and I am afraid they will crack.

Question is, are there any rules about this sort of thing (e.g. proper insulation must be put down below units, anything like that)?

If they break through vibration the freeholder can arrange for their replacement through the buildings insurance.

No rules.

You can invite them over for tea and cake asking them to start a cycle before they come down which should show them what's going on. You can then ask they put the washing machine on coasters and ask they only use the machine during the day and not in the middle of the night.

Such as... https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silent-Feet-Anti-Vibration-Washing-Machines/dp/B001JBLFWQ

You could offer to go halves....that's up to you.

[Deleted User]

I would have a polite discussion with them, could even suggest a vibration mat. Keep a diary, see how often the noise occurs and at what times.

I guess its part of the fun of living in a flat. I doubt even a leaseholder would have any useful clauses for you to pursue if you own the flat.

A washing machine shouldn't really be making that kind of noise/vibrations.., maybe they have a brush problem in the machine.

Bossypants

Oh that's neat, I didn't realise there was such a thing, thanks HappyMJ! I will pick some up and ask them if they would be willing to fit it, they are friendly folk and I'm sure they will not mind.

D_M_E

Did they have or require permission from the freeholder to make the changes?

Or did they just make the changes without informing anyone?

Bossypants

D_M_E wrote: »

Did they have or require permission from the freeholder to make the changes?

Or did they just make the changes without informing anyone?

They had permission from the freeholder to fit gas and move a wall, so I assume they did.

Have just spoken to the LL and he is sorry and happy to fit the the anti-vibration stuff and reimburse me if I just order it. So that's something at least.

Thanks guys!

lewishardwick

It could be the washing machine overloaded? Mine tends to 'wander' if I'm not paying attention to the size of the load!

slowpoke_rodriguez

It could be that they've left the transport bolts in place. Even more likely if they're first time renters and are used to washing machines magically fitting themselves...

[Deleted User]

lol, I remember with my soon hated LG.., if it wasn't properly balanced (legs wound up and down until the washing machine was perfectly level).., it would travel across the kitchen floor. This was in spite of me sitting on the darn thing, bracing myself in front of it, holding on for grim death (cue funny minds eye pics lol). I really got to hate LG.

Again, I didn't know what I was doing with washing machines .., I soon learned. It was balanced properly once someone told me how to do it. No I didn't get the destructions.

chris_m

slowpoke_rodriguez wrote: »

It could be that they've left the transport bolts in place. Even more likely if they're first time renters and are used to washing machines magically fitting themselves...

Will a machine even run with the transport bolts still in place? Don't those physically lock the drum to stop it moving in any direction, including around?

lfc321

It's probably not levelled properly. Get them to check.