Problem with neighbours

LEJC

m0bov wrote: »

Its possible the tenants are not looking after the property or making modifications. The LL might want to know about this.

then potentially this type of issue would be picked up by the letting agent who probably also carries out regular inspections of the property on behalf of the LL.
If this type of inspection takes place it is then up to the LL to decide a course of action if they feel appropriate.

the tenants I understand from the OP original post have only recently moved into the property....a little too soon to be making the assumption that the property is not being looked after.

Going in so soon after they have moved in and contacting the LL to discuss might not be the most appropriate form of action for the OP to take.

If a fellow leaseholder came to me and said that my tenants were causing a noise I would happily have a word with them,however as I've said before noise is subjective and it's very difficult to "ban" a tenant from doing something...easier to ask them to be considerate to those living around them.
If for example the noise was happening for 3 hours a day whilst the OP was out of their flat and never knew about it it's suddenly not a problem....the problem is only happening because the OP is there with their family at a time they would prefer not to hear the noise.

That's why I still believe that actually introducing yourself to the tenant and having a word is initially the best thing to do...

I am sure that the OP may even suggest that they make no noise but again,thats subjective a child running the length of the living room from above can sometimes sound rather loud.....a relative of mine once lived below a person who had a pet rabbit...blimey they can make a noise thumping round at odd times of the day....its what noise you get used to and how you initially i believe passively deal with it is how you move forward in this type of situation.

Guest101

m0bov wrote: »

Its possible the tenants are not looking after the property or making modifications. The LL might want to know about this.

Why? it's the tenants property for the next 6 months.

LEJC

Whilst I would never suggest fighting fire with fire...I do think the OP holds quite a trump card in being in possession of a 2 year old child....

...apartment blocks have lovely long corridors usually which would make wonderful echo sounds if the said 2year old was to go for a run outside the door of the upstairs neighbour...add in a few giggles and a bit of laughing and the neighbour is sure to poke their head out of the door to see whats going on...
at which point the OP can be full of apology and suggest they wont do it again,but it's also a point to turn the conversation to "the noise we hear late at night".....!!!!

just a thought

CheckDigit

Thanks all.
At times the stomping sounds like regular walking. In fact I am starting to think that a lot of the noise is just that. This is surprising as I have lived in the flat for many years and have seldom heard anything from the floor above let alone people walking (the last person who lived upstairs was large). I think that perhaps they may have re-floored the flat without doing it adequately. I sent an email to the management group and they have sent an email to the letting agent regarding "whether or not an acoustic underlay was laid". The more i think about it, the more I feel that they may have done a hack job before the tenants moved in. Anyway, I will await a response and see what they say.

CheckDigit

The management company came back to me yesterday (after a week!) and stated that "I’ve been advised that the flat is carpeted throughout, apart from lino in the kitchen and bathroom." I don't believe that this is necessarily adequate as my lease states that:
"At all time to maintain adequate close carpeting with underfelt or underway throughout the Property or take such other steps in relation to the composition or covering of the floors of the Property as the Lessor may reasonably deem adequate having regard to the peace and quiet of the occupants of the flats in the Estate or in accordance with any relevant Building Regulations."

As such, I have asked the management company to provide more details regarding the carpet to make sure it has proper underlay. The thing is however, what if the landlord lies and claims that it does have proper underlay even if it does not? Is there any way that I can get somebody to do an inspection? I read another point in my lease which seems to indicate that they can:
"Permit the Lessor and the Company and their respective Surveyors and Agentswith or without workmen at all reasonable timesupon reasonable notice during the said term to enter upon and examine the condition of the Property and thereupon the Lessor of the Company may serve upon the Lessee notice in writing specifying any repairs necessary to be done and for which the Lessee is directly responsible under his covenants hereinbefore contained...."

Based on the above can I ask the management company to make an inspection?

Thanks

LEJC

I believe that potentially you can ask the management company to appoint someone to inspect the flat above following on from your complaint/comments to them.

However before you do this I would suggest that you check very carefully that there isn't a charge for a professional to be bought in to inspect.
It would not be unreasonable that the management company pass this cost to you as it is at your request that you are challenging....and also dont assume that the cost will be minimal.
I wouldn't want to put a figure on the potential costs but you will probably be quoted daily professional rates which could be 3 figures as a starting point.

I do not believe that it is for the management company to use accrued funds from all residents to pay for something that you are specifically asking them to undertake in order to resolve a dispute between yourselves and one fellow leaseholder.

hazyjo

CheckDigit wrote: »

When I knock on the door they do not open. I was wondering if you could give me some advice about the best course of action on the assumption that the neighbours continue being inconsiderate.

m0bov wrote: »

Face to face (why do they not open the door? Would make me suspicious.)

I presume you're giving them at least 30 mins so knocking on their door between 9.30-11.00pm? Not sure I'd answer my door either! And judging from local FB groups, etc, many local residents wouldn't be answering their doors after around 9pm. Most people you know would ring, text, or arrange to see you. Anyone just knocking is likely to be a stranger.

I live in a decent area, but it's still London and we get some dodgy people knocking for money for themselves, fake collections, or various scams where they try to gain entrance. Appreciate it's a block of flats, but that's no guarantee someone hasn't got in - and even neighbours are strangers when you're new, and who's to say there's not some nutter in a flat in your block...

Plus they may be unsuitably dressed - I panic when someone knocks more out of worry that I look a 'mare and haven't got a bra on :rotfl:

I would have knocked when everyone's calm on a weekend during the day, or rung the intercom (if there is one) for their flat from outside to say you live below and don't need letting in but was hoping to pop up to see them in an hour or whatever.

Oh, and also, they may be newlyweds hanging off chandeliers or jumping off wardrobes or trying out their book on the Kama Sutra (making lots of noise) when you knocked!

Jx

CheckDigit

I believe that potentially you can ask the management company to appoint someone to inspect the flat above following on from your complaint/comments to them.

However before you do this I would suggest that you check very carefully that there isn't a charge for a professional to be bought in to inspect.
It would not be unreasonable that the management company pass this cost to you as it is at your request that you are challenging....and also dont assume that the cost will be minimal.
I wouldn't want to put a figure on the potential costs but you will probably be quoted daily professional rates which could be 3 figures as a starting point.

I do not believe that it is for the management company to use accrued funds from all residents to pay for something that you are specifically asking them to undertake in order to resolve a dispute between yourselves and one fellow leaseholder.

Thanks - that will probably be my net step if they insist that the flooring has proper underlay etc... I am willing to pay if need be!

always_sunny

CheckDigit wrote: »

Also, just for clarity, I have purchased the flat whereas the new neighbours are renters.

In respect to this issue, who cares if you "have purchased the flat whereas the new neighbours are renters"? Do you have a special status in the building?

I am starting to believe you think you have some special privilege over them.
What does your council website says about noise? Are they in breach of those council regulation?

LEJC

CheckDigit wrote: »

Thanks - that will probably be my net step if they insist that the flooring has proper underlay etc... I am willing to pay if need be!

If that is the way that you genuinely feel then perhaps you should actually contact the leaseholder above you and offer to pay for the adequate sound proofing.....believe me it could end up being cheaper than involving the management company,quicker and you may end up on more harmonious terms with your neighbour than taking the more formal route of quoting sections of the lease to all.