Noise Nuisance/Flooring issues complain

princeofpounds

Thanks for the update and well done for addressing it. It does not surprise me at all that the council are so slow at addressing this.

Write back and say that you recently moved into the property. You have spoken directly to the neighbour below and have been informed that the complaint was made whilst the previous resident was in situ, and that the situation was considerably improved since. Tell them that you will consider ways to further minimise noise disturbance to the flat below, such as using rugs as they suggested (and then maybe buy one or two for sensitive areas). Don't talk about what you have or have not done with the flooring; you don't want to get into a debate about that if you can avoid it.

Then let it go, aside from checking in with the neighbour from time to time. 

magicmcone

Thanks for you replies everyone. Have contacted the council this morning and waiting for a call back from them.
Will update with their response in case it’s useful for somebody else.

[Deleted User]

magicmcone said:

So, I went down to speak with the neighbour and came back home even more confused!
She told me that she had had issues with the previous occupants and it was definitely much better with us, that she had reported over two months ago (I assume when renovations were taking place) but had not done so since.
Also tells me that she just wanted us to be mindful as in an old block like this one isolation was very poor so everything could be heard and that she was having the same issue with the neighbour down to her.
Also that it was really everyday noise, like talking, hoovering (I can also hear every neighbour around me doing so), or the piano (which is not in my flat but the flat next door) and “not to stress about it”, that she never thought that it would get that far! 😳
Really puzzled now, as she was very nice, but don’t feel comfortable taking the “not to stress about it” from someone who has previously reported me formally...

So it sounds to me that she got a bit exasperated by the noise you made when you were renovating, shortly after moving in, perhaps not realising that these were short term 'renovation' noises and subsequently complained. But now the renovations are complete and things are better, she is less bothered. Just poor communication from her side having not spoke to you about it and going straight to the council. 

I'd let the council know that you have spoken to her and she has confirmed she is happy with the improved soundproofing already done.