HMO, Flats Fire Doors & Laminate Floors Noises

NorbieG

I'm 77 years of age.  For 7 years, I've been in a noise problem situation coming from HMO house fire doors and laminate flooring.  It’s an ex-council property like mine.  The local council did nothing to fix the noise, although I believe it’s their responsibility as they permitted fire doors to be fitted in the HMO property.   However, the council did a biased-bogus, covered-up, flawed noise investigation.  They even tried to blame the noise on unsociable behaviour of the tenants; when in fact, it’s the fault of the poor construction of these ex-council's properties/buildings and the council is to blame.  These properties/buildings with very thin party walls, and no insulation; and the upper half of these houses' outer solid walls are made from Fly Ash and are classified as prefabricated.

I've already ended up in the hospital with heart palpitations, high blood pressure, and suffered a mild stroke, due to the trauma - stress, anxiety, depression, because of the noise and what the council have put me through. I also had suicidal thoughts until when my doctor spoke to me and told me a few home truths about the council.

Recently, I’ve been experiencing the same sort of fire doors [also permitted by the council] and laminate flooring noises coming from two flats [upper and lower] on the other side of me; also ex-council.  But, the council is not doing anything about the noises from the flats, either.

Another problem is that; because of the noise, I'm unable to sell my property to escape them, or even downsize.

TadleyBaggie

Duplicate thread:  https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6498355/hmo-flats-fire-doors-laminate-floors-noises#latest

anselld

If is not really a question of the Council permitting fire doors, it is likely to be a mandatory requirement for fire doors to be fitted in HMOs and in the flats (at least the front door).  The fact that they are ex-Council is also not relevant to the problem as the Council do not usually get a choice under right-to-buy.  So it is not the Council who are responsible to "fix the noise" although they are the enforcement authority if the noise is deemed to be "nuisance".

The problem with fire doors is normally worse with the concealed "perko" type of door closer because they don't have a controlled final close action like overhead closers.  The concealed closers do not usually meet BS EN1154 so they are increasingly being disallowed via fire risk assessments in favour of overheads.  You might be able to persuade the owners that it would be a sensible change to make or if the properties are Licensable you may be able to suggest that licensing take a look.

pinkshoes

Surely it would be easier to move? Especially if it is giving you health issues and you are clearly sensitive to noise given you're affected by the properties above, below and next door. 

Lots of houses have noise from adjoining property. It's not easy to avoid unless you buy or rent a detached house.

Have you tried earplugs? White noise? Music? Noise cancelling headphones? Perhaps you could consider housing for over 55s that would perhaps be quieter?

NorbieG

anselld said:

If is not really a question of the Council permitting fire doors, it is likely to be a mandatory requirement for fire doors to be fitted in HMOs and in the flats (at least the front door).  The fact that they are ex-Council is also not relevant to the problem as the Council do not usually get a choice under right-to-buy.  So it is not the Council who are responsible to "fix the noise" although they are the enforcement authority if the noise is deemed to be "nuisance".

The problem with fire doors is normally worse with the concealed "perko" type of door closer because they don't have a controlled final close action like overhead closers.  The concealed closers do not usually meet BS EN1154 so they are increasingly being disallowed via fire risk assessments in favour of overheads.  You might be able to persuade the owners that it would be a sensible change to make or if the properties are Licensable you may be able to suggest that licensing take a look.

anselld, so what do the victims and sufferers like me [and others] who are experiencing fire door noises?  And who passes these [unjust] regulations?  Is it the government or councils?  I'm sure councils know what harm these fire doors' noises will cause by impacting people's mental health and well-being in the neighbouring properties [before they permit the installation].  But of course, they don't care, just as long as they can make money from HMO licences, and HMO accommodations supplementing their housing stock; that's fine with them, while they leave the victims to suffer with the noises from fire doors!?

There are noise regulations to protect the victims too, you know.  But the council don't care about that when they are involved and included in schemes for their own benefit.

NorbieG

pinkshoes said:

Surely it would be easier to move? Especially if it is giving you health issues and you are clearly sensitive to noise given you're affected by the properties above, below and next door. 

Lots of houses have noise from adjoining property. It's not easy to avoid unless you buy or rent a detached house.

Have you tried earplugs? White noise? Music? Noise cancelling headphones? Perhaps you could consider housing for over 55s that would perhaps be quieter?

pinkshoes, thanks for the recommendations.  I've tried everything that you suggested...  And sleeping with earplugs makes me dizzy.  However, I know you wouldn't have a clue of what sort of noise [we] are dealing with!  These are not just living noises or a matter of being sensitive to noise!  Have you heard of, or experienced Sonic Booms?  Think of that sort of noise from each [of 12] fire doors, that [sometimes] vibrates and shakes the party walls.  Now, tell me; would you buy a house with that sort of noise coming from one side of you [much less from both sides]?

Sure, because of this experience, I definitely would like to buy a detached property.  However, I'll have to sell this one first.  Even the council [who caused the problem] refused to buy it.

Have you read Rinzler post, also?

NorbieG

TadleyBaggie said:

Duplicate thread:  https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6498355/hmo-flats-fire-doors-laminate-floors-noises#latest

How can I delete it?