Noisy Neighbours

Grumpy_chap

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81975190#Comment_81975190

Well, when you come to sell, one of the questions is about disputes:

"Are you aware of any disputes or complaints about the property or a property nearby?"

If you raise formal complaints, I can't see how you would answer that as anything other than "Yes". You are then asked to provide details.

A prospective purchaser with the details of noisy neighbours to such an extent and such frequent regularity that the matter reached the point of a formal dispute might well conclude they are also likely to suffer the similar noise inconvenience and either reduce their offer or withdraw.

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81975190#Comment_81975190

I'd gently suggest that making representation to the ManCo is exactly what you need to do. I'd go as far as to suggest that the LA won't entertain acting on this if you don't, unless you happen to find a particularly compliant councillor or officer.

As for making this a 'dispute', my take is that it's already an 'issue', and if a potential buyer asks about noise, you should declare it (or else lie, or state, 'no comment').

In any case, depending on how long you expect to live there, this issue will almost certainly resolve on its own, as the two young adults move on.

In short, you either tackle this or you don't. And I've suggested how to tackle it. Act in concert.

Karinet

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81975323#Comment_81975323

Thanks for your input.

As I've previously mentioned, and as a fact, there is no formal management and nobody will enforce anything. Believe me, I've lived at my property since 1994 and things have always been the same. Things are fine when it comes to dealing with maintaining the place, as and when needed, but a noise complaint would not be taken seriously, as the four directors would not want to get involved. There are only two directors on site. The other two don't live on the premises. My only option is to get the owner of the property involved, because it's their property, and they have a responsibility to do something about the noise, and the LA. The other option is to do nothing and struggle and wait until they leave. When I bought this place, it never occurred to me that it would be poorly managed because it seemed fine at first. There are two buildings of six flats each and in my building myself and my partner are now the only owner-occupiers - these properties were all owner-occupied when we bought our flat. In the other building, there are three owner-occupiers only. So out of the 12 flats only 4 are owner-occupied and all the other properties are rented. So there are not many owner-occupiers on site and it makes things even harder to get anything done. Some of the non-resident owners bought their properties for the sole purpose of letting them out but that's another story.

Karinet

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81975207#Comment_81975207

I am not planning to sell up any time soon because I'm still working. This won't happen for at least another 10 years.

I would probably have to say that there was a dispute with some neighbours in the past and I would give them a date as to when this happened, and I would say that the issue had been resolved and is no longer a problem. After 10 years I would have thought that it wouldn't have an impact on the sale of my property.

Karinet

Update : I, today, spoke to one of the directors to see what would happen and they''ve told me that they don't deal with neighbours dispute. They only with maintenance-related issues. Also, they didn't even know that the property in question was sold to domeone else on 16th December 2025.

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81977398#Comment_81977398

It's fair enough they don't deal with 'disputes' - that is an issue between occupants - but this involves a potential breach of the deeds.

If the deeds had included the very common clause of 'must be carpeted', then they could have become involved, even been obliged to.

It really comes down to whether it can be concluded that the leaseholder is preventing you from your rightful enjoyment of your property by fitting laminate. It's a tricky one, because the previous occupant didn't cause an issue, with the same floor. So, is the cause down to the laminate, or the tenants.

No LP on your insurance?

YoungBlueEyes

Karinet when the property was sold was it advertised through an estate agent? They might forward a letter on to the owner.

Karinet

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81977495#Comment_81977495

It was not advertised through an estate agent. The person who sold it was desperate to sell it. They asked around and the brother-in-law of one of my neighbours bought it. I've asked this person if they could get the owner to contact me and I've even asked for their details but to no avail. He said that he would have a word with the owner but nothing appears to have been done. I'm having no luck with this at the moment. But I've found out that they have applied for a landlord licence but there are no details yet.

Karinet

I have legal protection on my insurance. I will need to check if it covers neighbours disputes because it may not.

The problem appears to be a combination of noisy occupiers & poor flooring insulation. I have mentioned that in my letter to the owner, which I sent to their solicitors, hoping that they will pass it on to them but I fear that ithis won't happen. The flats were definitely carpeted when they were built and I may try to evidence this with builders.but these propertis were buit in 1986 so may not have any information. Unfortunately the lease doen't have a clause that says the property must be carpeted. The wooden floor may have been there when they purchased their property, and it's now their responsibility, they've replaced the lino in the kitchen and batroom with ceramic tiles. Again, ceramic tiles on a concrete floor may increase noise transmission more.

WIAWSNB

You appear to be carrying out all the correct investigations.

Yes, it's a shame that 'carpets' aren't specifically mentioned in the deeds, as it's 'obvious' why they are mentioned in most. This was certainly true in the first flat I bought many moons ago, a converted Georgian house. It didn't mention 'why' carpets, but the reason is obvious.

So, I think there's a strong case to be made that removing obvious soundproofing is almost certain;y going to cause a noise intrusion that will affect the enjoyment of ones home.

The person to target is the flat owner. They - seemingly - removed the carpets - and so caused this issue. If/when you contact your LP, don't say 'neighbourly dispute', but instead a 'breach of lease covenants'.

Good chance a correctly-worded email to the flat owner may make them !!!!!! up t'ears. You may need to demonstrate a 'loss', so if you cite late-night clunkings, which wake you up (detailed log…), coupled with the resulting effect, then it'll add tangible grist t'mill.