A problem with drumming noise from a joined neighbour

gazzak_2

magictom123 wrote: »

I have a piano, electric & acoustic guitars, harmonica, bass guitar, bnajo and violin. I play them at reasonable hours and if its getting on and i want to play i may out down the electric and pick up the acoustic guitar. Never had a complaint form the neighbours and you shouldnt have to put up with it either

Exactly, it's called respecting your neighbours. Our first flat we lived in had a guy above with a bass guitar, and he liked to really give it some volume sometimes. Thing is, he always checked we were out, or did it at very reasonable times etc. Hence never an issue and we actually enjoyed listening to it.

floss2

Contact your local Environmental Health department ASAP - noise abatement cases can take a long time to get resolved, pureely because of the time it can take to "capture" evidence for legal action. They won't be able to confirm any previous complaints / action but if they have a record of previous problems they should be fairly quick to respond.

You will probably be asked if you have a record of dates, times & duration, also whether you have made contact with the neighbour. Keep a copy of the letter and keep a note of any response from them.

Also, check with your solicitor - I think that when a house is sold, any neighbour problems have to be reported as part of the selling process, but I am not sure when this came into effect....

geekgirl

My son plays the bass guitar, piano and Jembe drum. He doesn't play them for long periods or at unreasonable times. He is very considerate of the neighbours. We have had fantastic feedback from all neighbours with encouragement etc... it is really nice that he can do this and not harass our neighbours with it (or us as I couldn't put up with it for too long even though it is my little darling making the noise). It is all about a bit of consideration.

Good luck and hope the letter makes some difference for you.

Claire_Jones_3

I was able to fill in a diary of the noise online at my councils website and it asks you to do it for 2weeks

belfastgirl23

I'd knock first of all just to make the point that I've tried knocking, then write a very polite letter asking if it's possible to negotiate times for them to play the drums and that you didn't have an objection previously but it is getting more difficult now. My mum had a similar problem with a neighbour and they resolved it by agreeing that he could play between 4.30 and 6pm.

But while I was doing that I'd still be keeping a record of everything in case you do have to take it further. Although bear in mind that should you decide to move you will have to declare any problems with the neighbours and the further down the legal route you've gone the more it's likely to affect your property value. Sorry if this is bad news but figured you should take it into account...

pulliptears

My DD plays Drums, DS plays electric guitar. We live in a semi (But are currently up for sale and looking for a detatched!).

Im lucky in the fact that my joined neighbour is a lovely woman. She lives on her own and spends most of her time at work. Before I bought DD her kit I had a word with my neighbour and she told me that she actually loves to hear some noise from us because she hates the feeling that she is completely alone.

Anyway, our rules with drums are that they are played with silencer pads on, not before 11am and not after 6pm and for no longer than half an hour, with no longer than an hour a day. DS has similar guitar rules.

If I know my neighbour is at work I will allow DD to take the silencer pads off and practice properly, but again for no longer than half an hour.

Its a shame people don't consider their neighbours, but there is no reason why you cant play musical instruments responsibly without upsetting the neighbours!

floss2

DF's guitar habit was thought to have upset one of his old neighbours (since moved away from next-door) as he got the knock one night.... not with a "shut-up" but a request for more Led Zep!!

LittleTinker

Perhaps you can approach your neighbours and let them know you can hear the drums but that you dont mind at all unless he were to stick to certain times and for short periods?........Its then a compromise on both sides. Afterall, isnt it better for the kid to have something to do rather that be out on the streets or drinking till all hours?

setmefree2

Can't believe how patient you've been - most people probably would have killed him by now. 4 and a half hours:eek:

Fliss_Harper

Drummers can get soundproofing pads for their drums, or use 'rocket' sticks which are quieter. Maybe get the lad some of these as a present? Hope this helps.