to expect them to keep it down?

[needygonzales]

I live in a building that is split into two flats. I live downstairs with my two kids and my upstairs neighbours are two boys in their early twenties/late teens.

Firstly the main issue is that the floors are horrendous here and sound travels through them like they were paper so I can usually hear them walking around their flat - that's not their fault and I'm not annoyed about that.

What is bothering me is that 2-3 times a month they bring friends back and have parties that go on til 5am with people shouting and screaming. I'm fairly certain their living room is above my bedroom which doesn't help, plus they have drunk friends coming and going that keep banging on my door - this woke my 5 year old up at 2:40 am this morning.

I get it, they are young lads and I'm not expecting them to be in bed by 9pm but I just think making that kind of noise til 5am is not fair. I've already spoken to them once in a really friendly manner, just pointed out their living room was above my bedroom and could they keep that in mind when they have parties. It's woken me up twice tonight and I'm pissed off. Whatever i do I'll need to do it directly because I'm the only neighbour they have so if i complain to the landlord they'll know it was me and I don't want any ill feeling.

I'm wondering if I should ask them to give me a heads up when they are planning a party so I can at least send the kids elsewhere? Any suggestions??

[RNBrie]

I'd go and see them and let them know you're being kept awake by their parties and unfortunately if it continues to happen you will need to complain to the landlord and call the council's environmental team to monitor noise levels. Give them a time limit (might be worth checking your council's website to see what they consider acceptable, usually 11pm)

I would not offer the option of sending your children away as this would just give them the go ahead to keep YOU awake all night. Maybe ask for a number you can call them on so you can let them know when it's happening.

It really depends on their temperament and how willing they are to be good neighbours.

[BigginsforPope]

I think it is fair to ask them for a warning when they are going to have a party although being young their parties might be more impromptu than organised. But I think you are free to make them point and it will remind them that there are people living underneath their flat. Also worth mentioning about being disturbed by people coming and going - people randomly banging on your front door is not on at all.

[needygonzales]

Biggins, the door banging is the worst part! And the fact they constantly come back and forth to have cigarettes (which they leave in the communal driveway) making so much noise in the hallway.

It's becoming obvious that whoever built this place did so as cheaply as possible, there is no sound proofing at all which isn't my neighbours fault. I just don't want to become that miserable lady who lives downstairs and complains about everything.

But while I'm at it, their friends repeatedly block my car in all the time too. Boy it feels good to get this off my chest

[needygonzales]

RNBrie, they seem nice enough lads, I think they just have a lack of thought that seems so be a teenage male thing. They've eventually quietened down now, too bad I'm wide awake!

[Nothighgaphere]

No do not ask for a heads up! They should not be bringing the party home. It is not suitable for where they live. You don't shit on your own doorstep. There should be no noise after 11. Is it in the tenancy agreement? Just tell them that you will be making a complaint to the landlord if it happens again. They know they're taking the piss so don't worry about that.

[Binkybix]

Do you live in my old flat?! Check your tenancy agreement then go and speak to them. If not luck talk to the landlord and say if not sorted you'll need to go to the council (I assume same landlord?). I think he'd need to declare if he sold so might of him off.

See if you can investigate some sort of soft close device for doors (no idea if this exists)

Worse case you might need to consider moving.

[Ledkr]

They are taking the piss.
I can understand you not wanting to be a killjoy about parties but banging on your door ffs! Even my 4 yr old wouldnt do that.
They are walking all over you. You have a right to live happily and get sleep the same as they do.
Write a note explaining that you are not wishing to contact the landlord without giving them warning but that if it continues you will be.
Tell them too that if anyone else bangs on your door you will be calling the police, that is harassment and you do not have to put up with it.

[Ledkr]

They are relying on you being a pushover.

[needygonzales]

I am a bit of a pushover. Thank MNers, I'm feeling a bit empowered now so I'll go and knock on them soon!

[AlisonWunderland]

Don't knock soon and allow them to sleep in.
Knock now and wake them up

[Womaloosh]

You are very tolerant. I definitely would not put up with banging on the door.

[NaiceVillageOfTheDammed]

You've been a slattern all year. Start your spring clean now :-)

[ObsidianBlackbirdMcNight]

They don't have the right to have parties and make noise all night. You need to play hard ball. Tell them you will no longer put up with it then don't. If you have noise then report to environmental health. You can report noise disturbance to 101 if it is seriously offensive. Complain to the landlord loudly and often. They can go out if they want to party, they don't need to party at home.

[needygonzales]

Naice, I've just done an extended Hoover

[AlisonWunderland]

Did you accidentally bang hoover into skirting boards a lot?

[DPotter]

Get round there now and read them the riot act!
Biggest party night of the year coming up and if their place has become the 'go-to' for parties you wont be sleeping much on Thursday night. Tell them if you hear a peep out of them - its police, landlord, council, the whole schbang