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AIBU?

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To not expect neighbour to use washing machine overnight

583 replies

BornInTheWrongCentury · 17/01/2021 09:39

Just that really. Over the last couple of months our neighbours started using their washing machine/tumble dryer overnight, it was going on on at about midnight and stays on till around 3am.

My husband asked a them politely a few weeks ago when he saw them outside if they’d mind changing the time they have it on as it really disturbs us. We’re in a mid terraced house and they are the end of the terrace. Their kitchen is below our bedroom. The previous occupants took out a wall in their kitchen that separated the kitchen from their hallway so it’s open planned now so all sound from their house is amplified now anyway and noise seems to travel up the wall into our bedroom.

After my husband mentioned it to them they stopped for a couple of weeks but now the noise has started again as they are putting a wash on at about 10pm and it finishes at 1am.

It’s really upsetting me that I can’t go to bed and read/fall asleep in peace until at least 1am now.

If it’s relevant we own our house and their house is social housing. They are the end of the terrace so if I complain to the council or their housing association they will know it’s me. They are the kind of couple who seem ok as long as you’re on the right side of them but they are rather loud and look very intimidating and to be honest I don’t want to make things worse or get into an argument with them.

They are pretty good neighbours apart from this issue as in the only other noise we hear is their children (they have very screechy, door slamming children but I can cope with that during the day!) They don’t have parties or play thumping music - it’s just the issue with not being able to go to sleep when I want to. I don’t know if I’m just being over sensitive where I so tired.

What would you do?

YABU - just be grateful it’s nothing worse than a washing machine and try to ignore it/go to bed later when you know you’ll fall straight to sleep

YANBU - be brave and speak to them again asking them to not use after 11pm and complain to the council if they refuse?

OP posts:
YetAnotherSpartacus · 17/01/2021 09:45

YANBU. I do suggest some nice soft earplugs though. I used to live under a flight path and I now cannot sleep without them.

Having said that, I run my machine at night because I find the noise soothing! (no near-by neighbours).

Thesearmsofmine · 17/01/2021 09:44

It can be cheaper to run it at night, If they are otherwise good neighbours then I would try earplugs.

livingthegoodlife · 17/01/2021 09:44

Sorry tabu

I get it's annoying but lots of people run washing overnight.

You've tried to politely ask them and it didn't work.

Can you add insulation your side?

Having your bedroom over their kitchen sounds like a weird flying freehold situation. I thought you were going to say it's a flat.

mrsbyers · 17/01/2021 09:43

Yep you need earplugs

Itsnotlikethiswithotherpeople · 17/01/2021 09:42

YABU

KitKat1985 · 17/01/2021 09:42

I think I'd probably let this one go. The council aren't likely to take action over the noise of a washing machine regardless to be honest, and if they are otherwise good neighbours it may be worth trying to keep on good terms with them.

dementedpixie · 17/01/2021 09:42

Are they an all electric house? If they are on economy 7 then it's cheaper to run appliances overnight

PurpleDaisies · 17/01/2021 09:40

YABU

I would get some ear plugs.