Advice sought please - neighbour issue

[GinBooksChocs]

Good afternoon mumsnet, just after some advice please.

I've recently moved into a flat which is not on the ground floor. It's the first time I've rented. I've lifted in communal work accommodation extensively and I feel I try to be a considerate resident.

I've had a few notes from the person below me intimating I'm making too much noise. This seems to be related to footsteps. After the first note (as I didn't realise how the noise was travelling), I make sure I wear slippers and tread as lightly as I can. However, it still seems to be an issue.

The problem for me if that they are complaining they are being woken up at a time of day after what's considered outside reasonable noise hours.

I don't want to be an inconsiderate neighbour, however, I can't not get up! I'm wary of writing notes back on case that's taken in anyway other than intended. I thought about asking them to contact the organisation letting my flat out it don't want to be labelled as troubleby my letting people.

Just wondered if anyone could offer advice please?

Thank you in advance.

What do you mean in paragraph 4? What time are they saying you're waking them up at?

If its what Id consider to be a normal time for people to be up and going to work, I'd just knock on and say "I'm wearing soft soled slippers and I'm moving about at 7.30am (or whatever) to get ready for work. I'm trying to be as quiet as I can. Unfortunately there's nothing more I can do."

What type of flooring is there in the main areas?

One more thing...are your slippers hard soled? If so, maybe look at wearing thick socks with grips on instead, but that's as far as I'd go.

Thanks for your reply.

I had a quick look and 11pm-7am is the times where excess noise can be considered a problem although it's on a case by case basis.

I was trying to say that it's after 7am.

I might try your note idea - thank you.

Thanks for other replies.

They are rubber soft soled type soles, not hard at all.

Thanks for suggestion on gripoed socks.

There's a mix of carpet and tiles as flooring. I did think about getting a rug potentially.

do you live alone?

when you say first time you’ve rented…. have you just moved out of your parent’s?

do you work shifts?
on call?

Carpet is good. Couldn’t hurt to get a rug or two.

It doesn’t sound (ha) as if you are doing anything wrong. I’d be polite in any communication but I’d probably try and limit it.

I've owned a house and lived in work accommodation, first time i've private rented. I have not lived with my parents for over 20 years.

I don't have a regular pattern at the moment. I obviously wouldn't run the washing machine later at night and I don't flush the loo later at the moment!

The problem seems to be confined to the morning as neighbour feels I'm waking them up.

It appears that you are just making normal living sounds, (after 7am and before 11pm ). Point this out to the neighbour and ask him/her what s/he would like you to do.

Suggest they get earplugs, and agree to get rugs. Then you are demonstrating your willingness to compromise and meet half way.

If you are doing the elephant dance across the floor though, you might have to curb that activity!

I'm definitely not dancing across the tiles! I am being conscious light of foot.

I don't want to upset another person but equally I don't feel there's much more I can do.

Thank you for advice.