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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Neighbours taking the P

14 replies

10greenapples · 19/08/2017 12:28

I hate hate hate my upstairs neighbours!! I live in a ground floor flat. Aibu in thinking you don't install laminate flooring throughout an ENTIRE first floor flat with no sound proofing at all!! I literally hear everything. They drop things constantly on the laminate and the sound is quite startling! Like when they dropped something glass on my ceiling and it smashed whilst I was in bed and made me jump! Last night they came home and at 4am this is all I can describe it as. The sound of metal, possibly screws being poured onto my ceiling followed by someone moving them about so the sound of metal then scraping around on the ceiling. It's driving me insane their noise. I've actually joined the housing list to move as I can't take living under such inconsiderate people! But I'm in the SE so will be waiting years. I can hear them talk surely this amount of noise isn't normal.

OP posts:

CrochetBelle · 19/08/2017 12:32

If they are in social housing, there are contractual stipulations that any flooring must have adequate sound proofing. I know years ago there were rules that you couldn't change to laminate without permission.
Could it be worth speaking with your housing company?

missmollyhadadolly · 19/08/2017 12:33

Yes, what Crochet said. Report them!

Dashper · 19/08/2017 12:35

Most leases have a clause about appropriate flooring to, so report to the owner of the building if they own their flat.

Original poster

10greenapples · 19/08/2017 12:39

Yes they own it above. I am council.

OP posts:

MaitlandGirl · 19/08/2017 12:45

There's probably something in the freehold about it - the council would be able to point you in the right direction.

Dashper · 19/08/2017 12:48

Report to the freeholder then. I bet they didn't get permission for it.

maras2 · 19/08/2017 12:51

I bet that the metallic noise was someone emptying their pockets of loose change.DH does this when he comes in rather pissed and has forgotten the previous 45 years of bollockings that he's had.
< lighthearted >
Joking apart though, this is very antisocial behaviour.
You could try reporting to the council but as they are not tenants I doubt if they can do much.
Any chance of a quiet word with them and maybe bring them in to yours to listen to the upstairs noise.
Sorry for your trouble.Nothing worse than anticipating the next noise.

FizzyGreenWater · 19/08/2017 12:54

You need to get the lease/freehold checked!!

It is common for laminate flooring to be prohibited in flats.

sizeofalentil · 19/08/2017 13:09

Have you spoken to them about it? They might have no idea that they are so loud, and might be prepared to put down rugs etc.

mycatdoesntlovemeanymore · 19/08/2017 13:12

I have this same problem, feels like the people upstairs live with me, I have to keep the windows shut to keep noise out and also as no privacy otherwise

Original poster

10greenapples · 19/08/2017 13:13

No I haven't. I don't know them. Rarely ever see them outside.

OP posts:

Daisymay2 · 19/08/2017 13:20

If a leasehold propoerty,the block should have a managing agent , and they will have a copy of leases for the entire block. Usually they have a notice of some kind near the main entrance giving their contact details. It would be unusual if there was not a restriction concerning the floor covering. If you speak to them they will be able to advise your neighbours that they are in breach and tell them to replace the laminate or get soundproofing put down. The neighbours probaly won't be happy but they should be aware of the lease.
If it is that loud, and if that does not work, it might be worth discussing with environmental health.

Strawberryfield12 · 19/08/2017 13:33

Really feel for you. Had the same issue with our London flat. The owner of the flat above was also the owner of the freehold for the whole house. The flat was permanently rented out, tenants changing every year - art students with inspiration coming in at 3am, partying group of guys etc. In the leasehold agreement there was a clause about floors being carpeted, but since it was the freeholder he just ignored it all. We even got lawyers involved and were to get the council involved, but after all decided to sell our flat and move on instead. Now happy owners of freehold detached property outside London.

hornsofadilemma34 · 19/08/2017 13:43

Is it a conversion or purpose built? We had a similar experience where downstairs neighbours continually complained about the noise we made - usually bare feet on carpet plus thick underlay. We could hear everything they said and did too - which tv programme they were watching, what they were doing in bed and when they were complaining about us in normal voices. We moved to a house in the end.

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