Hi all,
I'm new to Mumsnet so apologies if this is a topic which has come up before. I am heavily pregnant (due in a month), and we moved into a new flat about 5 weeks ago. Moving is never straightforward, and there was quite a lot of work to do to the flat, so it's been pretty chaotic. Add to that I'm expecting my first child, and the small matter of the pandemic, and I think it's fair to say it hasn't been the easiest of times.
I am very fortunate in that I am able to work from home at the moment. However, that unfortunately means that I am exposed constantly to the stench of cannabis from the flat upstairs. The people living there are an older couple, I would say in their 50s. I have spoken to them before to ask them to open windows etc - they were apologetic but it had no effect. I then spoke to the freeholder, who said she had asked them to open their windows - there was a tiny improvement for a while but we are now back to square one. I absolutely hate the smell of skunk and it breaks my heart to think that it might be causing harm to the little one while I'm pregnant, and that he will have to breathe it in when he's here. I haven't encountered behaviour like this before so am at a bit of a loss. To be clear, I have no issue with them doing whatever they want in their flat, but it's affecting the reasonable enjoyment and use of my flat.
I spoke to crimestoppers, who said they do not deal with drug usage but only things like drug driving, and recommended I contact my local police force. I feel so silly even contemplating it, especially at a time like this when the front line services are so stretched, but I really do not know what else to do. There is also a family living next door to us, with a boy of about 8, who I feel really sorry for. He shouldn't be being exposed to it either.
My partner thinks we should continue taking a softly-softly approach but I don't see that making any difference. They've been there for about 10 years, so why would they change now? I am in two minds about whether or not I report it to the police - I don't know if the police would do anything, and even if they did, I don't know if it would make any difference, and might just make things worse. I'm just so frustrated at feeling unable to relax in what should be my home at what should be a really happy time.
Sorry for the ranty ramble - very grateful for any thoughts/ advice.
Thanks v much.