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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Struggling on 2nd floor flat.

17 replies

80sPadme · 20/06/2021 11:14

I moved into a block of flats in January. I am 2nd floor.
I am the only person in the block with children and my flat plus the one below to the right have been empty since start of lockdown.
I am getting constant complaints from the letting agent.

  1. Kids have been running in and out of the building after school. (I work full time and am not home with kids till gone 6pmand then it's dinner, baths and bed.
  2. My washing machine and tumble dryer are so loud it makes the downstairs neighbours draws open and radiators shake when on a spin. Hmm
  3. Washing lines are always empty so I've started using them, neighbour complains that I am using 3 of the 6 washing lines and should leave more for other people ( no one else uses them, including this neighbour).
  4. Downstairs can hear my toddler running/ toddling around (she's 18 months).
  5. We have allocated parking but my space is always used by other people so I have to park across the road as I'm home at gone and all the spaces are used, I have asked them politely not to use our space but they ignore me and say I'm being unreasonable as it's always been fair game to use it so I need to just suck it up.
  6. Downstairs say I'm slamming doors and shouting lots and sometimes into late at night, the toddler sometimes wakes and cries but that is it.
  7. The recycle bins are constantly being filled incorrectly and then refused by the bin men. I climbed in last week and pulled out everything that shouldn't be in there and arranged a recollection. Neighbours complain to HA that it was me that must be filling it wrong which I am defiantly not.

I don't know what to do. We are walking on eggshells in our home so as to not piss them off, it seems they are thick as thrives and want a child free block but arelead by a ringleader.
I have politely explained that as the flat was empty for so long there is going to be some level of noise they didn't have before.
We are out most weekends and yet get complaint that we have been making excessive noise all day.
My children are polite and courteous of others, often litter pic around the block and don't leave any mess.
I just want to cry after yet another call from letting agents on Friday and more passive aggressive comments etc when we left this morning from the main neighbour in question.
What can
I do, I feel so isolated but there is nowhere else to rent that I can afford at the moment as I am saving to buy a house.

OP posts:
LuvMyBubbles · 20/06/2021 11:29

You really are being harassed. I don't know what to say to help though?

Viviennemary · 20/06/2021 11:36

I think noisy children running in and out of the building after school would be really annoying. Its not really on for them to be unsupervised after school. But apart from that you are not doing anything wrong. Your neighbours sound awful. Parking in your space is not on at all. If it's part of the rental contract then it needs to be enforced.

80sPadme · 20/06/2021 11:41

@Viviennemary

I think noisy children running in and out of the building after school would be really annoying. Its not really on for them to be unsupervised after school. But apart from that you are not doing anything wrong. Your neighbours sound awful. Parking in your space is not on at all. If it's part of the rental contract then it needs to be enforced.
It's not my children! I don't get home until gone six after I have collected my kids from their after school care.
OP posts:
80sPadme · 20/06/2021 11:42

Don't want to drip feed but we live opposite a park and the other flats leave the doors open and sometimes prop open the communal front door and back door. I believe it's likely kids from the surrounding houses running in our communal gardens and the hall ways playing tag etc

OP posts:
Viviennemary · 20/06/2021 11:56

Sorry. I completely misunderstood. Perhaps suggest a lockable front door. That would solve the problem. The communal door shouldn't be propped open.

80sPadme · 20/06/2021 17:10

I'm feeling quite victimised in my own home, it's horrible

OP posts:
AmberIsACertainty · 20/06/2021 18:14

Ok. Lots of problems. Don't panic. Smile

The washing machine could be as loud as they say. I've been in a downstairs flat before with poor build quality and low soundproofing, where it sounds like an earthquake when the neighbors upstairs washing machine was spinning. It vibrated the walls. It's not your problem though it's the neighbors problem. You're entitled to use your washing machine. Do your best to use it at daytime hours, if you can. Ignore comments from neighbors.

Kids running in and out - it isn't your kids. You will have invoice from childcare for hours they're there as evidence it's not you kids, which you can show to officials if necessary. So ignore neighbours comments.

Who's letting agent is contacting you? You mentioned you're HA, so you won't have a letting agent then Confused ? If neighbors are private rental and have a letting agent you don't need to take calls from this organisation, block their number. Don't feel obligated to listen to moaners.

Washing lines, 6 lines and 6 flats? Contact your landlord and find out officially which one is yours, use that one and no others. If people choose not to use theirs, that's up to them and doesn't mean you can use it. If they was friendly and didn't mind then fair enough, but they aren't, so don't give them ammunition for saying you're unreasonable.

Allocated parking, buy those things that go in the ground and you lock them upright when you're not driving in or out of the space so it's security for your car when it's parked there and security against people using your space when car isn't parked there. Again, if the spaces are not labelled find out from your landlord which space is officially yours. Ask for permission to install the lockable post things if you want, but personally I'd just do it and if landlord asked why I'd explain problems I'd been having. You don't have to suck it up others using your parking space, you're paying for it as part of the rent.

Recycling bins aren't your problem. You have a car. Find other local communal recycling bins in your area (eg supermarket car park?) and take your rubbish to those. If it comes to it, take your refuse to the tip yourself, if that bin is in question too, with people putting recycling in it. No, you shouldn't have to, but it's a solution you can use to prove its not you causing the bin contamination. Then if anyone official complaints to you explain you're not even using the flats recycling (and general refuse, if applicable) bins at all. Ignore neighbors comments.

Hearing the children running round playing inside their homes is life. Yes it's intrusive if you live below it, but it's life and neighbors have to suck it up. Slammed doors etc is lies to make out you're a problem tenant and get you eviction. But they'll need evidence, sound recording etc, and they won't get it because you're not doing the noise! So ignore comments and don't worry.

Headphones on when you go to and from home/car (switched off if you need to hear kids) don't get into conversation with neighbors blank and pretend you can't hear them. Big visible headphones. Smile and wave if you can't blank, eg if they're in front of you, but don't get talking. You're not obligated to listen to moaners or interact with people you don't like.

Invite your landlords to leave camera/sounds recording in your home/near bins/by main door etc if you get your landlords on at you, maybe believing neighbors. Calmly refute neighbors lies. Say how stressful it is for you to be harassed by neighbors this way.

Check who is at door before answering, if it's neighbours then don't answer. You don't have to stand there in doorway letting them hassle you. If they start rudely hammering on your door trying to get you to answer, record it and report it to your landlord (and police if applicable).

80sPadme · 20/06/2021 19:48

@AmberIsACertainty

Ok. Lots of problems. Don't panic. Smile

The washing machine could be as loud as they say. I've been in a downstairs flat before with poor build quality and low soundproofing, where it sounds like an earthquake when the neighbors upstairs washing machine was spinning. It vibrated the walls. It's not your problem though it's the neighbors problem. You're entitled to use your washing machine. Do your best to use it at daytime hours, if you can. Ignore comments from neighbors.

Kids running in and out - it isn't your kids. You will have invoice from childcare for hours they're there as evidence it's not you kids, which you can show to officials if necessary. So ignore neighbours comments.

Who's letting agent is contacting you? You mentioned you're HA, so you won't have a letting agent then Confused ? If neighbors are private rental and have a letting agent you don't need to take calls from this organisation, block their number. Don't feel obligated to listen to moaners.

Washing lines, 6 lines and 6 flats? Contact your landlord and find out officially which one is yours, use that one and no others. If people choose not to use theirs, that's up to them and doesn't mean you can use it. If they was friendly and didn't mind then fair enough, but they aren't, so don't give them ammunition for saying you're unreasonable.

Allocated parking, buy those things that go in the ground and you lock them upright when you're not driving in or out of the space so it's security for your car when it's parked there and security against people using your space when car isn't parked there. Again, if the spaces are not labelled find out from your landlord which space is officially yours. Ask for permission to install the lockable post things if you want, but personally I'd just do it and if landlord asked why I'd explain problems I'd been having. You don't have to suck it up others using your parking space, you're paying for it as part of the rent.

Recycling bins aren't your problem. You have a car. Find other local communal recycling bins in your area (eg supermarket car park?) and take your rubbish to those. If it comes to it, take your refuse to the tip yourself, if that bin is in question too, with people putting recycling in it. No, you shouldn't have to, but it's a solution you can use to prove its not you causing the bin contamination. Then if anyone official complaints to you explain you're not even using the flats recycling (and general refuse, if applicable) bins at all. Ignore neighbors comments.

Hearing the children running round playing inside their homes is life. Yes it's intrusive if you live below it, but it's life and neighbors have to suck it up. Slammed doors etc is lies to make out you're a problem tenant and get you eviction. But they'll need evidence, sound recording etc, and they won't get it because you're not doing the noise! So ignore comments and don't worry.

Headphones on when you go to and from home/car (switched off if you need to hear kids) don't get into conversation with neighbors blank and pretend you can't hear them. Big visible headphones. Smile and wave if you can't blank, eg if they're in front of you, but don't get talking. You're not obligated to listen to moaners or interact with people you don't like.

Invite your landlords to leave camera/sounds recording in your home/near bins/by main door etc if you get your landlords on at you, maybe believing neighbors. Calmly refute neighbors lies. Say how stressful it is for you to be harassed by neighbors this way.

Check who is at door before answering, if it's neighbours then don't answer. You don't have to stand there in doorway letting them hassle you. If they start rudely hammering on your door trying to get you to answer, record it and report it to your landlord (and police if applicable).

Thankyou, this is reassuring. I think I need to just accept it the way it is. So, our block is privately owned by a lettings company but they outsource all the maintenance and running of the building to one of the local housing associations. It's a scheme in the area as there are very little places to rent, new estate was being build but Covid has halted that. My parking space is one that is right next to the door of the flat as one of my children is on DLA for autism and his mobility. It's a wide space as I have a wider vehicle so the LA allocated this one to my flat and I believe informed the tenants, although the rest of the spaces are for each flat too, this one has never been 'allocated' to this flat but has now, it has always been used before that as a spare space/ visitor space before I moved in. Washing lines are for everyone, 6 lines, 9 flats and none are specific to any flat, we actually have a covenant on our tenancy that states we are not to have washing on the balcony but everyone here does, I'm scared to do this incase it's another thing the report me for. I am going to book a weekly slot at the recycle centre on my day off and then I have proof that I've taken my refuse elsewhere. Then the la can deal with the bins, it's not my problem then and I can show it wasn't me. Earphones is a great idea, especially if I have a day off when. Kids are at school then they can't corner me when I'm on my own. Thanks for the advice.
OP posts:
80sPadme · 20/06/2021 19:51

The washing machine could be as loud as they say. I've been in a downstairs flat before with poor build quality and low soundproofing, where it sounds like an earthquake when the neighbors upstairs washing machine was spinning. It vibrated the walls. It's not your problem though it's the neighbors problem. You're entitled to use your washing machine. Do your best to use it at daytime hours, if you can. Ignore comments from neighbors.

I agree, it's likely because the walls/ floors are like paper. New build and plasterboard walls with plywood floors and minimal soundproofing. It probably doesn't help that my flat has been empty for so long too.
I can hear next door and below neighbours ones when they are spinning too

OP posts:
80sPadme · 20/06/2021 20:02

@80sPadme

The washing machine could be as loud as they say. I've been in a downstairs flat before with poor build quality and low soundproofing, where it sounds like an earthquake when the neighbors upstairs washing machine was spinning. It vibrated the walls. It's not your problem though it's the neighbors problem. You're entitled to use your washing machine. Do your best to use it at daytime hours, if you can. Ignore comments from neighbors.

I agree, it's likely because the walls/ floors are like paper. New build and plasterboard walls with plywood floors and minimal soundproofing. It probably doesn't help that my flat has been empty for so long too.
I can hear next door and below neighbours ones when they are spinning too

Should add, I don't put it on past 7pm, I use a quick wash when we get home from after school club and then stick tumble on it morning at 8am.
OP posts:
willstarttomorrow · 20/06/2021 20:28

OP just set out everything to the letting agent as you have here. Also add that you are not prepared to be bullied and harassed in your home and ask how they propose to deal with this? As a courtesy maybe ads that you appreciate that the poor build quality may mean that sound travels and you have experienced similar from neighbouring properties. Therefore you would be happy to come to a mutual agreement re times washing machines are in use etc.

Hankunamatata · 20/06/2021 20:40

Assuming you have carpets through the flat with thick underlay?

80sPadme · 20/06/2021 22:10

@Hankunamatata

Assuming you have carpets through the flat with thick underlay?
Carpets and underlay yes, can't comment on the thickness though as it was all laid before I moved in by the LA
OP posts:
OneYeminRoad · 21/06/2021 06:58

They are trying to push you around.

Like @willstarttomorrow says, I'd use your first post as a basis for a firm letter to the agent. They need to stop passing all of this on to you.

It must have been very nice for them to have nobody in the flat before but it's completely unrealistic to expect you to be as quiet as no tenant at all!

80sPadme · 21/06/2021 13:14

@OneYeminRoad

They are trying to push you around.

Like @willstarttomorrow says, I'd use your first post as a basis for a firm letter to the agent. They need to stop passing all of this on to you.

It must have been very nice for them to have nobody in the flat before but it's completely unrealistic to expect you to be as quiet as no tenant at all!

I am going to compose an email today, get DP to check it and send off ASAP.
OP posts:
AmberIsACertainty · 21/06/2021 17:06

Sounds like you're doing everything right anyway OP. Glad some of my suggestions helped.

With the parking space. It matters not that it was a communal use space before. It's yours now, end of.

If there's a clause about washing on balconies then you're right to use the multiple lines as they're all communal. Headphones on, music up, ignore neighbours bitching.

Letting agent sounds like they're your landlord too, so you'll have to speak to them, that's fair enough, but ensure they know you're being bullied and harassed. Don't just take it when they contact you to pass on neighbors moans.

The only other thing you can do with the washing machine is run it at the same time every day. I'm assuming you have it on most days with DC. From the neighbors perspective if they know what time its going to start up they can plan round it and go out if the noise bothers them that much. It's almost impossible to work round something if you don't know when it'll happen. It also helps with stress to know that the stressful thing will happen at a particular time, instead of feeling jittery that it could happen any moment now. But this would be a kindness to your neighbors (which they don't deserve, with the way they're treating you!) so don't tie yourself in knots trying to make it happen, if it's not convenient to do this.

Yes you're right its just life, from both perspectives. Living in flats means accepting noise and being tolerant of people's behaviour, within reason. You don't all have to like each other, you just have to be civil to each other or failing that, avoid each other.

It's fair to say that some people are just not suited to living in flats. Your downstairs neighbor sounds like one of them. I wonder how many people have been successfully driven out of this flat before you and that's why it's empty so much?

Flats with poor soundproofing are a PITA which is why I always chose to live on the top floor if at all possible. Your neighbor too has choices in life and should work to improve their own life not work to destroy yours. So stand firm because you're in the right here.

Being surrounded by knobs and having to deal with that can be stressful so look for ways to minimise that stress and factor relaxation into your day so stress doesn't build up. It's essential if living there isn't to make you ill.

From their perspective having someone living above you is so much more intrusive and stressful than noise below or besides you. But this is their problem to suck it up. You don't need to walk on eggshells in your own home because of these bullies. They can use noise reduction techniques themselves or if its an impossible problem for them they can do whatever is necessary to move home and live elsewhere.

80sPadme · 22/06/2021 08:05

Composing an email now to expect lain how i am being made to feel in my own home.
Im hoping this makes me feel a bit better at least.

OP posts:
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