What is this noise? Should I ask neighbours to stop

[User7257543]

Hello,

We moved into our flat as tenants about 5-6 weeks ago. We have a youngish guy and girl above us but haven't met them yet, they are also tenants. Recently we keep getting woken up at around 4am to this sound which we think is their washing machine. We heard it in the day this week so went up to ask what it is and if they could keep the noise to daytime hours but they wouldn't answer the door! Thinking I might need to put a note through the door but want to be sure it is a washing machine.

I'm aware with the energy costs it might be more economical for them to run it through the night but I'm really struggling to get back to sleep once woken up at 4am so can I ask them not to do this?

Recorded the noise and you can listen here:
soundcloud.app.goo.gl/kHRQ7reCLtxqbsd67

@YellowAndGreenToBeSeen

I did live in a flat and used my machine at that time, yes. No one ever complained.

Some people are afraid to complain. Just because no-one did doesn't mean it was OK.

Sounds like a tumble dryer to me.

it sounds like a tumble drier to me. The stop start of the drum as it reverses means it stops and starts and the drum is squeaking which doesn't help. V annoying.

@emmy4
crossed post.

It sounds like they put one of their appliances on a timer so it goes on in the middle of the night to save them money.

It isn't beeping, it is a squeaky drum on the washer.

Sounds exactly like my dishwasher

A million MN points to you OP for adding a recording of the sound! It's definitely an appliance of some sort, agree to put a polite note through if you can't speak to them

Doesn't sound like a beeping, more a squeaking.

I use my washing machine/ dryer whenever I need to so may not be the best person to respond but I'd say get some ear plugs/ use white noise etc and go back to sleep.

Sounds like my tumble dryer, mine beeps at the end of the cycle.

OK I just listened to it. That's too loud for any time of night and they need to stop.

@RampantIvy Nah, I knew all my neighbours, lived there for 15 years. Someone would have said something. Not all flats are leaky when it comes to sound.

Our upstairs neighbour used to do this. It was a washer dryer, so the drum squeaked as it dried. She ran it between 3 - 5 every day; and then presumably sorted her washing before the day started… we did ask if she’d mind running it later but she was on economy 7 and didn’t want to. She did ask her landlord about getting a vibration reducing mat but there either never did or it made no difference. We did get used to it, if that’s any consolation!

@YellowAndGreenToBeSeen

I did live in a flat and used my machine at that time, yes. No one ever complained.

Eh? What has that got to do with the OP's situation

What are you saying? The OP shouldn't mind because you used a washing machine during the night? What a strange way to look at it.

@marqueses it’s in response to a question I was asked / a point made to a pp of mine. No need for the . Just read the thread…

Washing machine that moves slightly so is squeaking too

You’re perfectly entitled to draw their attention to the noise waking you up. They’ll then need to adjust their behaviour accordingly, either by servicing the machine to stop the squeaks and other noise reducing measures or putting it on during the day.

I'd definitely speak to them, that would really annoy me, it's so squeaky! Also, check your lease, I live in a flat and it says we aren't allowed to use washing machines before 9am! Yes, 9am!! I know the guy under me uses his earlier as it vibrates up my bedroom wall and I can feel it in bed sometimes, but it's only faint and doesn't bother me, just makes me smile and think... Ooh, it's not 9am mate! They'll be on your case! But then we have loads of weird rules that no-one takes any notice of!

@YellowAndGreenToBeSeen

Hmmm. It’s tricky - I set my machine to be finished when I wake up. Means I can hang the washing out during the day and it’s dry when I get home. I’d be loathe to change that I’m afraid. I work very long hours, often leaving the house at 7am and not getting back till 8 or 9pm. My time to do laundry is limited.

You'd be loathe to change it if you knew you were keeping the op awake at 4am? (Yes I have read your later posts) You could put the washing out in the evening, even outside.

Go and say hello, introduce yourselves and ask raise the issue. If they arent receptive then I'd go up at 4am and invite them to hear it from your side. And the next night. Then I'd do a letter to environmental health or landlord.

So I set my washing machine to finish at 7am so I can hang up laundry before I go to work…. But I live in a detached house. I would never have done this when I was in my flat - it’s just one of those things you can’t do so I think you’re being perfectly reasonable in asking them to stop.

That is totally unacceptable

It doesn't really matter 6what^ it is causing the noise , dishwasher/WM/TD , they are responsible for causing it an the time of it

Go up in the day , if you can hear them moving about or playing guitar , they are in.

If it continues then yes , knock at 4am and tell them to switch it off . You'll disturb their sleep once as they have done to yours over and over , but do not tolerate it .
There's a lot of noise you need to accept living in a flat . 4am appliances isn't one of them !

@RealBecca

Go and say hello, introduce yourselves and ask raise the issue. If they arent receptive then I'd go up at 4am and invite them to hear it from your side. And the next night. Then I'd do a letter to environmental health or landlord.

This might be a very good way to make them stop.

Also highlight the fire risks of using an appliance overnight if they are not awake to watch it.