Long time lurker, 1st time poster, hello!
Live in a terraced house. Neighbours with a 3 year old moved in just before Xmas into a council home next door. Sadly they have laid the worst laminate down and put pretendy wood panelling on our joining wall. We share flooring joists sadly.
The result?
A very 'live' room where I can hear their conversations, their child screaming and shouting and the worst bit, every single footstep sounds like a loud thump in my house and can be felt through the floor and walls.
So, these are the steps I took.
Went around and asked very nicely if they could ask their little one from running too much as it comes over as thumps and explained we could hear every footstep.
I used noise cancelling headphones to watch TV (didn't work, could still hear and feel the thumps). Used earplugs, didn't work so couldn't read books. Tried to get peace and sit in the garden, sadly greeted by screams through their permanently open child's window (even at -4oc!). Before they moved in I met the grandad over the garden fence and he said his grandchild was hideously noisy so they are aware.
Mental health starting to be affected, I just couldn't do anything. Then the skunk smoking started which the smell creeps up under the floors - I lost it and contacted the council. They stopped the smoking quite sharpish as new council tenants, they are on probation. The council agreed that there was a noise issue at 1st, the tenant agreed 8 months ago to buy a rug. Of course, that never happened and the council closed the case, saying it's normal family life noises despite having a clause in their rental agreements about not laying poor flooring that causes an issue. Oh, I bumped into a lady who I'd known in passing for a while and had many a friendly chat, who turned out to be neighbours Auntie, who saw fit to shout at me, telling me that a child will always be noisy, I should shut up and 'nobody likes me', as a hilarious passing shot. This is a grown woman and school playground stuff!
Fast forward 3 weeks ago, I've had enough. I now play music the moment I am disturbed, no matter what time it is because it's nicer than hearing them, better for my soul. My neighbours the other side of me said they are ok and understand why am doing it and don't really like my next door anyway.
I can tell they are pissed off with my music as their noise is getting louder and louder, buying their child a whistle, a bouncy ball and someone is now using heeled shoes and really stomping hard on the ground. I just turn it up. I am not going to give up, every time they get louder, so do I. I own my house, I don't see why after 13 years I should have to leave. There is a row of 6 houses on this little bit and a few folk moved away and new ones came in, until now we've always been considerate to each other.
Luckily I absolutely love music - and for 13 years I've not played it as always respected neighbours peace, so that aspect has been nice! I am wondering how long it will be before they make the connection? Or if they are the entitled sort who think they are the only people who count.
Ah, not sure why written, just wondering what your thoughts or experiences are if been in a similar situation? Cheers very much!