how to solve an issue with my neighbor?

Question

Hi there, I live in an apartment with wood floors, the floor (neighbor's ceiling) is very thin and it is really a huge problem because every little sound transfer through it to the neighbor, I pretty much need to walk in my tip toes to try to not make noise during the nights but it doesn't work.

If I go to the bathroom she hears it, if I walk she hears it , if I turn on my computer she hears it and finally yesterday she got really mad and told me to shut up or else. I really don't know what I can possibly do, the landlord advertised her apartment as "very quiet" and we knew it was a lie, the apartment downstairs is unlivable because no matter what I do she will hear it, I cannot fly about my apartment and I can't adjust my life around her schedule, I live here too, it is really not my fault the floor is so thin. Anyways, how can I address this issue?, I think my neighbor and I need to have a talk but I really don't know if she will believe I am not trying to make noise.

During the day it is not problem because I work and I am not at home but during the night, she wants me to shut up and go to sleep at 10 pm because that's when she goes to sleep. I have a hard time falling asleep and I try to respectfully watch some tv or surf the net, she doesn't want that, she wants me to go to sleep at 10:00 pm so she can have "peace". I can't even go to the bathroom because she hears it!.

Answer 1

You have every right to enjoy your apartment as she does hers. The excessive noise rule is normally till about 11:00 so it is tough titties for her before that.

Also...that is excessive noise, you are still allowed to have your TV on, and you certainly have the right to go to the bathroom.

If the apartment was represented as quiet, I would point out that she really has an issue with the land lord not you....you are not responsible for how the apartment was represented or for the maintenance of the structure of the building.

I would suggest to her that if she needs the peace and quiet she should pay for a higher priced and more mature and well maintained block, or better yet, get a house. If she says she can't afford to...well...her finances and life situation are again, not your problem.

It sounds as though you are trying to be mindful to her problems but she doesn't care unless it is 100% in her favour...she should be thankful she doesn't have a death metal fan above her.

Answer 2

The reality of the situation is that the floor is very thin. The Landlord had to lie about this. It is unusual to describe an apartment as quiet. What makes it quiet?
Much as you would like to be a good neighbor, it is rather unfortunate that you cann't be one. She is disturbed by the noise that comes from your floor. She cannot cope with this. There is nothing you can do or say that will be acceptable to her. All that she wants is for the noise to stop, and there is no way you can ensure that.

Answer 3

Tell your neighbor that unless she wants to take a chance that the next tenant won't have a bunch of screaming kids, or consist of a couple that argues and screams at each other every night, or that plays loud rap or rock music all the time, or an amourous neighbor who-- well, never mind, let your imagination take over-- she'd better count her blessings and be happy she has someone as considerate as you are for a neighbor.

You shouldn't have to tip-toe around and adjust your life to keep her happy. She sounds like a bit of a bully. The more you try to placate her, the more she's going to demand. Stand firm and tell her to get over herself, you will be as respectful of her need for quiet as possible, but you have a right to live a normal life and if she doesn't like that she might consider therapy.

Answer 4

She's being unreasonable. Forget it. But if you really want to do something, maybe buy some rugs to put on the floor. Or else just talk to the landlord. It sounds like she is harassing you.

Answer 5

Ignore her, or maybe buy her some ear plugs. There really isn't much you can do to be more quiet. Do your best, let her know that you are, and that's all you can do. She can either move, or learn to live with a little noise.

If she continues to act this way, let it slip that you are considering subletting your apt to a friend that wants to run a daycare ;-)

Answer 6

If you are being reasonably quiet, then it is a not a problem between you and her. It is a problem between her and the landlord since he misrepresented what she was getting. So go along with your business, and when she complains, say that you are being accommodating, and that if she doesn't agree then she should talk to the landlord.

Answer 7

I was in the EXACT same situation last year, and it forced me to move. If they misrepresented the apartment as very quiet, you can break the lease without paying a penalty, but don't expect to get your security back.

Answer 8

I think the landlord needs to break down and sound proof either your floor...or your neighbor's ceiling! It CAN be done!

Answer 9

nicely, i'm variety of a weenie, so i'd only placed a notice on the vehicle asking them in a well mannered way in the event that they might please stop parking in front of human beings's homes. in case you comprehend who the owner is you will desire to ask them for help. As a final-case hotel, the police will come mark the tires and supply a value tag if it sits for greater suitable than 24 hours. stable success!

Answer 10

Or else what?Go about your bussiness,,you can make as much noise as you want legally until 11pm.She is going beyond with this noise thing.Ignore her.