Washing machine blues

[LaughingGirl]

I have to be honest, about 10 years ago we lived in a flat and our upstairs neighbours had a washing machine on a concrete floor. I think you'd be surprised how incredibly loud it is in your neighbour's flat - we couldn't hear the TV, or each other speak. I think because the ceiling cavity acted as an amplifier, it was actually much louder in our flat than it was in their own.

 

That being said, they had it on every day not just once a week, and I appreciate that if you're on Economy 7 it is cheaper to use it at night. Is there any way you could place it on something to dampen the noise?

 

In fact, what about something like this?

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/VIBRATION-DAMPERS-Dampeners-Pack-Dishwasher/dp/B002V7Y8JY

[LaughingGirl]

Yes, but three minutes on a fast spin is enough to wake you up when it sounds like the machine is going to come through your ceiling.

 

Honestly, I can only advise you based on my own experience, and that is that it's probably much louder in their flat than it is in yours. I'll also be honest and say that although I never complained to them or anyone else while we were there, if they'd been using it through the night I probably would have done. Unfortunately, noise issues are an occupational hazard of living in flats, I'm afraid. In my experience, it's better to try to find a compromise rather than let it escalate into a tenant war. Is it coming on at 10pm?

[LaughingGirl]

Well, all I can really say is that it's up to you where you go from here - just bear in mind that he/she has already chosen to go to a housing officer rather than have a polite word with you about it first. These things have a nasty way of escalating into 'us v's them' situations - if it was me, I'd stick a polite note through his door saying that I didn't realise it was so loud, I'd try to find a way to reduce the noise in future but if it's still a problem come and let me know.

 

EDIT: Sorry, just seen your other post. Just contact the housing officer, tell her that you've apologised and are going to try to dampen the noise in future. To be honest, nothing's going to happen unless he continues to complain and they actually do end up monitoring the noise. Even then, I can't see noise occurring once a week affecting your tenancy. Do you have a tenants handbook? Have a look at what their policies are on handling 'noise nuisance'.

[LaughingGirl]

Ironically, the housing officer was probably trying to stop the situation escalating to where the noise levels need to be checked, by having a quiet word and letting you know that he's getting wound up about it.

[LaughingGirl]

Probably not a bad idea. At least then you'll have it in writing as to whether you're breaking any rules.

[LaughingGirl]

I do understand your annoyance, Matt. Unfortunately, once they start getting equipment in to check the noise levels, the situation has already escalated and I'm sure that's something that the Housing Association (and you, really) would prefer to avoid.

[LaughingGirl]

If you made a complaint one would not be suprised if your complaint was checked out first in case it was being exaggerated.

 

Fair enough - as I say, I understand why you're annoyed. Lets see what the HA come up with - you should have a much clearer idea of where you stand when they reply.