Annoying footsteps Noise from the floor above. Can I take any legal actions against it?
I live on first floor. People living directly above my apartment makes a lot of annoying footstep noise. I can hear them walking. And its like someone is hammering when they are walking. Also it makes the wooden clickering sound as they step on the floor. And I cant stand this anymore. This is affecting my sleep.
I haven’t spoken to the people living above or the property manager. I wanted to know beforehand if I can take any legal actions to it if they don’t stop doing that. I live in Minnesota, USA in apartment complex. (I pay rent every month to the property manager)
I also hear the cracks and pops sound while they walk on the floor. Is it because of the bad flooring?
I agree that that have the right to walk around in their apartment. And I also think that they are not doing this intentionally. But the cracking wooden sound till 12 in the night affects my sleep. And it starts again around 6AM. I tried a lot to ignore this sounds but I can’t. Its been a month since I am living like this. I know I can’t change their walking style just by talking to them, so I just wanted to make them aware that if they don’t try to adapt changing their walking patter I could take this matter legally. (I don’t want to take any legal actions, I just want to scare them so they stop doing this.)
14 Responses
Fort Sill Army W
12 May 2010
Suzie
12 May 2010
Talk to them first, then talk to the property manager. If it gets worse, then take legal action.
Beefbin
12 May 2010
Yes, you can sue them for walking around in their apartment.
Patti
12 May 2010
Good grief, people have a right to walk around in their own apartment. Perhaps you should move to a top level apartment and not have that problem. How do you expect to get around in their home? Maybe you can suggest they lay on their stomachs and slide around like snakes instead of walking upright.
Judy
12 May 2010
What are you wanting them to stop doing, walking around their apartment? If they were having loud parties, you might have a legit complaint to the landlord or local authorities.
hippo
12 May 2010
I agree that you should talk with them first, and give them a few chances. BUT make sure you keep dates and times of when you asked them and give them a reasonable time to adapt… that way if it goes to court you look reasonable as you’ve tried to be considerate, and polite and asked nicely more than once… this should give you more weight if it goes to court and it also potentially stops your neighbours being hostile if it’s sorted outside of court (i.e. just by asking them).
I would advice asking them when you are in a good mood and not late at night. Also sometimes their are regulations in some apartments that unless you are the ground floor you aren’t allowed wooden floors for this reason… i.e. you must have carpets which cushion the sound.
You need to find out if there are any regulations relating to their apartment or the block of apartments.
wizjp
12 May 2010
uh….I’m pretty sure their lease entitles them to walk on the floor they are renting.
If the landlord is not inclined to work with the soundproofing/flooring between floors, you probably have nothing here but irritation till you can move out.
houseofjoseph200
12 May 2010
John you have a problem.. You can only make an issue of the noise if it is deemed to be excessive.. But normal living noises you have a big problem.. You will think twice about renting a flat with a wooden floor above your head next time.. You can try talking to the people above you.. They might be nice and try to be quiet for you.. good luck
Big River
12 May 2010
Noise = "unwanted sound" but noise bylaws are tricky. Usually you have to make an effort to fix the situation yourself. For you, that would be speaking with the property manager. Then if nothing happens, you may be able to get help from the police. Perhaps you can check locally* to find out how to go about it. Usually noise by-laws only apply to noise after 11:00 p.m.
(*City Hall, Library, other people in your area, call the police non-emergency number and ask -without making a complaint)
Good luck to you.
Jacob M
12 May 2010
Are you serious? Unless you’re living in a high class apartment you don’t even have a reason to complain. Ask to move to a top floor like somebody said. Then again, after that you would probably complain that you have to walk up fifteen stairs. There won’t be any legal action taking place unless you don’t pay your rent. Please tell me that they are stomping on purpose, then I will understand your reasoning. I highly doubt that though since you didn’t mention it.
Don D
12 May 2010
First talk with your neighbors becuase they might just not realize. If you are uncomfortable with that or it doesn’t pan out talk with management. They can either talk with them and tell them to be quieter. They also have to abide by the noise ordinance laws of your state. It might not fall under the ordinance because of the type of noise.
Sally
12 May 2010
Patti is right on! LEGAL ACTION, are you kidding? For what living everyday life. I can not believe you think you have a legal case against people walking around and the floors squeak a little. You are bordering on paranoia so you should tell the LL and see if they will allow you out of your lease so you can MOVE.
That is what apt. life is all about unless you are in a penthouse or 3K a month place.
David S
12 May 2010
If the flooring in your apartment building sucks that bad you can always move to an upstairs unit or leave the apartment complex.
overhereyouprett
12 May 2010
I read your question three times…..Im hoping there is a real problem here other then what you are complaining about,because any action you take is gonna be a laughter is the best medicane ..in readers digest at some point…
so i have a ideal….soft music,just loud enough to be soathing…or …ear plugs
WOW glad I dont live above, next or near to you… you are rude. people are allowed to walk at ALL hours of the day and it isnt their fault if the floors are noisy, or bad. Or theres lack of insulation between floors.