I have a noisy neighbour who won't allow me to rest or sleep when I'm at home

[sunny6]

I've been in my apartment for 3 years, and was so happy when I moved in. After a few weeks, I heard very loud shouting, swearing, & heavy objects being thrown around upstairs. Due to being positioned in a unit directly below, I heard every single thing. I called the police. Nothing was done. It happened again, and again. I spoke to my landlord, was told to let them know what's happening, after 12 times reporting to the landlord over 3 years, he is no longer shouting or throwing things, but he has changed tactics, and now he invites heaps of his friends over to drink heavily and party, most days and nights. Police are unwilling to pursue the matter. I'm stuck feeling disrespected and denied rest. When he parties there is the loud voices and laughter plus they drag furniture roughly across the floor. I have ear plugs in at night, and try to wind down with music etc but am feeling furious now, and don't know what to do. I am starting to pack my bags, but don't have another place to go to! I am getting tearful and anxious that I can't solve this problem. I am constantly thinking of solutions, and scenarios where I am imagining I will talk to him, reason with him, ask him to be quiet...I have had a friend go with me to talk to him face to face which helped him to quieten down a for a couple of months, but I am unable to keep on going this due to stress levels and extreme fatigue (exhaustion). It's preventing me from studying my course when at home. I go out walking, shopping and all the normal things as well as work, and I get home and feel so upset and hopeless when I can hear him being so noisy and disruptive. I'm 58 and am scared I will be homeless if I can't hold on to this tenancy....because I'm not on a high income, and have no family support to fall back on. I get scary thoughts when I'm alone at nights, that I will run away somewhere. I even think I need to prepare to live on the streets, which would be better than where I'm living now. I know I have no control over this situation, and everything I've done to help myself has failed. I've prayed for help too. I'm too old to keep fighting. But I can't surrender to his harassment and abuse either. It hurts.

[Petal22]

Hi sunny6,

Well come to our forums.

Im sorry you are feeling this way and that this is happening I understand it would be very difficult.

Have you spoken to any of your neighbours? Maybe they feel the same as you?

If there is a few of you that feel the same, maybe you could all approach the strata together and lodge a complaint?

Have you thought about writing this tenant a letter?

Hang in there

[geoff]

Hello Sunny, I'm sorry this is happening and must be so annoying for you.

If you could contact:
Public housing | Housing.vic.gov.au

https://www.housing.vic.gov.au › public-housing, they may be able to provide you with a flat or a house that is cheaper than private rental.

Geoff.

[white knight]

Hi, welcome

Petal and Groff have posted some ideas.

Firstly, I've previously worked as an enforcer of noise pollution for local Government but it was 36 years ago. Decibel levels, whereby they become unlawful from a private premises must exceed certain high levels over specific time lines. It is difficult and unlikely your neighbour would ever be charged hence why police didn't pursue it.

Your discomfort is one of many reasons I left city living many years ago. Perhaps moving to a quieter place could be an option. Google-

Beyondblue topic a move to the country, why not TonyWK

I don't think things will change. I hope you find peace

TonyWK

[sunny6]

Hi Petal22. I hope you're well. Thanks for your reply to my post. You gave some good advice which I'm thinking over. A neighbour approached me yesterday, and spoke about this same problem which she is unhappy about. We are on the same page, and are making notes in a diary of times/dates/events, and she also has some sound recordings on her phone. We're going to get together to work out our next step in tackling the problem. I am hopeful. Bye for now Petal22.

[sunny6]

Hi Geoff. How are you? I hope you're good. Thank you for your reply. I appreciate your kindness. I will keep in mind your advice. It helps. From Sunny6.

[sunny6]

Hi white knight. Thanks for welcoming me to the forum. It was great to read your Beyondblue topic a move to the country - why not. I like that idea. On one hand, I'm optimistic that change will happen and things will get better, but it has been 3 years now, and I'm going to have to make a decision as to whether to move, or stay. On the other hand, you may be right that things won't change...Take care, from Sunny6.

[geoff]

Hello Sunny, I live in country Vic. and know when people apply for a house/flat they are told that there aren't any places available, however, you need to persevere because I'm told by someone who resides in a group of 40 flats that there are normally at least half a done empty flats.

If you know where these flats are then can I suggest you go there and make a conversation with someone who can tell you which flats are empty, then go back to housing and mention these empty flats and say one of them would be ideal for you.

The people on the front desk would have no idea and ask if you can book a meeting with the manager as you are despite for accomodation.

Good luck.

Geoff.