A neighbour recently reported noisy upstairs children causing daily disruptions, making it difficult to watch TV due to loud running and constant noise. What can be done?
Start with a friendly approach: Speak to your neighbours and explain the issue with specific examples, offering solutions like using rugs in noisy areas. If possible, provide them with a noise recording. This concerned neighbour approach may solve the problem without having to escalate it to formal measures.
If that doesn’t work, escalate to your strata: If you’re uncomfortable approaching them or if the issue persists, file a complaint with your strata committee or manager. Provide specific examples and solutions for them to discuss with your neighbours.
Formal action: If the strata committee doesn’t resolve the issue, request a notice to comply. If that fails, you can apply for mediation with Fair Trading (free service). If mediation doesn’t work, you can apply to NCAT for orders that they refrain from causing a nuisance under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015, but you’ll need sufficient evidence.
Author: Allison Benson