Hi everyone,
Just a question which somebody may be able to help me with. I live next door to a council tenant with a few problems (too many to list - but basically some kind of mental illness that allows her to live alone in a 3 to 4 bedroom house while one govt dept ridiculously pays another the so-named bedroom tax), and there is a lot of noise of every kind - loud music, constant hum of air conditioners/fans, random shouting.
Has anybody got experience of sound proofing through carpets, walls etc? What does it cost? Are there any good providers that you know of? Does it work?
Any help appreciated because it's either solve this problem or think about moving house.
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Comments
Complain to the council and keep a log of her antics.
However I have read that it has worked for some people. The best thing is to get a sound proofing company round at the time the noise is happening. If the company is reputable then they should be able to advise if its possible based on what kind of noise there is and how it is coming into your property.
Also I've been talking to the council for ages about this, but when somebody's mentally ill it's a lot harder to get them out. They basically have to volunteer to go themselves from what I can see. For a while i did hit back with noise and the problem is - mentally ill as she might be - she seems to have a knack for knowing that if she retaliates at 2 in the morning on a Sunday, for example, she's wrecked my working day Monday.
From what you say she isn't a moron, she has mental health problems, but you have a right to "enjoyment" of your home which includes freedom from unreasonable noise etc, and the tenant will have a number of clauses in her contract that cover expected reeasonable behaviour. As the property owner the LA does have a legal obligation to you, but it may be better to try to discuss the matter WITH A PROFESSIONAL THIRD PARTY PRESENT.
Not sure what authority you are under but all with have some sort of noise team and asb officers.
As already advised keep diary sheets - it helps if you emphasise the negative effect the incidents are having on you.
Keep records of all of your interactions with the authority.
Initially I would suggest you go down the "correct" route and deal with the specific team.
If you aren't happy with the way the case is handled a letter to the Chief Exec and Leader of the Council will get people cracking.
If you know who he/she is, a visit to your elected members surgery will also prompt an enquiry.
Having worked in the area, I would advise you to stay calm with the staff you deal will. The are bound by policy and procedure and I can assure you they will be much more receptive if you come across as reasonable and not a ranting lunatic.
Even if they can't evict you may get an intervention from a cpn or social worker who can deal with the mental illness issues - might be a case of the person being off their meds.
I would contact the E.H.
Clem Snide above provides solid advice on handling the noise as well. A noise diary is essential. Advise the Housing Officer of the problem in writing. You can also try to identify the Mental health team whether they are known and who to ie under 65 adults team for instance. You can then advise the Housing Officer. If the information is too hand then they don't have to go and dig the information out and you are more likely to get them to act. The Housing Officer should be talking to the appropriate mental health team to see if the person is known and who their CPN / Social Worker is. The Housing Officer should be working with the Tenancy Enforcement Officer.
If you are not satisfied with the response then discuss with your local Councillor (email them information to make it easy for them after seeing them) and get them to raise a members enquiry. That will get your Housing Officer managers attention. It is important that you are calm when dealing with the Council Officers / Mental health team as Clem Snide says. Do explain the distress that the noise is causing. Avoid any political statements about Housing Benefit or the fact that they live in a 4 bedroom flat or any negative statements regarding mental health as it will make you look harsh. The more reasonable and less judgemental you come accross, the more supportive and understanding the Housing and Health staff will be.
Probably Sound Proofing and dealing with the local Housing Officer will help manage the problem the sufficiently.
Anyway thanks again for all the info and hopefully it will all be solved soon.