We own a ground floor flat on a leasehold basis in a converted house. The upper flat is rented out by the freeholder. The noise from the flat is really bad due to zero sound insulating measures when converted. We can hear everything that’s happening upstairs. The occupants are very reasonable and do what they can to minimise the noise but it’s still bad. We would like the freeholder to take some measures to address this. Does anyone know the best way to approach the issue and if any planning law or other law applies?
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First of all, when was the conversion completed and what were the building control regulations at the time? Was building control signed off and if so was an acoustic test performed? Answers to most of these should be in your conveyancing pack and / or on the planning portal. Did the current freeholder do the work? -
If your conversion was pre 1990's (which I am assuming it is) you are probably out of luck due to the lack of sound insulation building regulations. The freeholder will not be responsible for any subsequent improvements.
It would be a gamble as anecdotally effectiveness is very varied, but (given upstairs are already trying to be quietish) your only real hope would probably be to retrofit a sound insulated false ceiling at your own expense.Comment
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Is there any carpet laid on the floor of upstairs flat ? Is the noise coming from lounge or from bedrooms ?
Is carpet over the floor specified in the lease ?Comment
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