I am a mother of 2 kids, and we have moved to our current apartment since July of last year. I desperately need some advice.
The very first day of moving into our third floor apartment, my downstairs neighbor knocked and complained about walking, running footstep noise from my 2 year old child. I admit, it was late around 11:30pm, and we have been winding down from our moving. We were all excited with our new place, and my 2 year old kept walking and at times running around the living room area. We answered and politely said we will keep the noise down.
The following month, he knocked and complained about the footsteps and running and thumping sound around 7:30pm. Again, I explained that my two year old was playing in our living room, and some times he would drop his toys to the ground. I would tell him to stop but after awhile he would go about his business. Kids are kids.
The following day, our car rear driver side tire was slashed and flat. It was parked at our secured basement garage. I ended up buying a new tire and have kept the receipt.
The day after that, I received a letter from our neighbor formally complaining to the Home Owner's association about the running and thumping noise from hardwood floors. Our unit is fully carpeted. As this was happening, I made sure I communicate with my landlord about the incidents. We waited for a reply from the Home Owner's, but nothing came.
I finally brought my children with me and had a talk with the complaining neighbor in hopes to resolve his complaint. I found out that his wife was pregnant and sleeps in the living room area. I explained that I am teaching my 2 year old not to run or make noise, but at times I cannot help it. The kids go to bed before tem pm. I suggested that maybe his wife can stay in the bedroom instead as a compromise. My comment had infuriated the man and he went forward as if to lunge towards me till his wife held him in place. From then on, for our safety, I will decide not to entertain him any longer.
My landlord and I followed up with the Home Owner's association, and she corrected the complaint that her unit has carpeting. The Home owner's conclusion was to try keep our child quiet at all times, take away his toys from him and is okay to let him cry except keep him from walking and running. They advised me to keep a record of everything that transpires and they will get back to the neighbor.
This month he knocked at my door at 8:30pm, and being fed up with the harassment, I called the police to help intervene and I told them what had transpired in the past.
This week I received a call from my landlord saying that she received a written complaint about the same issue and the content of the letter says that it was rude of me to call the police and not answer the door for him. She also said that all my conversation or discussions from within my home; the neighbor can hear and understand. And it had become unbearable for him and his wife.
I fear that this has escalated to the point that our safety is in jeopardy, especially my son since he is the main source of the problem. I am thinking of getting legal help. I am so stressed out that my blood pressure is too high that I now take medication. I have been very hard on the kids that they can no longer do their normal activities. My family's right to privacy is threatened by the written fact that he listens to our every discussions within the confines of our home.
Please help, and if you can offer advice?
moonshadow
lucy
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