My downstair neighbor complains about walking.

7 years ago

My apartment is on the second floor of the building. I have lived in my units for ten years with my sister and we never had any complain about noises coming from my units. My downstairs neighbor moved in about 2 or 3 months ago and starts complaining that we are walking too loud. They even start saying that sometimes it's too loud to the point the their light fixture starts to shake. My whole apartment is carpeted and my sister and I are not a heavy walker.

Just to be clear, I am 5'2" and weight 100 lbs, and my sister is 5'2" and weight around 105 lbs. I don't see how their light fixture can start to shake from the noise unless we are jumping around or purposely stomping around. Last night, they even call the apartment securities to complain about the noise when we are about to go to bed. The first time they complain through the HOA office and last night was the second time they complain. When the security officer arrived he asked as to keep it down so we ask the security keep it down on what. Then he saw our TV is on and about to say TV sound then he realized that our TV sound is so low that he cannot even hear it from the door. Since the security officer and I couldn't figure out what the noise complain was we went and spoke with our downstair neighbor. The downstair neighbor said we are walking too loud to the point that they woke up (it is around 10pm at that time). She went to get her partner to speak with us but her partner was still a sleep and cannot even get up from the bed to speak. I do not know how to deal with these. This is the first time we get complain about anything since we move to this apartment 10 years ago. I really don't want to have any conflict with my neighbors. Any suggestion will be helpful. Thanks.

Featured Answer

bossyvossy

7 years ago

Can you talk to building owner or manager about the problem? It's got to do with construction rather than you and sis weight. Have them spend time at neighbor's apt and walk around like you normally do so mgr can determine noise degree. Who knows, they might add extra padding underneath your carpeting, wouldn't be a big job. You'd have a cushy floor and neighbor would have quieter space.

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Comments (9)

babs0507
7 years ago
I live below a wonderful elderly couple. They are fairly quiet, but their daughter is a "heel" walker and when she visits the glasses in my kitchen cupboards have actually rattled. I would love to suggest that a pair of " Crocs " would be perfect for her. They are made of foam so they absorb the impact of footfall. Perhaps, these may be the answer for you and your sister.
bethruan thanked babs0507
bethruan
Original Author
7 years ago
babs0507... Thank you for your suggestion. My sister and I usually walk around bare foot in the apartment since the whole apartment is carpeted. I will certainly keep in mind to look out for crocs if the situation doesn't improve.
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PLF (Middle TN, Zone 7a)
7 years ago
bossyvossy is on to something. Maybe it is time to change out the carpet & padding. I would take that suggestion. Honestly, when I've lived in apartments, people walking around didn't bother me. It was actually a bit comforting when I was a new momma & my husband was out of town or at work nights. It was nice to know someone was upstairs. I have a two story house now, and sometimes I hear the kids upstairs walking around. Of course that doesn't bother me.

The ONLY thing that bothered me with someone living above me in an apt. was a guy that used to play his guitar really loud. Just any loud music. Not even the tv bothered me if I ever heard it. Just the boom, boom, boom of music. Luckily this younger generation would rather listen to music, watch tv/laptops/tablets/phones with earphones. Maybe your neighbors just need to rent/buy a house or something if they can't get used to hearing someone walking above them. You never know what bothers people. You could cook hamburgers and they might complain about the smell.....hang in there :)
bethruan thanked PLF (Middle TN, Zone 7a)
Hilary Truchan
7 years ago
Just happened to find this thread, not sure if it is still relevant to you... but I believe you misinterpreted Bab's comment. She wasn't referring to a "heel" walker as in someone who is walking around the apartment wearing high heels, she was referring to someone who puts their heel down first while walking in such a way that it is quite loud and very noticeable. Even if you are very petite, if you do walk on your heels, it is likely very loud. I would ask my neighbor to record this personally, but this is likely what is going on.
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Laqfoil Ltd.
7 years ago
I would have an honest conversation with them without being defensive and maybe tell them you'll make an effort to keep it down if they make an effort to be more easy going. You give a little you get a little :)
Leanne Geddes
3 years ago
Wow - is this the same crazy person who moved in downstairs from us- similar situation- bangs on our floor just if we walk in the flat - and we walk pretty softly with no shoes on - never had any complaints in the 7 years we have lived here - she’s been here 3 weeks and has winged about absolutely everything and anything in the building - the noise, neighbours going to work in the morning, the building work outside (which she was prewarned about before moving in)
Joana Dino
last year
Even our downstairs neighbours complain about our footsteps even if I try to tiptoe all the time. They expect not to hear us moving around the flat after our kids go to bed. As a young couple little they know that kids don't go to sleep at nine o'clock and wake at 8 am . They need to go to the toilet, to have some milk during the night, care when sick and so on. We hear our upstairs neighbour as well all the time shaking the ceiling but do not find it so disturbing.
Brittany Kinder
4 months ago
same thing with mine I feel like I have to walk on egg shells . literally I walk in my apartment n they bang four times yes sometimes I can hear it creaking but I mean I feel like I have to be quiet to walk to use bathroom make sure I don't drop nothing. soon as I do I'm like omg hear we go. idk what to do

My downstair neighbor complains about walking.

bossyvossy

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babs0507

bethruan
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My downstair neighbor complains about walking.

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