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[CastelFiasco]

An elderly  non-English speaking person in our villa complex makes some personal cleansing noises for about 15-20 minutes each afternoon. I haven’t heard this noise but it seems to be ? clearing the lungs or ? gargling and spitting or similar. Whatever the noise, a couple of residents  find it offensive – it makes them feel sick etc. 

I reluctantly communicated with the person using an iPad program and asked him to keep his bathroom window closed at that time which he did for a short time. However it has become a formal complaint to the OC. The strata manager was asked to write asking the person to contain the noise. The person then submitted a letter [written by another person] apologising, however the noise has continued and red faces now accompany the complaints.

I am quite upset about this as he is a very gentle person and otherwise is very quiet. He does not want to upset the neighbours, but his age and lack of English make easy communication difficult.

Is it reasonable to complain about personal care noises? I don’t understand why the people who hear the noise don’t close their own windows, or move elsewhere in their homes for the short time involved. It is hard to sort out the difference between reasonable offence and a level of racism. Is this person at risk of falling foul of a noise by law re other peoples’ enjoyment of their property?

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