Renters: Right to silence

QUESTION:  My neighbour comes home late at night and plays loud music until the early hours of the morning, keeping me awake.

When I complained to the building committee they said, as he’s an owner and I’m a tenant I couldn’t complain myself and would have to get my landlord involved.

The landlord lives overseas and her agent is seriously not interested.  I don’t want to move out so what can I do? – Disturbed, Dee Why.

ANSWER:  First of all, you have the same rights as an owner to complain about problems in your home.

This is a clear breach of by-laws and if the executive committee won’t do anything, contact Fair Trading (Tel 13 32 20) and ask them for a mediation which can be followed by a Notice to Comply and $550 fine, if breached.

Also, if the noise from the TV or hi-fi is after 10pm on weeknights (midnight at weekends and holidays), you can call the police.

If the problem persists, you can get a noise suppression order at your local magistrates court.

Or you could just cut this out and slip it under your neighbour’s door.

Email your questions to rentals@flatchat.com.au.

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