#12563
Jimmy-T
Keymaster

    I checked with Blue about whether this was noise from the pipes or the sound of water and this was her reply:

    It's actually both. Once they turn the water on, the pipes start humming (or whistling is another way of describing it) and then afterwards the water

    noise gurgling down drains also starts. The noise carries on for 30-40mins

    which by this time wakes me up and keeps me awake. I have also tried to go outside (while the neighbours are in the bathroom) and the noise is loud even if you are standing in the stairwell. 

    It strikes me that there are two issues here – one is some kind of pipe noise caused by water pressure, the other is lack of sound insulation between the bathroom and Blue's bedroom, including insulation round the pipes.

    This is more than likely a common property 'defect' and Blue's landlord needs to get the Owners Corporation to attend to it as a matter of urgency.  Meantime, the landlord should be offering a rent reduction until the problem is fixed.  This should not be seen as an aggressive action against the landlord – it's also giving them ammunition to take to the OC to demand action.

    The neighbour is entitled to shower whenever they want (as long as they don't sing after 10 pm).  The fault is in the building or the conversion and the remedy lies with the OC.  Even if the problem was caused by an 'off-the-books' renovation, it's still up to the OC to make sure it's fixed and only the landlord can force the OC to do anything like this.

    Blue should call the Tenants Advice Line 8117 3750 or freecall 1800 251 101,  Mondays 3:00–6:00pm or go to https://www.tenants.org.au for more information.

    The opinions offered in these Forum posts and replies are not intended to be taken as legal advice. Readers with serious issues should consult experienced strata lawyers.