Owner making all the wrong noises

QUESTION: My neighbour plays loud music late at night and when I complained he said I’m a tenant, he’s an owner so that’s tough on me.  I asked the secretary of the Executive Committee and he said they can’t do anything unless the landlord makes a complaint.  I asked the rental agent and he said the owner doesn’t want to know and If I’m not happy I can go when my lease is up. I like living here (apart  from the noise) and I don’t want to start searching for another flat.  Do I really have to put up with this? – DefRenter, Manly.

ANSWER: You don’t have to wait until your landlord does something about this (although there are ways you can compel them to take action).  You have the same rights to peace and quiet as an owner so the simplest answer is to go directly to Fair Trading and ask for a mediation followed by an application for a Notice To Comply with by-laws to be issued to your obnoxious neighbour.

Don’t forget that if they are playing loud music after 10pm on week nights (midnight at weekends) you can call the police.

Read all about your rights to a peaceful life HERE.