Handbook - Noise & Nuisance

SURBITON COURT FLATS 1-69 HANDBOOK

Noise & Nuisance

Introduction

On coming to live in Surbiton Court, many new residents remark how quiet and peaceful it is compared with the surrounding area as a whole. This applies indoors as much as outside in the gardens. Much of this peacefulness is due to their neighbours showing due consideration and respect for each other's right to a quiet life. This right is reinforced by the Lease (signed by all flat owners and, by extension, agreed by any sub-tenants).

Residents should, in particular, note the following two clauses relating to noise in the Schedule to the Lease:

No Tenant shall use his premises or permit them to be used for any purpose of an illegal or immoral improper unpleasant noisy or noxious nature.
No Tenant shall make or allow any person or persons or child or children under his control to make undue noise in or about the Building or (in respect of any part of the stairways balconies halls and passages of the Building used in common with others) to loiter or play therein or thereon.

Noise within buildings

Owing to its age, Surbiton Court has no sound insulation between flats. As a result sound carries, and is often amplified, upwards, downwards and sideways.

Noise transmission between flats can be minimised by fitted, or wall-to-wall, carpet and underlay on the floors. Hard flooring such as laminate, bare boards, Amtico, etc. is guaranteed to do the exact opposite, amplifying noise in all directions.

If you wish to install any type of hard flooring you must apply to the Board for guidance on acceptable sound levels and approval before any such work is started.
Please Note that approval for such work will not be granted unless appropriate sound insulation is also installed: this is to comply with the noise and nuisance clauses in the Lease.

Residents should bear in mind that failure to obtain approval before starting any work may result in restorative or remedial work at your own expense, and may also cause delays should you subsequently decide to sell your flat.

In addition please note that, should you subsequently sell your flat, your purchasers’ solicitors will ask for evidence that approval was granted for any alterations to your flat. If you have undertaken work without the required approval, this may cause problems or delay with the sale. For full details please refer to Alterations & Renovations to Flats.

The terms of the Lease do not permit noise between midnight and 07.00 am, or at any other time if it causes nuisance or annoyance to other residents.

Noisy building work may only be undertaken between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm on Mondays to Fridays, and between 9.00 am and 1.00 pm on Saturdays. Noisy work may not take place on Sundays or Bank Holidays.

Please be aware of the sound levels of your TV, audio equipment, household appliances and DIY equipment. If you, or your visitors, drive into the inner Court, especially between midnight and 7.00 am, please ensure that any noise is kept to a minimum.

Other Nuisances

Washing or clothing must not be hung out of the windows, or left in any communal areas.

No placards, posters or signs may be fixed to the external walls or placed in the windows.

Aerials or satellite dishes may not be fixed to the exterior of Surbiton Court.

In short, residents must not do, or allow to be done, anything which causes a nuisance or annoyance to other residents, as this would be in breach of the Terms of the Lease.