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Loud TV of neighbour

Question

Dear all,

My upstairs neighbour is an old lady who loves watching very loud tv starting 11 p.m. every night. She watches anywhere till 2 a.m. to 5 a.m.

The tv is loud enough to wake up my husband and/or me with a jolt. I have heart problems which means when I get scared in my sleep with such sudden noise, I wake up with a racing heart (tachycardia). It takes a long time before my heart goes back to normal :(

I have tried everything from talking to her, talking to the building 'patriarch' who in turn spoke with the lady on my behalf, banging on the door and doing these things in a loop. I haven't yet called the police on her. Can I do that? I really don't want to.

What are the appropriate ways I can escalate this issue? The old lady pays no heed to our requests. She doesn't even open her door. This is getting out of hand as my working husband doesn't even get his sleep anymore.

What are the noise complaint authorities and their contacts in Brussels? Please guide me. I don't speak French or Dutch, so my googling powers are limited here.

Thank you in advance everyone. I really don't want to be 'that' neighbour but this situation has been going on for months now.

anon

If you have the patience, before you try the police, I would try your local CPAS (or your flemish equivalent). Not sure how old she is, but that sounds like typical behaviour of someone with dementia. (Both my parents did this). I know it's not your responsibility to look after her, but she may be known to the CPAS already, and they may be able to help.

Jan 27, 2017 09:30
sparkles

earplugs

Jan 27, 2017 09:35
Rupert

Move

Jan 27, 2017 10:56
neocon666

If you have access to the counters, cut her electricity. Period. That will teach her a lesson.

Jan 27, 2017 11:14
casperisk

I tried earplugs, good ones. Doesn't work. Hmm, I don't think I care about her enough to get involved with her CPAS file but will suggest this to my husband.

Any other solutions are welcome.

Jan 27, 2017 11:29
Timo

Buy her some earphones.

Jan 27, 2017 12:56
casperisk

She is 83 years old and doesn't speak very coherently when talking and claims to not understand what I say to her. She is not the one who would use earphones properly or at all.

Jan 27, 2017 14:48
anon

"She is 83 years old and doesn't speak very coherently"

She needs social care, not the police. Again, I would suggest the local CPAS as the first port of call.

Jan 27, 2017 15:05
casperisk

Could you shed some light on what CPAS might do about it? I am reluctant to assume the role of her nanny. But yes, I'll do what it takes.

Jan 27, 2017 16:55
anon

The CPAS is the equivalent to Social Services in the U.K. They are managed, funded and can be contacted through your local commune.

If she's old and already "in the system", the CPAS may well have lots of information on her, for example, the contact details of her family etc. Perhaps her family don't know that she is this bad? They can coordinate with her GP or other professionals, or send a social worker to see her.

Jan 27, 2017 21:17

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