Search Q&A
Neighbor complaining of noise from us
Referring to noise pollution at:
http://www.brussels.irisnet.be/living-in-brussels/environment/administra...
which says:
# "If you cause a temporary or persistent noise nuisance above certain values as the owner, holder or user of a source of noise"
Following question arises as my neighbor living ~30 meters across (two gardens in between) is complaining if we listen to music from the balcony, during the weekend, during the day. She also swears loudly when we talk on the phone from the balcony.
(1) Does anybody know what is this certain value (in decibels), referred in above link?
(2) Talking on the phone from the balcony in normal voice-Is that an offence?
(3) Listening to music from a portable radio on the balcony (low volume-if the music cannot be heared 10 to 15 meters away) ! Would that be an offense (?
(She says she cannot read her book anymore.)
(1) The legal "measure" in the UK is enough noise to cause a disturbance. It is not actually set in DBs - it is left to the individual environmental health officer to decide what is or is not a noise nuisance. If you think about it, a very low and persistent thud (like a disco bass drum) does not register highly in terms of volume, but can cause great disturbance.
(2) No
(3) No
Buy her some earplugs.
www.di.be
Inflicting your second hand music on your neighbours is anti social, period. The volume is irrelevant. Playing your music to the general public who don't want to hear it is simply not on.
See has she a history of making these complaints. I agree about the noise iintrusion on neighbours - but its all about the levels - if you are living in an appartment - its not like living in a million euro townhouse. You get what you pay for!
I would be pro-active ( as it seems you are being already) by educating myself. Then armed with all the right info I would be ready for her complaints next time. Ask the authorities to come to see you before she does - finish the matter - YOU can't live this way for a long period of time...too much stress. Poor you - take control.
Disagree with your statement - "it's all about the levels"
If you inflict your choice of music on anyone else, at any volume, no matter the level then you are being anti social.
If another person can hear your music from their place it's too loud.
