Is there a law regarding noise from ceiling hoists?

by Readers Question

1:53 PM, 20th June 2016, 10 years ago 4

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Landlord News Landlords Questions

I am a part-time landlord with one property, but I am renting my flat. Recently a ceiling hoist has been installed in the flat below and I am getting less and less sleep as the downstairs neighbour goes to bed much later than me and also gets up at about 6.00am.

I have spoken to him previously about noise and he didn’t respond so I’m pretty sure talking to him won’t do any good.

I just wonder whether there are any rules or laws regarding these hoists being installed under some-one’s bedroom?

Many thanks

Sylvia

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Neil Patterson Read Full Bio

Member Since February 2011 - Comments: 3462 - Articles: 286

1:56 PM, 20th June 2016, About 10 years ago

Hi Sylvia,

I am hoping someone can be more help to you than me as I had to look up what a ceiling hoist was.

However, in leasehold properties the Lease often stipulates you must use carpet and not laminate or wood to keep the noise lower.

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ian

Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 264

2:07 PM, 20th June 2016, About 10 years ago

Personally if a person was that disabled that they need a hoist, I would take up my bedroom floor & install sound proofing.

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Sam Addison Read Full Bio

Member Since April 2014 - Comments: 163

5:42 PM, 20th June 2016, About 10 years ago

While not an expert, i believe that noise comes under either private nuisance (affecting only you) or public nuisance (affecting many – such as car horns after 11 p.m.). Personally I would try very hard to avoid the legal route. Since you reckon there is no point talking to the neighbour (Jaw jaw better than War war) I would look at earplugs while sleeping or, as Ian says, soundproof the floor.

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Ian Ringrose

Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 562

6:02 PM, 20th June 2016, About 10 years ago

I expect that the ceiling host has been bolted to a beam; if it was supported on an “A Frame” it would not need to be fixed to a ceiling beam.

As you are renting your flat, I think the best option is just to find somewhere else to live, ideally a detached house.

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