Living in a community is not easy, since sometimes problems and frictions due to coexisting can arise among the neighbors that may require the intervention of the property manager in order to advise them in search of a quick and effective solution. One of the most common conflicts between neighbors, and therefore, in communities, is noise, whether caused by family arguments, parties or by the high volume of devices such as televisions. In any case, here are some keys to dealing with this problem.
Noise problems with neighbours: what is there to know?
In a community of owners it is important to know the acceptable and regulated levels of noise, when a complaint can be filed or even if a court can be reached as a result of excessive noise. To have all the keys and know what is necessary, we must resort to the Law, for the case that concerns us is Law 37/2003 of November 17, Royal Decree 1367/2007 and the municipal ordinance in which regulates the time allowed to make noise susceptible to general discomfort at home. During the day from 7h to 22h, the decibel level cannot exceed 35-40 dB. However, at night time (10pm to 7am) this is limited to 30 dB to respect the resting period of the occupants of the building. In order to evaluate and measure the decibels emitted by a source (shouts, televisions, etc.) a sound level meter is required.
Bearing in mind that the vast majority of people do not have this device, a fairly reliable approach is to assess whether the level, for example, of a conversation in a specific flat, or television can be heard clearly from another or, from the landing of the stairs. In this case, we would understand, it is a nuisance for the development of normal life, since it interrupts activities of the other neighbors.
How to deal with noisy neighbors in a community of owners?
Once we have detected this type of behaviour, we should always start with dialogue. If we engage in a friendly dialogue it is possible to mediate so that the neighbour reduces the noise that s/he or they are generating without having to file a police complaint. If conversation fails, the community of owners should be resorted to. If this noise is indeed excessive, it is likely that other neighbors are also bothered by it, and, therefore, it is possible to act jointly by notifying the president of the community and the property administrator. Having reached this stage, the president can instruct the administrator to write a formal document requiring the ending of the noises and the compliance with the legal stipulations and the municipal ordinances.
In the event that this mediation would not result either, you can go directly to the local police or to the Town Hall registry to alert the neighbours in question formally. When filing a complaint, it must be clear that you must meet these requirements:
It cannot be anonymous.
There must be a reliable account of the facts
Evidence must be presented that demonstrates the allegations
In these cases, the legal coverage of insurance can sometimes help, so you should also consult with them about this guarantee.It is advisable, when possible, to draft a technical report with a sound level meter to measure to check that the decibel levels have been exceeded, or have the police be present when this annoying noise are occurring to verify the situation.
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