There's a vote on 9 June 2016 for eligible residents of Kentish Town to vote (or not) yes or no to the Kentish Town Forum (designated group) HERE putting forward a Plan for the ward/neighbourhood.
I wish them good luck as they have put in a lot of effort into getting things set up etc.
I do intend to vote as its not for a candidate but an issue (can't bring myself to vote for candidates anymore) but i've not made my mind up whether to vote yes or no.
I must admit I am wary of all these platforms for people to get involved in running things, I guess due too my experience of council tenant participation with the landlord and how some groups behave and dominant things and all the shenanigans that surround it.
Personally speaking I am for less people (but the right people) being involved in running things and if I am accused of being anti-democratic by some than so be it, its my view and different views are allowed even in the 'communist republic' of Camden where capitalism thrives but say something controversial and its like its the end of the world - for some.
There are good and bad on all sides, but please no more of the 'bad' ones.
I will decide on the day.
Update 10 June 2016
Apparently most residents who voted said yes to the Plan.
Yes 1717 = 90.9 %
No 158 = 8.3%
Turnout - 13.75%.
I voted yes - thought I'd give it a go to see how the KT Forum and the Plan works in practice (not that I thought anything rested on my vote, but I figured it would be passed)
Friday 3 June 2016
Tuesday 12 April 2016
Camden Housing Resident Scrutiny Group
The group of council tenants called the Camden Housing Resident Scrutiny Group[CHRSG] are meeting this evening HERE at the town hall, but haven't put the minutes of their 15 March 2016 meeting up on the councils website.
Meetings
12 Nov 2013 here
Meetings
12 Nov 2013 here
14 Jan 2014 here presentation on 6 week new tenancy visits
11 March 2014 here presentation on the initial STAR survey results
13 May 2014 here presentation on complaints. 72% of complaints the Council received related to HASC and most of these related to repairs and improvements.
10 June 2014 here
8 July 2014 here the cost of the group was mentioned with officers saying it would be difficult to provide accurate data until the end of the 2014-15 financial year.
12 Aug 2014 here self-assessment forms circulated. members advised to complete and return by the end of the week. Sept for assessment interviews. Members to return their signed Code of Conduct forms by the end of the week. Introduction to the council complaints process
9 Sept 2014 here further information about complaints. Communications strategy.
14 Oct 2014 here extent of the groups influence
11 Nov 2014 here info on complaints. request to have further training on the councils finances
9 Dec 2014 here information from the last STAR survey. complaints info
13 Jan 2015 here election of chair and vice-chair . finance training.
10 Feb 2015 here leaseholders forum. more complaints info
10 March 2015 here
14 April 2015 here review of groups documents and ways of working. complaints report.
19 May 2015 here repairs
9 June 2015 here better homes presentation. Review of Camden Housing Resident Scrutiny Group. The issue of member’s conduct outside of group activities was felt by many members to be beyond the remit of the group and its Code of Conduct.
14 July 2015 here complaints report. references to members’ behaviour outside of the group’s activities will be removed from the group’s Code of Conduct. better homes.
11 Aug 2015 here complaints report. better homes. a member shouldn't use the name of the group when pursuing foi
8 Sept 2015 here freedom of information applications. better homes. discussions were also had around conduct in meetings.
13 Oct 2015 here Andrew Pierce (casp member) discussed with the group feedback about CHRSG from casp
10 Nov 2015 here better homes. tenant survey.
8 Dec 2015 here feedback on the Croydon Learning Exchange Event. better homes external works. tenant surveys. group review.
11 March 2014 here presentation on the initial STAR survey results
13 May 2014 here presentation on complaints. 72% of complaints the Council received related to HASC and most of these related to repairs and improvements.
10 June 2014 here
8 July 2014 here the cost of the group was mentioned with officers saying it would be difficult to provide accurate data until the end of the 2014-15 financial year.
12 Aug 2014 here self-assessment forms circulated. members advised to complete and return by the end of the week. Sept for assessment interviews. Members to return their signed Code of Conduct forms by the end of the week. Introduction to the council complaints process
9 Sept 2014 here further information about complaints. Communications strategy.
14 Oct 2014 here extent of the groups influence
11 Nov 2014 here info on complaints. request to have further training on the councils finances
9 Dec 2014 here information from the last STAR survey. complaints info
13 Jan 2015 here election of chair and vice-chair . finance training.
10 Feb 2015 here leaseholders forum. more complaints info
10 March 2015 here
14 April 2015 here review of groups documents and ways of working. complaints report.
19 May 2015 here repairs
9 June 2015 here better homes presentation. Review of Camden Housing Resident Scrutiny Group. The issue of member’s conduct outside of group activities was felt by many members to be beyond the remit of the group and its Code of Conduct.
14 July 2015 here complaints report. references to members’ behaviour outside of the group’s activities will be removed from the group’s Code of Conduct. better homes.
11 Aug 2015 here complaints report. better homes. a member shouldn't use the name of the group when pursuing foi
8 Sept 2015 here freedom of information applications. better homes. discussions were also had around conduct in meetings.
13 Oct 2015 here Andrew Pierce (casp member) discussed with the group feedback about CHRSG from casp
10 Nov 2015 here better homes. tenant survey.
8 Dec 2015 here feedback on the Croydon Learning Exchange Event. better homes external works. tenant surveys. group review.
12 Jan 2016 here Election of chair and vice-Chair. better homes. Recruitment Plan 2016
9 Feb 2016 here Overview of anti-social behaviour
15 March 2016 here Code of Conduct. Noise nuisance. better homes.
12 April 2016 here (march minutes not included)
Mention of members of group being unpaid volunteers.
9 Feb 2016 here Overview of anti-social behaviour
15 March 2016 here Code of Conduct. Noise nuisance. better homes.
12 April 2016 here (march minutes not included)
Mention of members of group being unpaid volunteers.
10 May 2016 here
Update 18 April 2016
In regards to the minutes: I'm sure some of this years minutes put up have been amended as I remember reading where the mention of members or a member not to tell others what to do was minuted or words to that effect and the last minutes where one of the groups members threatened staff re to make a complaint but can't find them now.
Any relation to why March's minutes haven't been put up on councils website?
I wonder who the person/s are who tell others what to and who issue threats. Thats a hard one to guess .......
Update 11 July 2016
The group are meeting tomorrow 12 July 2016 HERE but they haven't put the agenda or minutes of their 14 June 2016 meeting HERE
up on the councils website.
Update 12 August 2016
Another meeting ( 9 Aug 2016) HERE but no documents or agenda. Something amiss going on but not being made public i suspect.
Update 18 April 2016
In regards to the minutes: I'm sure some of this years minutes put up have been amended as I remember reading where the mention of members or a member not to tell others what to do was minuted or words to that effect and the last minutes where one of the groups members threatened staff re to make a complaint but can't find them now.
Any relation to why March's minutes haven't been put up on councils website?
I wonder who the person/s are who tell others what to and who issue threats. Thats a hard one to guess .......
Update 11 July 2016
The group are meeting tomorrow 12 July 2016 HERE but they haven't put the agenda or minutes of their 14 June 2016 meeting HERE
up on the councils website.
Update 12 August 2016
Another meeting ( 9 Aug 2016) HERE but no documents or agenda. Something amiss going on but not being made public i suspect.
some notes
Despite the CHRSG terms of reference/constitution stating the membership of the group shall consist of 15 members all of whom shall be Camden tenants or leaseholders comprising
5 representatives from the District Management Committee (1 per district)
1 representative from the Camden Leaseholders Forum
1 representative from the Camden Association of Street Properties
8 independent members
casp
has managed to get 2 casp reps on the panel. One I assume was put up
directly by casp, the other by the Gospel Oak dmc who should have put
up someone else but didn't and who shouldn't have got past the
interview panel [imo] but did.
How
do casp keep getting away with breaking the rules, general taking the
pee, throwing their weight around?
I
suspect the answer to that is with a lot of help from various council
people and other tenant reps who collude with them or who look the
other way.
Also,
it appears that in collusion with Camden council casp set up a
'gardening project' using public money from tenant rents/charges via
various dmc's - to provide free gardening maintenance to
council street property tenants. Tenants on estates have to pay for
gardening maintenance as a service charge.
Perhaps
the CHRSG would look into such issues?
Tuesday 5 April 2016
Admitting when you get something wrong
Realised I got the Building Regulations thing wrong. Have been ranting about Camden council as land-lord not putting the required by Building Regulations sound proofing in when the property was converted in late 1970's when they weren't required by law to do so.
The regulations HERE didn't apply to inner London - only part of country they didn't apply to - which in itself I think is wrong but that's another matter.
Anyway, could give excuses as to my confusion over the BR's but won't.
The sun is shining today and for that I am grateful.
The regulations HERE didn't apply to inner London - only part of country they didn't apply to - which in itself I think is wrong but that's another matter.
Anyway, could give excuses as to my confusion over the BR's but won't.
The sun is shining today and for that I am grateful.
Monday 4 April 2016
DIY Sound Proofing
Am in the process of [trying] some DIY soundproofing on ceilings and part of wall in my flat. May work, may not. Worth a try though I think.
I won't for now say what I'll be using as the sound proofing (hopefully), but if it works it may prove to be a cheap but maybe odd way of doing it.
-------------------
Tuesday 5 April 2016
Has been mostly noise free tonight as neighbour has been out most of night. Neighbour came in and now theres lots of banging about above. Let cat in - can hear neighours 'love making' noises in the street - its 1am. Turn my radio up to drown out the noise which i don't like doing as its late and prefer music to be on low. Lots of noise yesterday as well ranging from banging about to loud pressure noises on and off for hrs from the water pipes.
Positive thoughts, deep breaths - at least the banging from the pipes has been sorted.
Not sure when it will be safe to turn music down as the noises start then stop then start then stop. Feeling anxious now.
Update 9 April 2016
Noise I can hear from above my bedroom when in bed, trying to sleep or being woken up by:
Impact noise - Heavy footsteps in bedroom and hallway area of flat above, doors being closed, things like cups being put down on hard surfaces, sounds like heavy draws being opened and closed. Door of toilet being closed, toilet seat being put/slammed down. These noises are very clear. Noises from bathroom.
Airborne noise - loud voices at times, loud love making noises at times.
Hoovering.
Pressure noise in pipes (no insulation as far as I am aware) in living room. Tank situated in kitchen makes a racket - no insulation.
Noise I can hear above my living room: loud voices at times which can be heard outside as well.
Heavy footsteps, banging about in kitchen when doing washing up etc, dragging of chair along floor, opening of draw. Noises from bathroom. Hoovering. Washing machine spin cycle which makes my windows rattle at times. Pipes above creak at times, and the constant pressure noise.
Really fed up with it and having to keep contacting housing department about the problems.
Still haven't got around to reporting leaking pipe in toilet (plastic jug under leak to catch water). Not got around to reporting badly creaking floorboards in living room. Not essential to me that they get fixed right now as am fed up with repairs people in and out of here over last year.
The only noise problems that have been sorted are the loud TV after 11pm and the banging from the pipes.
In regards to the lack of sound proofing - the landlord has been aware of the noise problem in some of its rented dwellings for quite some years.
As far back as 1999 when a tenant from area I live in had a court case joined with other tenants from another London borough in
London Borough of Southwark and Another v Mills and Others, Baxter v Mayor etc of the London Borough of Camden HERE
"The lack of privacy causes tension and distress."[my emphasis]
The tenants lost the case.
Camden council does not want to fix the problem for all/most tenants - even back then when money was a plenty. Still plenty of money around, but not spent on specific problems.
That's not to say the landlord doesn't install sound proofing in some cases ie say they want a formal borough wide council tenants group set up and the tenant gang who say they will do it, get housing transfers from estates to street properties plus sound proofing put in flat below and who are allowed by the landlord council to behave as badly as they like.
I'm beginning to think that the reason the landlord was so keen to get the borough wide tenants group set up was to keep a lid on some of the problems to do with street properties - this tenants group make a fuss about things when need be and may put on a public show of doing something - sometimes, but imo its only done for them to look good, like they have done something - but nothing effective of course.
Update 18 March 2016
Process of DIY sound proofing going slowly, as decided against firstly nailing, then changed mind to pinning (using stapler gun) of materials to areas needed so instead will buy some adhesive - will get there eventually. Am as slow as a tortoise at times. Have informed landlords agent of my DIY plans and what materials I'll be using. No objection so far.
Update 20 April 2016
Change of plan regarding the DIY materials. How did I get into this - oh yes its the constant noise intrusion even late at night. Crap housing eh.
Update 23 April 2016
Tenant above is having an all night 'love' making session - started about 12mid night above my living room with mainly very heavy footsteps then moved above my bedroom with lots of banging about and moaning noises - still going on at 6am. I'm guessing 'energy enhancements' are prolonging things - to my dismay. Deep breaths, positive thoughts.
You know you're tired and up past your bedtime when you look out the window see that its day break, hear the birds tweeting, see the garden blooming, then find yourself singing "morning has broken" then "morning has broken like the first morning".
update
The noise went on until around 8.30am. Only when bloke had gone, was I able to settle down to sleep.
Update 25 April 2016
Tenant in flat above woke me up around 5.30am with lots of banging about - heavy footsteps, sounded like heavy things being put down on heavy surfaces, heavy draws being opened, heavy boxes being dragged out from somewhere and just dropped, that sort of noise - this went on for about 40 minutes with tenant coming and going from room, coming and going, coming and going. Couldn't get back to sleep so got up made a cuppa and came on here.
Update 27 April 2016
noise nuisance above my bedroom from around 1.30am - 3.00am: heavy footsteps, hard things put down on hard surfaces, dragging of heavy boxes/draws sounds, dropping things down - on and off - might be a single noise or might be a bang, drag, thump - sort of thing.
Good news though that the pieces of carpet pinned to the panel running down the wall area where the pipes run through, seems to have dampened the water pressure noise from that area. Pipes still make a noise across the ceiling at the party wall side of wall but its quieter now. Getting there. Really creaky floorboard in living room fixed (area still creaks a bit but not as bad) - carpet taken up and used else where.
Hope to get the flat in shape to be suitable for a out of borough housing transfer - don't know where yet. Couldn't swap this flat in the state its in re no sound insulation at all - none, zero, never put any in - when landlord converted the property plus 'noisy inconsiderate neighbour'. Must be millions of dwellings in such a state i reckon.
Decided the material to be used on the ceilings as a sound barrier will have to be a adhesive sheet/tile directly onto ceilings like HERE
or HERE.
I can't afford to pay for it so will put it to the landlord, to at least pay for the bedroom and hallway ceilings to be done, at either of the above linked products or similar prices.
Update 11 May 2016
Neighbour upstairs has been reasonably quiet (in the eve's and after 11pm) the last few weeks but has started again with the loud TV after 11pm that can be heard outside in the street and in my living room. In my experience quiet periods don't last long with neighbour. Waiting now for all the other noise particularly after 11pm to start again as usual.
Update 22 May 2016
Housing officer not got back to be yet about my request for landlord to pay for sound barrier tiles on some ceilings in flat.
I think I can't get out of here unless this property is at least half decent in order to swap it, which includes I think sound proofing and re-decorating in order to 'sell' it to another tenant to swap. Some may and have said I shouldn't mention the lack of sound proofing but I think its such a big problem in many such properties that I have to mention it as its not fair to not do so and inflict this property on any other person who may be vulnerable and be deeply affected by the noise. I know how badly its affected me over the years and I really don't want to inflict it on another.
Update 24 May 2016
landlord computer says NO (with the face on maybe?) to my request for sound proofing ....
Update 19 June 2016
Things have improved a bit re the 'love' making noises late at night/early morn have quietened down and I am grateful for that.
There is still a problem though with the constant heavy sounding footsteps I can hear day and night when neighbour is in.
Update 21 July 2016
There is still a problem with the banging about from kitchen area late at night (and the pressure noise from the pipes late at night) and from the tenants bathroom area, which I could hear the other night when at the front door of the building - thats right on the ground floor you can sometimes hear the tenant on the second floor. has been bad the last week.
Like I have said before when money was a plenty Camden council ignored the problem and continues to ignore (low priority) it but have added the caveat of costs and no guarentee sounding proofing will work.
To me thats not good enough.
They can find money for other housing improvements but not on much needed sound proofing, which can cause a lot of mental distress to people on top of causing frictions between neighbours.
The "no garentee" is a weak argument I think because the landlord doesn't present it with evidence to back it up - could be there is little data collected on this issue because its such a low priority for Camden council and has been through out its mainly Labour run administration.
Even when presented with a compromise (the landlord pays to have sound barrier tiles part installed (the main areas where noise is as opposed to all of flat) they say no.
Update 24 July 2016
I don't usually phone the councils noise patrol service, but I really felt the need to do so quite recently due to the noise level above me for the last 2/3 hours.
Neighbour is doing something on the patio - cleaning I think and the banging about and scrapping noise is to me horrendous - 2/3 hrs constant plus at one point soaky water coming down my kitchen window from above.
In isolation the noise from the patio isn't really an on going problem but add it to the overall noise problem from other areas and its just one big never ending noise nuisance.
Person from the councils environmental protection phoned me back quite quickly and we had a chat and I appreciate the support given. Noise has quietened down now and I hope I don't feel the need to phone them again as advised. Not sure though why they don't automatically come out to assess the situation, maybe a new council money saving policy? Or even a fob off, I don't know but person did sound supportive, so who knows.
16 August 2016
The noise from flat above has been bad this week - TV loud now most nights even after 11pm and can be heard outside as well in my living room - lots of banging about from kitchen and bedroom area. I hear every heavy foot stepp the tenant makes - for instance when I'm in bed ans still wake and when tenant is in bed and she gets up to use the loo all I hear is thump thump thump footsteps and banging about of using the toilet. How does any one make so much noise getting out of bed to go toilet?
The only noise that has stopped is the loud 'love making' noises and the water pipes banging. Maybe i'm expecting too much?
2 Oct 2016
lots of noise tonight - banging about above my bedroom, on and off for the last 2hrs its 3.25am.
heavy footsteps, on and off, back and forth like with shoes on its 3.55am
10 Oct 2016
have been in my bedroom trying to relax since 11.30pm - its 1.30am now and my window has rattled 4 times because of heavy footsteps above, plus banging about in toilet area toilet 2 times and heavy footsteps in hall area. There will be more to come.
Am always on edge anticipating the noise.
2.10am more window rattling, heavy footsteps.
But one must be resilient whilst being under constant attack - apparently.
I have asked the landlord camden council about mediation with neighbour in finding a remedy to the noise problem - it used to be offered to tenants but I recently heard that this service is no longer available, so i don't know as yet if I can access this service elsewhere or even if neighbour would agree to it.
Patience and lots of deep breaths and positive thoughts and whatnot.
13 Oct 2016
Found out from the camden councils website that the mediation service still exists HERE
31 Oct 2016
Landlords agent not got back to me about the mediation - maybe a heavy workload or something.
Was quiet most of the day until after 10.30pm when the noise started on and off and on and off and on and off and ........... blah blah blah.
Just how much is considered substantial?
6 Nov 2016
Was coming up to 2am, i'm trying to settle down to sleep and above i hear a really loud bang like something heavy was dropped, this was followed by 2/3 more loud banging noises then the usual heavy footsteps and more banging about. I think ffs its 2am, why do I have to keep hearing this night after night. I can't sleep now so get up and leave bedroom and go into living room then I hear banging about in kitchen above. The noise follows me.
3am i'm back in b/r I can hear what sounds like draws on those noisy casters being opened and shut and footsteps.
3.30am heavy footsteps, banging about above on and off
8 Nov 2016
Emailed housing ward manager and cabinet member for housing about a reply to my email in June 2016 about the water overcharging.
19 Nov 2016
Was woken up 3 times this morning at various times by tenant above heavy impact footsteps when going to the toilet, plus I can hear water from toilet flush (pipe situated outside my bedroom window) even when my bedroom window is closed.
Sometimes if I'm really lucky I can hear above me the sound of actual 'water being deposited' and then the flushing then water going down outside pipe.
27 Nov 2016
Has been a bad day/night today noise wise. Say from around 5pm until now 11.30pm has been constant banging about from tenants kitchen area - one bang then 5 minutes later another bang that sort of thing, spinning washing machine, heavy footsteps, at times voices on and off for hours. Can even hear it above my music on 13. More heavy footsteps.
Tenant above would have a break down i reckon if tenant was in my place - tenant bangs on wall and shouts at neighbours next door if they make noises even for a few seconds that wake her up or annoy her. Tenant above woke me up 3 times in the morning the other week - on top of all the other usual noise.
Think i'll bill my landlord for all the electricity i use (old small music system in living room with speakers on walls) in trying to drown out one of their tenants constant noise. haha - i no how thats going to go - computer says no. Watch Camden council land-lord try and wriggle out of refunding all the tenants they have been overcharging for water - for years. Tut tut London councils.
29 Nov 2016
4am tenant seems clumsy tonight - dropped things at least 5 times above my bedroom.
I reckon I know why Camden council noise patrol doesn't come out to these properties (or at least this property) when called by a tenant in distress, a plea of help, of assistance.
Tenants are told by housing staff they need evidence other than your word of the nuisance and unless you have someone there with you all the time or can afford noise recording equipment ones word is not good enough (even if repeated by many others in the same properties?) unless it suits.
How longer can they keep ignoring what I think is a massive problem with some/many converted street properties because it impacts adversely on many tenants, tenants who in many cases moved into the properties without being informed of the defect and then can spend years and years trying to get the landlord to fix the problem or give you a transfer to another place and all plea's to council people for help is largely met with deaf ears. How can that be right?
positive energy, thoughts, feelings.
1 Dec 2016
2.50am banging about and heavy footsteps noise above my bedroom on and off for last hour.
4 Dec 2016
Noise really affecting me this weekend. When getting up and coming into living room and seeing how long before the noise above starts - no longer than 10 minutes then I find myself tensing up, becoming anxious and then the tension in my neck/shoulders then having to put radio on to try and calm me down.
No real solutions from landlord Camden council anywhere even in their recent report to the Housing Scrutiny committee (under anti social behaviour - noise) HERE do I have to start calling the police and reporting the noise because the landlord won't/can't provide a remedy for tenants affected?
The Anti Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 HERE says:
2 Meaning of “anti-social behaviour”
(1)In this Part “anti-social behaviour” means—
(a)conduct that has caused, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to any person,
(b)conduct capable of causing nuisance or annoyance to a person in relation to that person’s occupation of residential premises, or
(c)conduct capable of causing housing-related nuisance or annoyance to any person.
I see housing are using the councils tick box casp to 'show' they 'looked at' the issue of noise nuisance in street properties and the small change in tenancy conditions to do with carpeting, which really doesn't help at all in my experience - tenant above me reckons to have 3 layers of carpeting which I doubt. In all the landlords handling of this issue is to look like they have or are doing something but not really doing much.
6 Dec 2016
even if I was to get a flat swap , i can't afford to move.
I'm stuck here and that fills me with despair.
12.15am tenant above went out and then came back in around 11pm - high heels sounds like it - I put radio on to drown out the noise - then about 15 minutes ago it felt like my ceiling was shaking, then windows were rattling for about ten minutes. deep breaths .......
just went into my bathroom - could hear banging noise from patio area above.
what is going on? I think i know what is going on but i really wish i didn't.
14 Dec 2016
heavy impact footsteps bad in area above entrance area of tenants kitchen and hallway area. Don't hear too many footsteps in tenants living room area.
Pressure noise from water pipes that run through my living room still a problem.
18 Dec 2016
tenant above came in around 2am with bloke. Lots of noise above my bedroom on and off until 6am including the 'love making' noise.
9 Jan 2017
3.20am Lots of banging about and heavy footsteps above my bedroom since about 12 midnight. let cats out and could hear the 'love making' noise and then could hear banging about from out at front gate the bloke left shortly after that. Xmas and new year period bad noise wise.
16 Jan 2017
am a bit slow (ok maybe more than a bit) in getting there but am taking steps via the legal route to try and put a (permanent) stop to (or at least a significant reduction) the noise nuisance .
bring it on.
17 Jan 2017
Lots of banging about and heavy footsteps last night from when tenant above came in late around 12 midnight until around 4am. Then when tenant got up lots of noise. Saw tenant outside as she came back in (think she forgot something) and she seemed to make a special effort to make lots of noise going up and down the stairs for my benefit (really heavy and loud thumping up and down the stairs) so I asked her to stop making so much noise please. This was met with aggression on her part, loud voice, wagging finger at me and telling me not to talk to her as she doesn't talk to me and then calling me lowlife as she walked away shouting as she went off up the road.
I can't without aggression and name calling on her part approach her directly about the noise.
28 Jan 2017
The noise from flat above has been quite bad the last few days. Am feeling the pain in my neck and shoulder.
Nothing much seems to have changed with me contacting the police about the noise. Housing officer is still ignoring the noise complaint I sent to her. Things not going so great with physiotherapist (shoulders/neck pain). Am trying to sort the problems out (housing and pain) but its not easy.
29 Jan 2017
Lots of noise again today/eve. found some bloke waiting outside front door in the rain apparently waiting for tenant upstairs to come down. Despite apparently phoning tenant in front of me, he still seems to be waiting 15 minutes later.
Not the first time i've found blokes hanging about aside for tenant. Can be quite busy at times the coming and going.
One time I opened front door (at night) and this bloke was standing there and startled me a bit, but was funny really as he was wearing one of those lamp things that miners wear on his head- he had it turned on and seemed stoned or something and said tenant had harassed him to come up - i said oh you better go up then. you have to laugh sometimes.
Monday 30 Jan 2017
Tenant above walked past me at the front door (with the usual face on) and up the communal stairs and said something out loud and then went into her flat and started shouting and really heavily stomping up her flat stairs - for my benefit i felt. I thought I'm not getting angry - the tenant has enough negative energy inside for the whole street and i ain't gonna add to it. Tenant may be getting 'cocky' because tenant knows the landlord and the police won't do anything to help me so the courts will be the next step.
Monday 27 Feb 2017
what to say - still hearing banging about late at night in tenants kitchen ,bathroom and toilet area and bedroom. Think tenant has someone living there as well.
8 March 2017
Lots of noise the last few days - banging or stomping about what seems like every 10/15 minutes without fail regardless of the time. Landlord Camden council was supposed to get back to me about a meeting they supposedly had with the tenant. If anything the noise is worse since the alleged meeting.
Sat 11 March 2017
I will be writing up the Letter before Action over the weekend and put it under tenants door. Hopefully I can muster up enough energy to carry this through to where it needs to go. Life seems one battle after another at times - for survival, for some peace and quiet, for your sanity.
Sunday 12 March 2017
The LBA is on hold whilst I try one last other avenue.
Monday 13 March 2017
Not much energy these last few days, but I will get there.
Wed 15 March 2017
3am at the ground floor door to property I could hear tenant on 2nd floor banging about in her bathroom - it was quiet loud.
This is just an example of the noise nuisance/intrusion I have to listen to through out the night. Its the same every night no matter what the time is. and then the loud pressure noise from the pipes that run through my living room. Its not only the lack of sound proofing it appears to be the lack of consideration by tenant above.
And now there are 2 heavy footed bangy about people living in the flat above its double the 'joy'. Deep breaths.
3.16 can hear tenant above walking about and banging something again. Its so intrusive. I can't relax even with the drugs.
This is how the landlord camden council expects some/many of their tenants to live and like we are supposed to grateful or something? I'm grateful for a lot of things but being stuck here having to listen to this day in day out night in night out and the landlord (labour run Camden council) not giving a 4X about the situation isn't one of them.I know I'm not the only tenant with this problem with camden council housing.
I'm getting there just have something else I need to do then its the other avenue then if that doesn't work its the Courts.
I have to admit I am a bit intimidated by the bloke thats moved in (think it was on same day tenant was supposed to have had interview with housing officer)but fcuk it if i need to take legal action I will do it and keep a weapon nearby just in case she sets him on me.
29 March 2017
Coincidences. Bloke moved out from flat above not long after I did last posting of 15 march 2017, then when Camden council housing ward manager replied to my email a few days ago bloke appears to have moved back in again. Odd. No word yet from local MP. I haven't contacted local council members simply because they have no power to help with this and the cabinet member for housing is of no help.
My energy levels go up and down, sleep isn't so great but I will get there eventually even if it kills me.
3 April 2017
Had meeting with housing officer today. It was a positive meeting I think and I was offered help which I accepted because I need it despite being as independent as I can be. We got there in the end. I have tears in my eyes now. I appreciate the help.
19 April 2017
Tenant above was reasonably quiet for a few days and the noise starts again even late at night. People coming and going. Running down the stairs. What sounds like really heavy footsteps about, banging about, dropping heavy objects on floor, banging them down. Banging doors, banging, lots of banging about, loud noise from hoovering in small area for over 30 minutes [usually above my bedroom at night] hoover sounds like its being , washing machine noise of spinning and rattling my windows. Tenant and lodger makes for double the noise, tenant and many visitors coming and going.
I'm trying to be as patient as I can be but after so many years of the noise and landlord not doing much about it my patience isn't really that great. Am trying not to lose it best I can.
Not heard back from housing about the housing officers visit a few weeks ago. I know things can be slow going, but above applies.
25 May 2017
Was hoping I didn't have to return to this but nothing seems to has happened in regards to the housing officer visit and me getting a social worker, and possibly moving. Housing officer dragging her feet for some reason in explaining to me what it all meant exactly ie floating support team. Will have to have to chase it up.
Tenant above me has recently started again with the noise late at night, the banging the heavy footsteps, banging and now the cold water tank in my kitchen has been making a constant noise because for some reason it is constantly filling up and the noise from pipes in my living room have been very loud of late. The landlord wouldn't lag the tank when I asked some time back. No sound proofing where noisy pipes in my living room are situated. No sound proofing anywhere in the building.
update
found out reason why water tank was constantly filling up - a tap not turned off properly its sorted now.
I forgot to mention the loud creaky door/s tenant above has - that I can hear quite clearly in my bedroom late at night and seem to hear more of, of late.
16 June 2017
Tenant above has allowed another visitor to park their cycle in front garden overnight obstructing access to the bins - Camden council not long ago put one of those cycle park things in practically next door
Coincidently I also received a letter from my landlord Camden council claiming they will be taking legal action against me for possession if I don't pay the water charges arrears I stopped paying before xmas last year. Plus estate officer who came to my 'home' a few months back and made all the 'promises' really didn't mean what she said [I suspect] just going through the motions I think.
I think I have a good reason for stopping the water charges considering Camden council won't give back the money they owe me and other tenants for othercharging us. I await the court case for council to apply for possession order.
HERES what happens
20 June 2017
Noticed cycle is back again when I came down to put some rubbish in recycling bin. I couldn't access the bin so threw the two items on top of bin. Obstructing access to gas metres also.The hand rail was put in a few years back for easier access for severely disabled son of tenant in ground floor flat. An additional step was also added.
More 'fun and games' from tenant in flat above me.
Will stick a polite notice on the rail and see whether it will be taken down or not.
30 June 2017
Wish I hadn't kicked off now as I've been trying so hard to not let things get to me and 'lose it' but I think I've calmed down now and if cycle shows up again I will take deep breaths and remain calm [I hope]. My neck is really hurting today. I'm now anxious about seeing the cycle again chained where it has been in case it sparks me off. What the fcuk is this? Triggers, triggers. Deep breaths, calm, calm, calm. Police lady phoned earlier and I said something about maybe I over-reacted,[I did shout and cuss a bit and make a show of meself] being sparked off, and that I will try and remain calm. Will do meditation soon and try and ease the neck pain and keep me calm. I don't like the anger I really don't.
Love always.
Update
Housing officer who gave me all the bs when she came down to flat a few months back wants to meet up again - here in my 'home' and I think she wants me to speak to her or something.
9 July 2017
Tenant in flat above has started again with the banging about and heavy footsteps above my bedroom late at nigh. Tonight it started around 2am and its 3am now. When this happens I have to turn the radio on loud enough to drown out the noise as it starts to get to me after a while. I am so tired of all of this. Camden council lets out these properties but doesn't tell tenants about there not being any sound proofing at all in the property and add this to loud/noisy tenants and its becomes a huge problem.
12 July 2017
I am going around in circles in regards to trying to sort the noise problem out - nothing works for more than a little while and then the noise late at night starts again. I'm going to have take the court route if I am ever going to get some reasonable peace and quiet living here. I get the feeling tenant is doing it deliberately but I can't prove that but for someone who lives alone she does a load of banging about. Council workmen been in tenants flat twice last week, some seem quite cosy with tenant.
The bloke who was doing some decorating for tenant - about 18 months ago, came in a few afternoons - went around clocking off time, dripped white paint on communual hallway lino and left it there and left a bin bag full of newspapers practically outside my flat door so i had to move it to get by - heard him say to tenant that she hasn't paid him for the work but I didn't hear her reply but a little bit later I heard her 'love making' noises. Don't know if the bloke was from the council, I suspect he was but I didn't actually see him.
20 July 2017
bloke is back again - this time no sight of the cycle. I went downstairs to put rubbish out and he came down to put tenants out - this time he had his trousers on - and looked at me and I looked at him and not a word from either of us.
As far as I can recall tenant has never stayed over night with any of the blokes - I wish she would so I could at least then I would get peace and quite whilst shes 'loved up' with the latest bloke - this one is like the tenant very heavy footed and i'm still getting the dropping of heavy things and generally banging about late at night like now and its 2.30am. In my bedroom area its as bad for the banging about - never known anyone to bang about so much - usually at night and late into the night and morning. Once a week I get the 4/5 hours of banging about in her kitchen late into the night - my theory is she takes out all her cups/pots and pans and washes them and them bangs them down hard and then maybe washes them again - who knows but for someone who usually lives alone its a lot of noise. Then theres the sometimes 3/4 times a week hoovering usually around 10pm but sometimes before that and very rarely in the day, that for some reason can take anything of up to half an hour to do in just her small bedroom. Maybe 1/2 nights tenant may be reasonable quiet.
28 July 2017
b/f's 3rd night at tenants flat - noise late at night still the same with only 1/2 nights when its reasonably quiet.
1 August 2017
What tenant about does and which I usually have to hear is replay back to whoever she is speaking to on the phone or in person, her account of what she said when she was shouting at someone or the other. Instead of just replaying the words back in a normal tone and volume she replays the actual loud shouty voice as well. I wonder if she shouts at people to do with her work? Maybe meditation would help.
I don't mean to keep pointing out tenants annoying points as I'm sure she has some good points as well, like she can on occasion be funny, but its the annoying ones that i have had to put up with year in year our and which have taken their toll. I'm sure i annoy her at times as well.
The banging of heavy things late at night still continues. I think she thinks she likes to be such a 'badass' maybe to fit in with the people she hangs around with, but at her age its juvenile I think.
Sounds like tenant has some sort of heavy wooden board under her bed that she drags out. Sounds like its actually on the floor. The door she has on a cubboard [i think] is loud and squeeky. Some oil on the hinges needed? More recent addition to the loud banging noise late at noise is what sounds like the lid of a metal container. Then theres the heavy footsteps.
8 August 2017
Tenant was very quiet for about 3 day/nights [it was bliss] then earlier today I just knew the noise late at night was going to restart and it did.
I'm in bed [1.50am] starting to do the guided mediatation and I hear 3/4 loud bangs from above and they put me right off my meditation - I will do it later when I think its safe to do it without the loud bangs when tenant above is asleep. Thats how the noise goes - the odd loud bang here, 2 bangs there, 3/4 there and so on. By bangs I mean banging things down/about as opposed to put them down. Put my radio on to drown out the noise - am feeling anxious now. I know from experience that if I turn the radio down yet I will be lulled into a false sense of security and the noise will start again. My tolerance for the loud noise is low tonight and I haven't got to the point in meditation where I can block out external noises [if I ever will].
9 August 2017
Tenant making the loud bangs above bedroom again late at night around 2am then lots of loud bangs around 2.45am - could also hear 'love making' noises outside when put rubbish out. The skunk smell is back. I don't know when tenant will be going to bed so will leave radio on to drown out the noises [odd bang here, 3 there sort of thing can be ten minutes apart can be 50 minutes apart] which I can even hear above the radio. May ask [again] the landlords agent can I use their noise recording equipment - apparently they only have one such device which surely can't be true?
18 Sept 2017
Tenant above hadn't been around for much of last week [it was bliss] and now seems to be making up for it with banging and stomping about at every change she gets regardless of the time.
9 Oct 2017
Neighbour above is starting again with the noise late at night, friday night - saturday morning lots of banging about and tonight the TV blaring can hear it in living room and outside and its gone 1am, as well as running down the stairs, in and out in and out.
11 Oct 2017
tenant banging about [in kitchen and elsewhere] and heavy footsteps all night long on and off on and off and its nearly 3am and shes still at it.
update
an example of what it can be like in the daytime as well -
before tenant went out around 10.30am lots of banging about above my bedroom [seriously its bang bang banging stuff around] then heavy footsteps and running down stairs then slamming front door. She came back in later and someone [i assume] from housing repairs came - I didn't hear bloke come up the stairs and I didn't hear her go up stairs [amazing isn't it how quiet they can be when it suits] - someone came down - ran down stairs. This sort of stuff can go on through out the day others days its reasonable quiet.
At times i'm lulled into a false sense of security as she can be quiet for hours then its thump, bang, heavy footsteps and repeat. This sort of stuff doesn't help my neck/shoulder pain as I am constantly anticapating the noise day and night.
20 Oct 2017
Tenant above can't seem to get ready for bed without banging things about above my bedroom - of late its usually when i'm trying to settle down in bedroom way past 12 midnight 2am 3am even later and I get bang bang bang, etc etc. Sounds like instead of closing or puting things down they are banged down, banged closed, banged opened whatever then its the thump thump thump of heavy footsteps when tenant gets out of bed to use the loo - tenant may have a very high divan or bunk beds [top bunk] and tenant jumps down onto the floor from them and that is why the loud thump thump thump is created. If I'm really lucky I get the bang banging about as well - how does one make such a racket going to the loo.
2 Nov 2017
yesterday was very noisy - man with camden council housing repairs van turns up at tenants flat - goes away then comes back and from then on [around 10am] its bang bang bang. van goes away around 4pm then someone else goes into tenants flat and the noise goes on unti around 7.30pm.
No warning given to me about the upcoming works that entail banging bang banging for hours on end above me when I already couldnt sleep because of tenant noise at intervals through out the night starting around 2am. Was having a hard enough time holding things together, how I managed to not loose it completely is only throw sheer determination.
carpets taken up and thrown out, flat boards being nailed to floors. Now no carpeting. Sounds like improvements done as opposed to repairs. no such luck that any sound proofing was being installed.
update
1.50am 3 nov 2017
couldn't even meditate and then try and get some more sleep in peace - banging and thumping about above my bedrm at 11.45pm til after 12.10 am so had to turn radio up to drown out the noise then I couldn't relax so got up and came in living room - can hear tenants tv above me despite radio on. Noise seems worse since the carpets taken up. Will have to wait until i'm sure tenant has gone to bed to till attempting to settle down again.
update
let cat out for a while, can hear tenants tv outside.
12 Nov 2017
2.25am
tenant above put shoes with heels on around 11.45pm and walked back and forth back and forth above me for about 30 minutes then went out around 12.25am. Tenant came in and I stick my radio on again as i really can't bare the noise at times and have to put music on I like to keep calm and block out the noise. The intrusive, unwelcome noise. Day and night, for years and years. I don't like it, its supposed to be my home, a refuge.
3 Dec 2017
around 3pm today tenant upstairs went downstairs and I heard her come back up and a mans voice carrying something as it banged against my flat door and he said something about 'dripping into flat B' and later I heard him say 'i've had a look at them'.
Then at times lots of laughing and loud voice in kitchen. they left around 6.30pm. when i heard the voice of another man.
what i noticed and this was the same as when bloke with camden council repairs van came and made all that noise for hrs - was that tenant hardly made any noise [other than the loud voices] - no stomping up the stairs etc. However when bloke and van went and someone came back there was lots of stomping about. this time again no stomping about by tenant until right after bloke/s left, then the heavy footsteps above me. tenants seemed quite cosy with men who where in her flat - on a sunday doing something for her. I don't know who they wher but I can guess.
30 Jan 2018
Noise above my bedroom late at night has been worse then before - so much banging of things and the heavy footsteps.
Now the neighbour below has been trying it on again, with me, with the landlord and tenant isn't even living there - waste of a flat if you ask me. Plumber who came [he was the one who came here before] reckons they have a video of the leak down stairs, reckons water was gushing down from under my bath - I didnt see any water gushing down - I remember him telling me there wasn't a leak. At first he said he could hear a leak [i suspect this was a ploy to get me to agree to him taking the bath panel off] then he says there isnt a leak. He didnt see any water leaking downstairs only a towel full off water.
Tenant below has been asked by the plumber to keep a diary of when the water is leaking from the wall - let me know when a leak occurs so I can see whether its when I take a shower - seems simple to me but I asked tenant to do this before, tenant didn't.
Plumber came here before apparently - didnt give me any notice, I didnt answer the door as I didnt know who it was and they didnt say. Should have made an appointment with me. Ok I missed one appointment as I was very tired [alseep] and didnt hear the phone ringing, but it wasn't deliberate.
And no he didnt get to take the bath panel off again, he didnt attempt to. Seriously
my experience of the landlords in house housing repairs really has been 'sling it in any old way'.
You should see the job the plasterer done on the wall in my hallway, at the time I wasn't taking it all in propery, I was in the 'don't expect much, won't be disappointed' mode and thought, well ok, its not my wall, I don't really care, better things to think about.
and the time the painter came here to do the outside wall - 3rd time lucky it was, first time he hadnt read on his paper work what the job actually was, thought he come to paint the step, when it was the wall, would have painted the step if I hadnt seen him arrive and went out to him. Then he had to go away and get the right colour paint, [and a step ladder i think] then he comes back and gets called away for another job before hes even started this one.
and the time someone came to fix handrail in communal ..... need i go on.
18 Feb 2018
The farce with the alleged leak from my bathroom continues.
Was a lovely week of quiet as tenant above had gone away for a week and it was so different, nice living here - back to the usual intrusive and loud noise above me that at times follows me from room to room. loud footsteps, banging doors, creaking doors, just banging for the sake of of reckon a lot of the time.
13 March 2018
The loud pressure noise from the pipes that go up through my living room and across wall of ceiling has started up again late at night from tenant above - using a pump i suspect that isn't really needed as water pressure in my flat has mostly been ok and i don't see why it should be much if any different in the flat above me.
I won't for now say what I'll be using as the sound proofing (hopefully), but if it works it may prove to be a cheap but maybe odd way of doing it.
-------------------
Tuesday 5 April 2016
Has been mostly noise free tonight as neighbour has been out most of night. Neighbour came in and now theres lots of banging about above. Let cat in - can hear neighours 'love making' noises in the street - its 1am. Turn my radio up to drown out the noise which i don't like doing as its late and prefer music to be on low. Lots of noise yesterday as well ranging from banging about to loud pressure noises on and off for hrs from the water pipes.
Positive thoughts, deep breaths - at least the banging from the pipes has been sorted.
Not sure when it will be safe to turn music down as the noises start then stop then start then stop. Feeling anxious now.
Update 9 April 2016
Noise I can hear from above my bedroom when in bed, trying to sleep or being woken up by:
Impact noise - Heavy footsteps in bedroom and hallway area of flat above, doors being closed, things like cups being put down on hard surfaces, sounds like heavy draws being opened and closed. Door of toilet being closed, toilet seat being put/slammed down. These noises are very clear. Noises from bathroom.
Airborne noise - loud voices at times, loud love making noises at times.
Hoovering.
Pressure noise in pipes (no insulation as far as I am aware) in living room. Tank situated in kitchen makes a racket - no insulation.
Noise I can hear above my living room: loud voices at times which can be heard outside as well.
Heavy footsteps, banging about in kitchen when doing washing up etc, dragging of chair along floor, opening of draw. Noises from bathroom. Hoovering. Washing machine spin cycle which makes my windows rattle at times. Pipes above creak at times, and the constant pressure noise.
Really fed up with it and having to keep contacting housing department about the problems.
Still haven't got around to reporting leaking pipe in toilet (plastic jug under leak to catch water). Not got around to reporting badly creaking floorboards in living room. Not essential to me that they get fixed right now as am fed up with repairs people in and out of here over last year.
The only noise problems that have been sorted are the loud TV after 11pm and the banging from the pipes.
In regards to the lack of sound proofing - the landlord has been aware of the noise problem in some of its rented dwellings for quite some years.
As far back as 1999 when a tenant from area I live in had a court case joined with other tenants from another London borough in
London Borough of Southwark and Another v Mills and Others, Baxter v Mayor etc of the London Borough of Camden HERE
"The lack of privacy causes tension and distress."[my emphasis]
The tenants lost the case.
Camden council does not want to fix the problem for all/most tenants - even back then when money was a plenty. Still plenty of money around, but not spent on specific problems.
That's not to say the landlord doesn't install sound proofing in some cases ie say they want a formal borough wide council tenants group set up and the tenant gang who say they will do it, get housing transfers from estates to street properties plus sound proofing put in flat below and who are allowed by the landlord council to behave as badly as they like.
I'm beginning to think that the reason the landlord was so keen to get the borough wide tenants group set up was to keep a lid on some of the problems to do with street properties - this tenants group make a fuss about things when need be and may put on a public show of doing something - sometimes, but imo its only done for them to look good, like they have done something - but nothing effective of course.
Update 18 March 2016
Process of DIY sound proofing going slowly, as decided against firstly nailing, then changed mind to pinning (using stapler gun) of materials to areas needed so instead will buy some adhesive - will get there eventually. Am as slow as a tortoise at times. Have informed landlords agent of my DIY plans and what materials I'll be using. No objection so far.
Update 20 April 2016
Change of plan regarding the DIY materials. How did I get into this - oh yes its the constant noise intrusion even late at night. Crap housing eh.
Update 23 April 2016
Tenant above is having an all night 'love' making session - started about 12mid night above my living room with mainly very heavy footsteps then moved above my bedroom with lots of banging about and moaning noises - still going on at 6am. I'm guessing 'energy enhancements' are prolonging things - to my dismay. Deep breaths, positive thoughts.
You know you're tired and up past your bedtime when you look out the window see that its day break, hear the birds tweeting, see the garden blooming, then find yourself singing "morning has broken" then "morning has broken like the first morning".
update
The noise went on until around 8.30am. Only when bloke had gone, was I able to settle down to sleep.
Update 25 April 2016
Tenant in flat above woke me up around 5.30am with lots of banging about - heavy footsteps, sounded like heavy things being put down on heavy surfaces, heavy draws being opened, heavy boxes being dragged out from somewhere and just dropped, that sort of noise - this went on for about 40 minutes with tenant coming and going from room, coming and going, coming and going. Couldn't get back to sleep so got up made a cuppa and came on here.
Update 27 April 2016
noise nuisance above my bedroom from around 1.30am - 3.00am: heavy footsteps, hard things put down on hard surfaces, dragging of heavy boxes/draws sounds, dropping things down - on and off - might be a single noise or might be a bang, drag, thump - sort of thing.
Good news though that the pieces of carpet pinned to the panel running down the wall area where the pipes run through, seems to have dampened the water pressure noise from that area. Pipes still make a noise across the ceiling at the party wall side of wall but its quieter now. Getting there. Really creaky floorboard in living room fixed (area still creaks a bit but not as bad) - carpet taken up and used else where.
Hope to get the flat in shape to be suitable for a out of borough housing transfer - don't know where yet. Couldn't swap this flat in the state its in re no sound insulation at all - none, zero, never put any in - when landlord converted the property plus 'noisy inconsiderate neighbour'. Must be millions of dwellings in such a state i reckon.
Decided the material to be used on the ceilings as a sound barrier will have to be a adhesive sheet/tile directly onto ceilings like HERE
or HERE.
I can't afford to pay for it so will put it to the landlord, to at least pay for the bedroom and hallway ceilings to be done, at either of the above linked products or similar prices.
Update 11 May 2016
Neighbour upstairs has been reasonably quiet (in the eve's and after 11pm) the last few weeks but has started again with the loud TV after 11pm that can be heard outside in the street and in my living room. In my experience quiet periods don't last long with neighbour. Waiting now for all the other noise particularly after 11pm to start again as usual.
Update 22 May 2016
Housing officer not got back to be yet about my request for landlord to pay for sound barrier tiles on some ceilings in flat.
I think I can't get out of here unless this property is at least half decent in order to swap it, which includes I think sound proofing and re-decorating in order to 'sell' it to another tenant to swap. Some may and have said I shouldn't mention the lack of sound proofing but I think its such a big problem in many such properties that I have to mention it as its not fair to not do so and inflict this property on any other person who may be vulnerable and be deeply affected by the noise. I know how badly its affected me over the years and I really don't want to inflict it on another.
Update 24 May 2016
Update 19 June 2016
Things have improved a bit re the 'love' making noises late at night/early morn have quietened down and I am grateful for that.
There is still a problem though with the constant heavy sounding footsteps I can hear day and night when neighbour is in.
Update 21 July 2016
There is still a problem with the banging about from kitchen area late at night (and the pressure noise from the pipes late at night) and from the tenants bathroom area, which I could hear the other night when at the front door of the building - thats right on the ground floor you can sometimes hear the tenant on the second floor. has been bad the last week.
Like I have said before when money was a plenty Camden council ignored the problem and continues to ignore (low priority) it but have added the caveat of costs and no guarentee sounding proofing will work.
To me thats not good enough.
They can find money for other housing improvements but not on much needed sound proofing, which can cause a lot of mental distress to people on top of causing frictions between neighbours.
The "no garentee" is a weak argument I think because the landlord doesn't present it with evidence to back it up - could be there is little data collected on this issue because its such a low priority for Camden council and has been through out its mainly Labour run administration.
Even when presented with a compromise (the landlord pays to have sound barrier tiles part installed (the main areas where noise is as opposed to all of flat) they say no.
Update 24 July 2016
I don't usually phone the councils noise patrol service, but I really felt the need to do so quite recently due to the noise level above me for the last 2/3 hours.
Neighbour is doing something on the patio - cleaning I think and the banging about and scrapping noise is to me horrendous - 2/3 hrs constant plus at one point soaky water coming down my kitchen window from above.
In isolation the noise from the patio isn't really an on going problem but add it to the overall noise problem from other areas and its just one big never ending noise nuisance.
Person from the councils environmental protection phoned me back quite quickly and we had a chat and I appreciate the support given. Noise has quietened down now and I hope I don't feel the need to phone them again as advised. Not sure though why they don't automatically come out to assess the situation, maybe a new council money saving policy? Or even a fob off, I don't know but person did sound supportive, so who knows.
16 August 2016
The noise from flat above has been bad this week - TV loud now most nights even after 11pm and can be heard outside as well in my living room - lots of banging about from kitchen and bedroom area. I hear every heavy foot stepp the tenant makes - for instance when I'm in bed ans still wake and when tenant is in bed and she gets up to use the loo all I hear is thump thump thump footsteps and banging about of using the toilet. How does any one make so much noise getting out of bed to go toilet?
The only noise that has stopped is the loud 'love making' noises and the water pipes banging. Maybe i'm expecting too much?
lots of noise tonight - banging about above my bedroom, on and off for the last 2hrs its 3.25am.
heavy footsteps, on and off, back and forth like with shoes on its 3.55am
10 Oct 2016
have been in my bedroom trying to relax since 11.30pm - its 1.30am now and my window has rattled 4 times because of heavy footsteps above, plus banging about in toilet area toilet 2 times and heavy footsteps in hall area. There will be more to come.
Am always on edge anticipating the noise.
2.10am more window rattling, heavy footsteps.
But one must be resilient whilst being under constant attack - apparently.
I have asked the landlord camden council about mediation with neighbour in finding a remedy to the noise problem - it used to be offered to tenants but I recently heard that this service is no longer available, so i don't know as yet if I can access this service elsewhere or even if neighbour would agree to it.
Patience and lots of deep breaths and positive thoughts and whatnot.
13 Oct 2016
Found out from the camden councils website that the mediation service still exists HERE
31 Oct 2016
Landlords agent not got back to me about the mediation - maybe a heavy workload or something.
Was quiet most of the day until after 10.30pm when the noise started on and off and on and off and on and off and ........... blah blah blah.
Just how much is considered substantial?
6 Nov 2016
Was coming up to 2am, i'm trying to settle down to sleep and above i hear a really loud bang like something heavy was dropped, this was followed by 2/3 more loud banging noises then the usual heavy footsteps and more banging about. I think ffs its 2am, why do I have to keep hearing this night after night. I can't sleep now so get up and leave bedroom and go into living room then I hear banging about in kitchen above. The noise follows me.
3am i'm back in b/r I can hear what sounds like draws on those noisy casters being opened and shut and footsteps.
3.30am heavy footsteps, banging about above on and off
8 Nov 2016
Emailed housing ward manager and cabinet member for housing about a reply to my email in June 2016 about the water overcharging.
19 Nov 2016
Was woken up 3 times this morning at various times by tenant above heavy impact footsteps when going to the toilet, plus I can hear water from toilet flush (pipe situated outside my bedroom window) even when my bedroom window is closed.
Sometimes if I'm really lucky I can hear above me the sound of actual 'water being deposited' and then the flushing then water going down outside pipe.
27 Nov 2016
Has been a bad day/night today noise wise. Say from around 5pm until now 11.30pm has been constant banging about from tenants kitchen area - one bang then 5 minutes later another bang that sort of thing, spinning washing machine, heavy footsteps, at times voices on and off for hours. Can even hear it above my music on 13. More heavy footsteps.
Tenant above would have a break down i reckon if tenant was in my place - tenant bangs on wall and shouts at neighbours next door if they make noises even for a few seconds that wake her up or annoy her. Tenant above woke me up 3 times in the morning the other week - on top of all the other usual noise.
Think i'll bill my landlord for all the electricity i use (old small music system in living room with speakers on walls) in trying to drown out one of their tenants constant noise. haha - i no how thats going to go - computer says no. Watch Camden council land-lord try and wriggle out of refunding all the tenants they have been overcharging for water - for years. Tut tut London councils.
29 Nov 2016
4am tenant seems clumsy tonight - dropped things at least 5 times above my bedroom.
I reckon I know why Camden council noise patrol doesn't come out to these properties (or at least this property) when called by a tenant in distress, a plea of help, of assistance.
Tenants are told by housing staff they need evidence other than your word of the nuisance and unless you have someone there with you all the time or can afford noise recording equipment ones word is not good enough (even if repeated by many others in the same properties?) unless it suits.
How longer can they keep ignoring what I think is a massive problem with some/many converted street properties because it impacts adversely on many tenants, tenants who in many cases moved into the properties without being informed of the defect and then can spend years and years trying to get the landlord to fix the problem or give you a transfer to another place and all plea's to council people for help is largely met with deaf ears. How can that be right?
positive energy, thoughts, feelings.
1 Dec 2016
2.50am banging about and heavy footsteps noise above my bedroom on and off for last hour.
4 Dec 2016
Noise really affecting me this weekend. When getting up and coming into living room and seeing how long before the noise above starts - no longer than 10 minutes then I find myself tensing up, becoming anxious and then the tension in my neck/shoulders then having to put radio on to try and calm me down.
No real solutions from landlord Camden council anywhere even in their recent report to the Housing Scrutiny committee (under anti social behaviour - noise) HERE do I have to start calling the police and reporting the noise because the landlord won't/can't provide a remedy for tenants affected?
The Anti Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 HERE says:
2 Meaning of “anti-social behaviour”
(1)In this Part “anti-social behaviour” means—
(a)conduct that has caused, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to any person,
(b)conduct capable of causing nuisance or annoyance to a person in relation to that person’s occupation of residential premises, or
(c)conduct capable of causing housing-related nuisance or annoyance to any person.
I see housing are using the councils tick box casp to 'show' they 'looked at' the issue of noise nuisance in street properties and the small change in tenancy conditions to do with carpeting, which really doesn't help at all in my experience - tenant above me reckons to have 3 layers of carpeting which I doubt. In all the landlords handling of this issue is to look like they have or are doing something but not really doing much.
6 Dec 2016
even if I was to get a flat swap , i can't afford to move.
I'm stuck here and that fills me with despair.
12.15am tenant above went out and then came back in around 11pm - high heels sounds like it - I put radio on to drown out the noise - then about 15 minutes ago it felt like my ceiling was shaking, then windows were rattling for about ten minutes. deep breaths .......
just went into my bathroom - could hear banging noise from patio area above.
what is going on? I think i know what is going on but i really wish i didn't.
14 Dec 2016
heavy impact footsteps bad in area above entrance area of tenants kitchen and hallway area. Don't hear too many footsteps in tenants living room area.
Pressure noise from water pipes that run through my living room still a problem.
18 Dec 2016
tenant above came in around 2am with bloke. Lots of noise above my bedroom on and off until 6am including the 'love making' noise.
9 Jan 2017
3.20am Lots of banging about and heavy footsteps above my bedroom since about 12 midnight. let cats out and could hear the 'love making' noise and then could hear banging about from out at front gate the bloke left shortly after that. Xmas and new year period bad noise wise.
16 Jan 2017
am a bit slow (ok maybe more than a bit) in getting there but am taking steps via the legal route to try and put a (permanent) stop to (or at least a significant reduction) the noise nuisance .
bring it on.
17 Jan 2017
Lots of banging about and heavy footsteps last night from when tenant above came in late around 12 midnight until around 4am. Then when tenant got up lots of noise. Saw tenant outside as she came back in (think she forgot something) and she seemed to make a special effort to make lots of noise going up and down the stairs for my benefit (really heavy and loud thumping up and down the stairs) so I asked her to stop making so much noise please. This was met with aggression on her part, loud voice, wagging finger at me and telling me not to talk to her as she doesn't talk to me and then calling me lowlife as she walked away shouting as she went off up the road.
I can't without aggression and name calling on her part approach her directly about the noise.
28 Jan 2017
The noise from flat above has been quite bad the last few days. Am feeling the pain in my neck and shoulder.
Nothing much seems to have changed with me contacting the police about the noise. Housing officer is still ignoring the noise complaint I sent to her. Things not going so great with physiotherapist (shoulders/neck pain). Am trying to sort the problems out (housing and pain) but its not easy.
29 Jan 2017
Lots of noise again today/eve. found some bloke waiting outside front door in the rain apparently waiting for tenant upstairs to come down. Despite apparently phoning tenant in front of me, he still seems to be waiting 15 minutes later.
Not the first time i've found blokes hanging about aside for tenant. Can be quite busy at times the coming and going.
One time I opened front door (at night) and this bloke was standing there and startled me a bit, but was funny really as he was wearing one of those lamp things that miners wear on his head- he had it turned on and seemed stoned or something and said tenant had harassed him to come up - i said oh you better go up then. you have to laugh sometimes.
Monday 30 Jan 2017
Tenant above walked past me at the front door (with the usual face on) and up the communal stairs and said something out loud and then went into her flat and started shouting and really heavily stomping up her flat stairs - for my benefit i felt. I thought I'm not getting angry - the tenant has enough negative energy inside for the whole street and i ain't gonna add to it. Tenant may be getting 'cocky' because tenant knows the landlord and the police won't do anything to help me so the courts will be the next step.
Monday 27 Feb 2017
what to say - still hearing banging about late at night in tenants kitchen ,bathroom and toilet area and bedroom. Think tenant has someone living there as well.
8 March 2017
Lots of noise the last few days - banging or stomping about what seems like every 10/15 minutes without fail regardless of the time. Landlord Camden council was supposed to get back to me about a meeting they supposedly had with the tenant. If anything the noise is worse since the alleged meeting.
Sat 11 March 2017
I will be writing up the Letter before Action over the weekend and put it under tenants door. Hopefully I can muster up enough energy to carry this through to where it needs to go. Life seems one battle after another at times - for survival, for some peace and quiet, for your sanity.
Sunday 12 March 2017
The LBA is on hold whilst I try one last other avenue.
Monday 13 March 2017
Not much energy these last few days, but I will get there.
Wed 15 March 2017
3am at the ground floor door to property I could hear tenant on 2nd floor banging about in her bathroom - it was quiet loud.
This is just an example of the noise nuisance/intrusion I have to listen to through out the night. Its the same every night no matter what the time is. and then the loud pressure noise from the pipes that run through my living room. Its not only the lack of sound proofing it appears to be the lack of consideration by tenant above.
And now there are 2 heavy footed bangy about people living in the flat above its double the 'joy'. Deep breaths.
3.16 can hear tenant above walking about and banging something again. Its so intrusive. I can't relax even with the drugs.
This is how the landlord camden council expects some/many of their tenants to live and like we are supposed to grateful or something? I'm grateful for a lot of things but being stuck here having to listen to this day in day out night in night out and the landlord (labour run Camden council) not giving a 4X about the situation isn't one of them.I know I'm not the only tenant with this problem with camden council housing.
I'm getting there just have something else I need to do then its the other avenue then if that doesn't work its the Courts.
I have to admit I am a bit intimidated by the bloke thats moved in (think it was on same day tenant was supposed to have had interview with housing officer)but fcuk it if i need to take legal action I will do it and keep a weapon nearby just in case she sets him on me.
29 March 2017
Coincidences. Bloke moved out from flat above not long after I did last posting of 15 march 2017, then when Camden council housing ward manager replied to my email a few days ago bloke appears to have moved back in again. Odd. No word yet from local MP. I haven't contacted local council members simply because they have no power to help with this and the cabinet member for housing is of no help.
My energy levels go up and down, sleep isn't so great but I will get there eventually even if it kills me.
3 April 2017
Had meeting with housing officer today. It was a positive meeting I think and I was offered help which I accepted because I need it despite being as independent as I can be. We got there in the end. I have tears in my eyes now. I appreciate the help.
19 April 2017
Tenant above was reasonably quiet for a few days and the noise starts again even late at night. People coming and going. Running down the stairs. What sounds like really heavy footsteps about, banging about, dropping heavy objects on floor, banging them down. Banging doors, banging, lots of banging about, loud noise from hoovering in small area for over 30 minutes [usually above my bedroom at night] hoover sounds like its being , washing machine noise of spinning and rattling my windows. Tenant and lodger makes for double the noise, tenant and many visitors coming and going.
I'm trying to be as patient as I can be but after so many years of the noise and landlord not doing much about it my patience isn't really that great. Am trying not to lose it best I can.
Not heard back from housing about the housing officers visit a few weeks ago. I know things can be slow going, but above applies.
25 May 2017
Was hoping I didn't have to return to this but nothing seems to has happened in regards to the housing officer visit and me getting a social worker, and possibly moving. Housing officer dragging her feet for some reason in explaining to me what it all meant exactly ie floating support team. Will have to have to chase it up.
Tenant above me has recently started again with the noise late at night, the banging the heavy footsteps, banging and now the cold water tank in my kitchen has been making a constant noise because for some reason it is constantly filling up and the noise from pipes in my living room have been very loud of late. The landlord wouldn't lag the tank when I asked some time back. No sound proofing where noisy pipes in my living room are situated. No sound proofing anywhere in the building.
update
found out reason why water tank was constantly filling up - a tap not turned off properly its sorted now.
I forgot to mention the loud creaky door/s tenant above has - that I can hear quite clearly in my bedroom late at night and seem to hear more of, of late.
16 June 2017
Tenant above has allowed another visitor to park their cycle in front garden overnight obstructing access to the bins - Camden council not long ago put one of those cycle park things in practically next door
Coincidently I also received a letter from my landlord Camden council claiming they will be taking legal action against me for possession if I don't pay the water charges arrears I stopped paying before xmas last year. Plus estate officer who came to my 'home' a few months back and made all the 'promises' really didn't mean what she said [I suspect] just going through the motions I think.
I think I have a good reason for stopping the water charges considering Camden council won't give back the money they owe me and other tenants for othercharging us. I await the court case for council to apply for possession order.
HERES what happens
20 June 2017
Noticed cycle is back again when I came down to put some rubbish in recycling bin. I couldn't access the bin so threw the two items on top of bin. Obstructing access to gas metres also.The hand rail was put in a few years back for easier access for severely disabled son of tenant in ground floor flat. An additional step was also added.
More 'fun and games' from tenant in flat above me.
Will stick a polite notice on the rail and see whether it will be taken down or not.
Update
The polite notice I put on hand rail has been taken off.
25 June 2017
Cycle back again
update 11.25pm
brough recycling rubbish down and bike was back again blocking access again. I threw the rubbish on top of the two bins and am leaving it there. A rubbish tip the front area shall be.
26 June 2017
I went out earlier to local shop and the cycle was chained right up against my cycle and blocking me using it so I rang tenant upstairs bell and she stuck her head out of her kitchen window and I asked her can she remove the bike otherwise I will call the police[ 3rd time this has happened with blocking my cycle] - she didn't say anything to me and then after a few minutes the b/f came down in boxer shorts and t-shirt [blk fella, stocky/muscly, short dread locks 30-40y/o, has a little sachel backpack ] and unchained his bike and went to chain it back where its also obstructing acess to the front garden' [above] so I asked him why he couldn't chain his bike up on poll across the road or over there [i nodded to where the cycle thing is that council installed] but he just looked up at me and wouldn't say anything and carried on chaining the cycle to disabled rail. And then he went in and I laughed because I guess he was on orders by 'the boss' to not talk to me which I think is funny, but I don't think what he keeps doing is funny.
Will contact the landlords agent[housing estate officer] as hes her visitor and hes causing a nuisance and she is responsible for him [according to tenancy agreement with landlord not that landlord camden council does fcak all anyway] and I think she encourages him.
29 June 2017
B/f had his cycle obstructing mine again last night and I'm afraid I got quite upset as I feel like I am being provoked now and I kicked off a bit but b/f wouldn't move the cycle. I think hes moved back in. When I think of it I haven't had the sour looks and sweary agression from the tenant which could be to do with the skunk I keep smelling of late in the communal hallway. 'They be well chilled out man' - but not enough to not keep causing a nuisance. Skunk is very smelly. Tenant works for Lambeth council and used to work for Camden council.
In Camden the landlords agents are too busy now to deal with tenancy issues other than the evacuation of Chalcots estate and this could take months. I can guess there will be lots more angry and upset tenants in the next few weeks/months. I can see choas breaking out all over the borough as tenants will have to take things into their own hands to deal with anti-social behaviour [the police aren't much help if any] and whatnot that the landlord is too busy to deal with.
update
b/f has turned up again and chained his cycle obstructing mine again. Tenant would have a fit [I know what shes like in some ways] if someone blocked her bright red car in and she couldn't use it or had to move things to move her car. Next time her red shiny car is outside I'll put the 2 big new rubbish bins next to the car see how she likes it? I know I know 2 wrongs doesn't make a right, but I'm wound up right now - its one thing after another and I suppose something had to give at some point. I admit I have shouted a bit again - fcuk it.
B/f popped his head of out of tenants living room window and threatened to chop my cycle in half - haha let him do it - its old
and not of much value money wise - her new red shiny car is still being
paid for. Both of us can get done for criminal damage - I don't give a
toss anymore. Between the upstairs tenant and the landlord I've had
enough.
The housing officer and her 'promise' of a social worker and a housing move - what a bad joke that was - how many other Camden council tenants are given the same line by housing staff only for it to turn out to be bs?
Update b/f has f**ked of now and taken his cycle with him. Will he be back for round 3? I'm up for it, bring it on.
The following is my entry [scroll up] for 3 April 2017: 3 April 2017
"Had meeting with housing officer today. It was a positive meeting I
think and I was offered help which I accepted because I need it despite
being as independent as I can be. We got there in the end. I have tears
in my eyes now. I appreciate the help." Raised my hopes up she did but turns outs she didn't mean a word of it.Yes I'm going on about it because I think its nasty for the landlords agents to do something like that. Next time any housing officer comes round here I will record them [every lie that comes out of their mouth]30 June 2017
Wish I hadn't kicked off now as I've been trying so hard to not let things get to me and 'lose it' but I think I've calmed down now and if cycle shows up again I will take deep breaths and remain calm [I hope]. My neck is really hurting today. I'm now anxious about seeing the cycle again chained where it has been in case it sparks me off. What the fcuk is this? Triggers, triggers. Deep breaths, calm, calm, calm. Police lady phoned earlier and I said something about maybe I over-reacted,[I did shout and cuss a bit and make a show of meself] being sparked off, and that I will try and remain calm. Will do meditation soon and try and ease the neck pain and keep me calm. I don't like the anger I really don't.
Love always.
Update
Housing officer who gave me all the bs when she came down to flat a few months back wants to meet up again - here in my 'home' and I think she wants me to speak to her or something.9 July 2017
Tenant in flat above has started again with the banging about and heavy footsteps above my bedroom late at nigh. Tonight it started around 2am and its 3am now. When this happens I have to turn the radio on loud enough to drown out the noise as it starts to get to me after a while. I am so tired of all of this. Camden council lets out these properties but doesn't tell tenants about there not being any sound proofing at all in the property and add this to loud/noisy tenants and its becomes a huge problem.
12 July 2017
I am going around in circles in regards to trying to sort the noise problem out - nothing works for more than a little while and then the noise late at night starts again. I'm going to have take the court route if I am ever going to get some reasonable peace and quiet living here. I get the feeling tenant is doing it deliberately but I can't prove that but for someone who lives alone she does a load of banging about. Council workmen been in tenants flat twice last week, some seem quite cosy with tenant.
The bloke who was doing some decorating for tenant - about 18 months ago, came in a few afternoons - went around clocking off time, dripped white paint on communual hallway lino and left it there and left a bin bag full of newspapers practically outside my flat door so i had to move it to get by - heard him say to tenant that she hasn't paid him for the work but I didn't hear her reply but a little bit later I heard her 'love making' noises. Don't know if the bloke was from the council, I suspect he was but I didn't actually see him.
20 July 2017
bloke is back again - this time no sight of the cycle. I went downstairs to put rubbish out and he came down to put tenants out - this time he had his trousers on - and looked at me and I looked at him and not a word from either of us.
As far as I can recall tenant has never stayed over night with any of the blokes - I wish she would so I could at least then I would get peace and quite whilst shes 'loved up' with the latest bloke - this one is like the tenant very heavy footed and i'm still getting the dropping of heavy things and generally banging about late at night like now and its 2.30am. In my bedroom area its as bad for the banging about - never known anyone to bang about so much - usually at night and late into the night and morning. Once a week I get the 4/5 hours of banging about in her kitchen late into the night - my theory is she takes out all her cups/pots and pans and washes them and them bangs them down hard and then maybe washes them again - who knows but for someone who usually lives alone its a lot of noise. Then theres the sometimes 3/4 times a week hoovering usually around 10pm but sometimes before that and very rarely in the day, that for some reason can take anything of up to half an hour to do in just her small bedroom. Maybe 1/2 nights tenant may be reasonable quiet.
28 July 2017
b/f's 3rd night at tenants flat - noise late at night still the same with only 1/2 nights when its reasonably quiet.
1 August 2017
What tenant about does and which I usually have to hear is replay back to whoever she is speaking to on the phone or in person, her account of what she said when she was shouting at someone or the other. Instead of just replaying the words back in a normal tone and volume she replays the actual loud shouty voice as well. I wonder if she shouts at people to do with her work? Maybe meditation would help.
I don't mean to keep pointing out tenants annoying points as I'm sure she has some good points as well, like she can on occasion be funny, but its the annoying ones that i have had to put up with year in year our and which have taken their toll. I'm sure i annoy her at times as well.
The banging of heavy things late at night still continues. I think she thinks she likes to be such a 'badass' maybe to fit in with the people she hangs around with, but at her age its juvenile I think.
Sounds like tenant has some sort of heavy wooden board under her bed that she drags out. Sounds like its actually on the floor. The door she has on a cubboard [i think] is loud and squeeky. Some oil on the hinges needed? More recent addition to the loud banging noise late at noise is what sounds like the lid of a metal container. Then theres the heavy footsteps.
8 August 2017
Tenant was very quiet for about 3 day/nights [it was bliss] then earlier today I just knew the noise late at night was going to restart and it did.
I'm in bed [1.50am] starting to do the guided mediatation and I hear 3/4 loud bangs from above and they put me right off my meditation - I will do it later when I think its safe to do it without the loud bangs when tenant above is asleep. Thats how the noise goes - the odd loud bang here, 2 bangs there, 3/4 there and so on. By bangs I mean banging things down/about as opposed to put them down. Put my radio on to drown out the noise - am feeling anxious now. I know from experience that if I turn the radio down yet I will be lulled into a false sense of security and the noise will start again. My tolerance for the loud noise is low tonight and I haven't got to the point in meditation where I can block out external noises [if I ever will].
9 August 2017
Tenant making the loud bangs above bedroom again late at night around 2am then lots of loud bangs around 2.45am - could also hear 'love making' noises outside when put rubbish out. The skunk smell is back. I don't know when tenant will be going to bed so will leave radio on to drown out the noises [odd bang here, 3 there sort of thing can be ten minutes apart can be 50 minutes apart] which I can even hear above the radio. May ask [again] the landlords agent can I use their noise recording equipment - apparently they only have one such device which surely can't be true?
18 Sept 2017
Tenant above hadn't been around for much of last week [it was bliss] and now seems to be making up for it with banging and stomping about at every change she gets regardless of the time.
9 Oct 2017
Neighbour above is starting again with the noise late at night, friday night - saturday morning lots of banging about and tonight the TV blaring can hear it in living room and outside and its gone 1am, as well as running down the stairs, in and out in and out.
11 Oct 2017
tenant banging about [in kitchen and elsewhere] and heavy footsteps all night long on and off on and off and its nearly 3am and shes still at it.
update
an example of what it can be like in the daytime as well -
before tenant went out around 10.30am lots of banging about above my bedroom [seriously its bang bang banging stuff around] then heavy footsteps and running down stairs then slamming front door. She came back in later and someone [i assume] from housing repairs came - I didn't hear bloke come up the stairs and I didn't hear her go up stairs [amazing isn't it how quiet they can be when it suits] - someone came down - ran down stairs. This sort of stuff can go on through out the day others days its reasonable quiet.
At times i'm lulled into a false sense of security as she can be quiet for hours then its thump, bang, heavy footsteps and repeat. This sort of stuff doesn't help my neck/shoulder pain as I am constantly anticapating the noise day and night.
20 Oct 2017
Tenant above can't seem to get ready for bed without banging things about above my bedroom - of late its usually when i'm trying to settle down in bedroom way past 12 midnight 2am 3am even later and I get bang bang bang, etc etc. Sounds like instead of closing or puting things down they are banged down, banged closed, banged opened whatever then its the thump thump thump of heavy footsteps when tenant gets out of bed to use the loo - tenant may have a very high divan or bunk beds [top bunk] and tenant jumps down onto the floor from them and that is why the loud thump thump thump is created. If I'm really lucky I get the bang banging about as well - how does one make such a racket going to the loo.
2 Nov 2017
yesterday was very noisy - man with camden council housing repairs van turns up at tenants flat - goes away then comes back and from then on [around 10am] its bang bang bang. van goes away around 4pm then someone else goes into tenants flat and the noise goes on unti around 7.30pm.
No warning given to me about the upcoming works that entail banging bang banging for hours on end above me when I already couldnt sleep because of tenant noise at intervals through out the night starting around 2am. Was having a hard enough time holding things together, how I managed to not loose it completely is only throw sheer determination.
carpets taken up and thrown out, flat boards being nailed to floors. Now no carpeting. Sounds like improvements done as opposed to repairs. no such luck that any sound proofing was being installed.
update
1.50am 3 nov 2017
couldn't even meditate and then try and get some more sleep in peace - banging and thumping about above my bedrm at 11.45pm til after 12.10 am so had to turn radio up to drown out the noise then I couldn't relax so got up and came in living room - can hear tenants tv above me despite radio on. Noise seems worse since the carpets taken up. Will have to wait until i'm sure tenant has gone to bed to till attempting to settle down again.
update
let cat out for a while, can hear tenants tv outside.
12 Nov 2017
2.25am
tenant above put shoes with heels on around 11.45pm and walked back and forth back and forth above me for about 30 minutes then went out around 12.25am. Tenant came in and I stick my radio on again as i really can't bare the noise at times and have to put music on I like to keep calm and block out the noise. The intrusive, unwelcome noise. Day and night, for years and years. I don't like it, its supposed to be my home, a refuge.
3 Dec 2017
around 3pm today tenant upstairs went downstairs and I heard her come back up and a mans voice carrying something as it banged against my flat door and he said something about 'dripping into flat B' and later I heard him say 'i've had a look at them'.
Then at times lots of laughing and loud voice in kitchen. they left around 6.30pm. when i heard the voice of another man.
what i noticed and this was the same as when bloke with camden council repairs van came and made all that noise for hrs - was that tenant hardly made any noise [other than the loud voices] - no stomping up the stairs etc. However when bloke and van went and someone came back there was lots of stomping about. this time again no stomping about by tenant until right after bloke/s left, then the heavy footsteps above me. tenants seemed quite cosy with men who where in her flat - on a sunday doing something for her. I don't know who they wher but I can guess.
30 Jan 2018
Noise above my bedroom late at night has been worse then before - so much banging of things and the heavy footsteps.
Now the neighbour below has been trying it on again, with me, with the landlord and tenant isn't even living there - waste of a flat if you ask me. Plumber who came [he was the one who came here before] reckons they have a video of the leak down stairs, reckons water was gushing down from under my bath - I didnt see any water gushing down - I remember him telling me there wasn't a leak. At first he said he could hear a leak [i suspect this was a ploy to get me to agree to him taking the bath panel off] then he says there isnt a leak. He didnt see any water leaking downstairs only a towel full off water.
Tenant below has been asked by the plumber to keep a diary of when the water is leaking from the wall - let me know when a leak occurs so I can see whether its when I take a shower - seems simple to me but I asked tenant to do this before, tenant didn't.
Plumber came here before apparently - didnt give me any notice, I didnt answer the door as I didnt know who it was and they didnt say. Should have made an appointment with me. Ok I missed one appointment as I was very tired [alseep] and didnt hear the phone ringing, but it wasn't deliberate.
And no he didnt get to take the bath panel off again, he didnt attempt to. Seriously
my experience of the landlords in house housing repairs really has been 'sling it in any old way'.
You should see the job the plasterer done on the wall in my hallway, at the time I wasn't taking it all in propery, I was in the 'don't expect much, won't be disappointed' mode and thought, well ok, its not my wall, I don't really care, better things to think about.
and the time the painter came here to do the outside wall - 3rd time lucky it was, first time he hadnt read on his paper work what the job actually was, thought he come to paint the step, when it was the wall, would have painted the step if I hadnt seen him arrive and went out to him. Then he had to go away and get the right colour paint, [and a step ladder i think] then he comes back and gets called away for another job before hes even started this one.
and the time someone came to fix handrail in communal ..... need i go on.
18 Feb 2018
The farce with the alleged leak from my bathroom continues.
Was a lovely week of quiet as tenant above had gone away for a week and it was so different, nice living here - back to the usual intrusive and loud noise above me that at times follows me from room to room. loud footsteps, banging doors, creaking doors, just banging for the sake of of reckon a lot of the time.
13 March 2018
The loud pressure noise from the pipes that go up through my living room and across wall of ceiling has started up again late at night from tenant above - using a pump i suspect that isn't really needed as water pressure in my flat has mostly been ok and i don't see why it should be much if any different in the flat above me.
Wednesday 9 March 2016
Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Bill
The Homes [Fitness for Human Habitation] Bill Here started its journey through parliament on 24 June 2015 (a private members bill) at its first reading in the HofC Here
2nd reading Here
Next reading this week 11 March 2016. For anyone interested.
The Bill will if passed amend the Tenant and Landlord Act 1985 Here
Update 14 March 2016.
Looks like the next reading has been moved to 22 April 2016 HERE.
"When I announced that I was introducing this Bill, there was some surprise that homes could be let that were not fit for human habitation, but, extraordinarily, that is the case in 2015. As long ago as 1885, when the Housing of the Working Classes Act was passed, Parliament first decided that residential rented accommodation should be fit for human habitation."
"The great weakness of those provisions is that they tie the repairing obligation to rent limits."
"The law as it stands applies only when the annual rent is less than £80 in London and £52 elsewhere in the country."
2nd reading Here
Next reading this week 11 March 2016. For anyone interested.
The Bill will if passed amend the Tenant and Landlord Act 1985 Here
Update 14 March 2016.
Looks like the next reading has been moved to 22 April 2016 HERE.
"When I announced that I was introducing this Bill, there was some surprise that homes could be let that were not fit for human habitation, but, extraordinarily, that is the case in 2015. As long ago as 1885, when the Housing of the Working Classes Act was passed, Parliament first decided that residential rented accommodation should be fit for human habitation."
"The great weakness of those provisions is that they tie the repairing obligation to rent limits."
"The law as it stands applies only when the annual rent is less than £80 in London and £52 elsewhere in the country."
Saturday 20 February 2016
Cover up at the Town Hall
http://www.thecnj.co.uk/camden/2008/013108/gulliver013108.html
Camden New Journal - One Week with JOHN GULLIVER
Published: 31 January 2008
Clearing out old folks’ homes is a lot easier than clearing up the scandal
WHY is the Town Hall so desperate to keep a report secret that officials have used the law three times to stop elected councillors and this newspaper from discussing it?
WHY is the Town Hall so desperate to keep a report secret that officials have used the law three times to stop elected councillors and this newspaper from discussing it?
At a late-night meeting on Tuesday, councillors were about to discuss a heavily censored copy of a report behind closed doors when one of my colleagues protested. The ‘Part Two’ exemption – used when councillors have to discuss legally or commercially sensitive material – was invalid and the facts should be heard in the open, he argued.Councillors, including the committee chairman, agreed.
But they were stopped in their tracks by a furious reaction from a senior official in the chief executive’s office, backed up by the duty lawyer.
When the official refused to allow the item to be heard, chairman Chris Philp muttered “We shall not be part of a cover up” and adjourned the hearing.
To understand the full story you need to go back a year, when the New Journal revealed how valuable furniture removed from the council flat of dying 92-year-old Dorothy Robinson ended up on sale in nearby antique shops.
Our investigation showed that out of 1,200 ‘clearances’ carried out on council homes each year, not a penny, not an earring, not a single heirloom, had been recovered from the homes of tenants who had died or been moved into care. Our story prompted a ‘review’, then an ‘investigation’, then a report in August in which the Special Investigations Team – an in-house team – said no crime had been detected. But the August report referred to a second, internal, report “made available to senior managers” – but never seen by councillors.
We applied to see the secret report using the Freedom of Information Act, but were denied. After three months of argument, the cross-party housing and adult social care scrutiny committee won the right to see a heavily censored version of it. So what is in the report?
My sources tell me it reveals that a blind eye was turned at the Town Hall to a suspected racket, and that the internal investigators conclude that because staff were not acting against written rules and no one reported anything as a crime, they can take no action.
Officials would like all this to go away. But it won’t.
_____________________________________________
Flat clearances 'systematic theft from dead residents'
Town Hall staff were cleared by bosses to take from ‘void’ homes
THE removal of valuable possessions from the homes of council tenants was branded “systematic theft from dead Camden residents” when a secret Town Hall report was finally disclosed on Tuesday following months of campaigning by councillors and the New Journal.
THE removal of valuable possessions from the homes of council tenants was branded “systematic theft from dead Camden residents” when a secret Town Hall report was finally disclosed on Tuesday following months of campaigning by councillors and the New Journal.
A year after this newspaper’s investigation into the clearance of the Gospel Oak flat of dying Dorothy Robinson, 92, prompted allegations that her home had been “looted” by council clearance teams and revealed that nothing of value had been recovered from the 1,200 council houses similarly cleared every year, councillors called for “heads to roll”.
The report by the council’s internal audit team revealed for the first time that items were routinely taken by members of the Building and Maintenance Division during clearances of properties that became “void” through the abandonment, death, eviction or relocation of tenants, and that this practice was authorised by managers.
It included evidence that 60 staff may have been involved, and that managers obstructed the investigation of the council’s internal team.It went on to claim the New Journal probe into the abuses had “damaged” and “undermined” the council’s own clandestine investigation, an accusation supported by officers and social care chief Cllr Martin Davies.
Other councillors attacked the claims. “This would never have seen the light had it not been published in the CNJ,” said Cllr Keith Sedgwick.
Although two members of BMD staff face disciplinary charges, the evidence that the practice was widespread and condoned was described as “scandalous” by committee chairman Chris Philp, who forced the disclosure of the report after Town Hall lawyers repeatedly blocked its discussion since he first requested it in September last year.
He said: “This report shows that council staff had been systematically stealing property from dead Camden residents for years. It is totally outrageous. I think that it is good my committee has brought this investigation into the public domain to show that these practices will not be tolerated by Camden Council today.”
In a meeting where tension between the council’s staff and elected councillors frequently threatened to bubble over, assistant chief executive Philip Colligan acknowledged that the conduct of house clearances had been deeply flawed and that wide-ranging changes had been put in place.
Pressed on whether the clearances amounted to stealing, he answered: “I am not saying it is not theft.”
He added that discussing the report in public was dangerous and unprecedented and could jeopardise ongoing disciplinary proceedings. He said: “There have been suggestions that officers wanted to cover up elements of that report. That is not true. We now have an unprecedented release of internal audit material to you, way beyond what we have considered as normal and way beyond what we have advised to you.”
But his comments were questioned by Cllr Sedgwick, who referred to the first, highly selective, report shown to the committee last year. He said: “When we had this report before us originally there was nothing in it which said managers had told their staff they could take things from dead people’s homes – it only comes out in a report that we had to squeeze out of officers. If you take something that doesn’t belong to you, it’s theft. This is to do with the culture of management of housing. This is shocking. Quite frankly someone’s head should be rolling – someone very high up.”
Cllr Philp asked: “Is there any evidence that a director or assistant director knew about these practices or authorised it?”
Mr Colligan replied: “I can’t answer your question about who knew about what.”
The questioning prompted protest from several committee members and led the elected chiefs of both housing and adult social care to make highly unusual formal statements of confidence in the council’s highest managers. Social care chief Cllr Martin Davies said: “I am confident that none of the directors or assistant directors had knowledge of or condoned in any way the particular issues here.”
Update
- London Tonight 21 Feb 2008 "Camden staff 'raid' homes of the dead" http://www.itvlocal.com/london/ type in 'Camden Council'
- London Tonight 21 Feb 2008 "Camden staff 'raid' homes of the dead" http://www.itvlocal.com/london/ type in 'Camden Council'
- council meeting 5 March 2008
AGENDA ITEM NO. 14
LONDON BOROUGH OF CAMDENCOUNCIL MEETING – 5 MARCH 2008
AGENDA ITEM NO. 14
LONDON BOROUGH OF CAMDENCOUNCIL MEETING – 5 MARCH 2008
NOTICE OF MOTIONS
3. To consider the following Motion, notice of which was given by Councillor Theo Blackwell and seconded by Councillor Roger Robinson. This Council notes the unprecedented impasse between the Executive and the Housing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee over the issue of removal of dead tenants belongings. In the light of this, it calls for an independent and external enquiry into this distressing issue so lessons can be learnt.
3. To consider the following Motion, notice of which was given by Councillor Theo Blackwell and seconded by Councillor Roger Robinson. This Council notes the unprecedented impasse between the Executive and the Housing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee over the issue of removal of dead tenants belongings. In the light of this, it calls for an independent and external enquiry into this distressing issue so lessons can be learnt.
Update: this motion was not heard due to time restraints but was later dismissed by the executive.
POW Trust
The Charity Commission has published a report (March 2011) HERE into the findings of their investigation into a then registered charity called The Peoples Opportunity to Work (POW) Trust.
The investigation began in 2002 and finished in 2005, but due to a criminal investigation by the police the publishing of the report was delayed until the criminal proceedings finished in 2010, with the conviction and imprisonment of three members of the POW trust. Met Police report HERE. Apparently there where 9 defendants, but reports only mention that 3 where convicted.
The Camden Association of Street Properties (CASP) has connections with this dodgy trust through Terence Patrick Ewing who was (still is?) a 'legal executive' for the trust. Mr Ewing is a vexatious litigant and convicted and imprisoned fraudster.
More about T Ewing HERE
The investigation began in 2002 and finished in 2005, but due to a criminal investigation by the police the publishing of the report was delayed until the criminal proceedings finished in 2010, with the conviction and imprisonment of three members of the POW trust. Met Police report HERE. Apparently there where 9 defendants, but reports only mention that 3 where convicted.
The Camden Association of Street Properties (CASP) has connections with this dodgy trust through Terence Patrick Ewing who was (still is?) a 'legal executive' for the trust. Mr Ewing is a vexatious litigant and convicted and imprisoned fraudster.
More about T Ewing HERE
Friday 19 February 2016
DMC Funding Guidelines
District Management Committee's Funding Guidelines 2015 HERE
"Annually each District Management Committee (DMC) is given a budget to spend in their area" I think this is linked to the Participatory Budgeting HERE. Draft Strategy 2008 HERE ,
Possibly even State Aid
The DMC's (there are 5 of them) used to be sub-committees of the councils then Housing Committee who had council tenant reps on as non voting members, but who used to vote. When the council changed its governance structure back in 2001/2 to the executive (now called cabinet) model the dmc's should have been abolished but cllrs allowed them to continue as tenant groups, still funded and administrated by the council.
Dmc's are business ventures whose members carry out works/goods/services on behalf of Camden council. In effect dmc's have taken on Housing Management roles but without having to apply the Housing [Right to Manage] rules HERE.
"Annually each District Management Committee (DMC) is given a budget to spend in their area" I think this is linked to the Participatory Budgeting HERE. Draft Strategy 2008 HERE ,
Possibly even State Aid
The DMC's (there are 5 of them) used to be sub-committees of the councils then Housing Committee who had council tenant reps on as non voting members, but who used to vote. When the council changed its governance structure back in 2001/2 to the executive (now called cabinet) model the dmc's should have been abolished but cllrs allowed them to continue as tenant groups, still funded and administrated by the council.
Dmc's are business ventures whose members carry out works/goods/services on behalf of Camden council. In effect dmc's have taken on Housing Management roles but without having to apply the Housing [Right to Manage] rules HERE.
Tuesday 16 February 2016
Public Liability Claim Forms for Internal Decorating
following on from post from 2015 Damp Patch on interior wall and ceiling of Flat HERE
Update 5 April 2016
Plasterer has done the work to the area's needing the work and when I got back to the landlord about the redecorating have since discovered what the "other process" is to do with internal decorations: being sent a public liability claim form to fill in, sign and send to the councils finance department. huh. Apparently one has to prove negligence on the landlords part.
Spend hours going over emails to and from housing repairs and in general gathering evidence to send in to the finance people - realised after I sent the form in with evidence by email, that I had got confused and emailed finance again about it. Waiting for them to get back to me.
Plasterer has done the work to the area's needing the work and when I got back to the landlord about the redecorating have since discovered what the "other process" is to do with internal decorations: being sent a public liability claim form to fill in, sign and send to the councils finance department. huh. Apparently one has to prove negligence on the landlords part.
Spend hours going over emails to and from housing repairs and in general gathering evidence to send in to the finance people - realised after I sent the form in with evidence by email, that I had got confused and emailed finance again about it. Waiting for them to get back to me.
Following on from the post HERE in August 2015 about the water damage to parts of 2 walls and part ceiling in my flat, the council to give them credit after the negative story HERE, and when I reported the damp, fixed the source of the water damage (as far as I am aware) and re-plastered the parts of the walls and ceiling affected.
When I mentioned to housing repairs redecorating the areas damaged I was informed the internal decorating was a different process.
The process involves being sent a Public Liability Claim Form to fill in that to me isn't very easy to understand, and which I think is badlywrote written out in general - plus one is required to sign it, like in an actual signature, written in ink from a pen. Plus I don't even know what I'm actually supposed to be claiming for. Then send it to the councils Finance department and then who knows what the outcome will be.
I think i'm supposed to guess that what I am required to claim for may be one of the below, some, all of, or who the fook knows :
a) money to buy the materials needed to redecorate
b) money to employ someone to carry out the decorations,
c) money to do I want to do with it as no receipts are needed
d) money to do the councils job maybe on the cheap, who knows
note: this blog won't upload the scanned copies I did of the form.
Update 29 March 2016
After a little delay I sent in scanned copy of filled in claim form, plus photos, plus emails to and from housing repairs about the damp - to the councils finance people. Took me hours to do it all.
Update 30 March 2016
Realised I had got quite confused when filling in the form etc - not had to fill in such a form before and gather up all the info that goes with it just to try and get some redecorating following water damage to flat. Hope other tenants who may have to go through this don't get as confused as I did.
Update 18 April 2016
Councils finance department contacted me to say the council has admitted liability for the water damage. Mentioned compensation and asked that I provide 2 quotes from reputable decorators.
Yes the email and letter where cause of some confusion on my part.
After making a few polite points to finance person I was then informed the councils in house repairs team would be involved in the re-decorating - huh I though, but I don't want them to do it and plus I was asked for 2 estimates.
Anyway, after the finance bloke clarifying that I'm not being forced to contract with the councils in house team to do the re-decorations, and again the 2 quotes request I asked for clarification as to what exactly can be redecorated, meaning is it only the actual area's that where re-plastered or for continuity sake the wall paper from 2 rooms will need to be stripped and wall painted, plus skirting doors, window frames etc.
Have been sent back to housing repairs who contacted me about coming to flat to assess what works need doing. I was none the wiser at the end of phone call and nowt was sorted.
Update 13 May 2016
Has been quiet on the council front since housing repairs contacted me, staff may be busy/preoccupied with the restructuring going on.
Update 22 May 2016
Not heard anything back from councils finance person since being passed on to the housing repairs people (which came to nothing), not even to clarify whether or not finance still wanted 2 estimates from me.
Update 29 May 2016
All stations are go. Think from now on I might only write in code.
When I mentioned to housing repairs redecorating the areas damaged I was informed the internal decorating was a different process.
The process involves being sent a Public Liability Claim Form to fill in that to me isn't very easy to understand, and which I think is badly
I think i'm supposed to guess that what I am required to claim for may be one of the below, some, all of, or who the fook knows :
a) money to buy the materials needed to redecorate
b) money to employ someone to carry out the decorations,
c) money to do I want to do with it as no receipts are needed
d) money to do the councils job maybe on the cheap, who knows
note: this blog won't upload the scanned copies I did of the form.
Update 29 March 2016
After a little delay I sent in scanned copy of filled in claim form, plus photos, plus emails to and from housing repairs about the damp - to the councils finance people. Took me hours to do it all.
Update 30 March 2016
Realised I had got quite confused when filling in the form etc - not had to fill in such a form before and gather up all the info that goes with it just to try and get some redecorating following water damage to flat. Hope other tenants who may have to go through this don't get as confused as I did.
Update 18 April 2016
Councils finance department contacted me to say the council has admitted liability for the water damage. Mentioned compensation and asked that I provide 2 quotes from reputable decorators.
Yes the email and letter where cause of some confusion on my part.
After making a few polite points to finance person I was then informed the councils in house repairs team would be involved in the re-decorating - huh I though, but I don't want them to do it and plus I was asked for 2 estimates.
Anyway, after the finance bloke clarifying that I'm not being forced to contract with the councils in house team to do the re-decorations, and again the 2 quotes request I asked for clarification as to what exactly can be redecorated, meaning is it only the actual area's that where re-plastered or for continuity sake the wall paper from 2 rooms will need to be stripped and wall painted, plus skirting doors, window frames etc.
Have been sent back to housing repairs who contacted me about coming to flat to assess what works need doing. I was none the wiser at the end of phone call and nowt was sorted.
Update 13 May 2016
Has been quiet on the council front since housing repairs contacted me, staff may be busy/preoccupied with the restructuring going on.
Update 22 May 2016
Not heard anything back from councils finance person since being passed on to the housing repairs people (which came to nothing), not even to clarify whether or not finance still wanted 2 estimates from me.
Update 29 May 2016
All stations are go. Think from now on I might only write in code.
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