Noise nuisance neighbor

Questioner

Since January 2021, I have had a lot of noise pollution from my “neighbor”. Now I call him neighbor, but there is a whole complex between us. The gentleman lives under guardianship and an agreement was made with his direct neighbors that he could play loud music for 45 minutes between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM. However, there is no restriction on “how loud” this is allowed and the gentleman really turns up his music really loud, pounding hard techno. He also often does not keep to the times. I know that we both live in social housing where I should not really be allowed to complain. This includes noises from the neighbors. However, I am bothered by this pounding techno music several times a day. I tried to do something about it several times; knocking on the gentleman's door to talk about it. The gentleman pulled out his doorbell and stuck a sticker on the front door that said 'uninhabitable'. I put a note in the mailbox; no answer. He is very clear about me (that bitch from number 3; my name and address were given by the housing corporation) and in addition he threatened my friend on the street that he would get his brother involved. I report this to the housing corporation almost daily and so do a number of others in this street. The neighbourhood manager uses an ostrich tactic and once spoke to him about this situation, and sent a letter that he had to stick to the times. Furthermore, the neighbourhood manager initially indicated (after I had tried to knock on the door several times) that I should not approach this gentleman. There was a conversation between the neighbourhood manager, the gentleman and his administrator. Then the gentleman suddenly wanted to talk to me but I refused after the threats. Later a friend of this gentleman was brought in as a 'mediator' where I could indicate if it bothered me. This mediator quickly changed his mind because he (1) did not believe how often I was bothered by it and (2) that this could not possibly have been from that friend of his. He also indicated that no one believed me anymore, including the housing corporation. Reports made to the police. They can do little with it. My “neighbor” knows exactly what he is doing and crosses the line because nothing is being done about it. All in all, it comes down to whether I am the bitch or not. However, I can't take it anymore; my living pleasure is being seriously affected, daily and this since January. The days that I am allowed to go to the office, I immediately take so that I don't have to sit at home and listen to the enormous banging through the walls. In addition, it also creates a two-way battle in the street; people who are on the gentleman's side and those who report it daily. Tempers are running high and this only because of the techno versions of Forever Young and (ironically) Living on my own. I don't know what to do anymore. I am almost prepared to go to the housing corporation's office with a stereo and show them what happens here every day. I know that is not a good idea but I am really done with it. If I could move, I would have. Hopefully someone can advise me on what is the best thing to do now. Yours sincerely,

Lawyer

What an annoying situation. I can well imagine that you indicate that you would like to move if you could. From your story I gather that there are several people who are bothered by the neighbour. Are they with the same housing association? If you haven't done so yet, I recommend that you keep track of when you experience nuisance. You can also use an app or device to measure the number of decibels. An agreement to play loud music between 13:00 and 17:00 does not mean that you can exceed all sound regulations. Sometimes it is also possible to report/notify the police of a violation of the general local regulation. Often there are rules about noise pollution in it. The police can also confiscate sound equipment in case of repetition. The landlord must ensure living comfort. And will therefore have to act. Insulation may be placed in your home. If you wish, you can contact me without any obligation to discuss the matter.