Letter from property management to a small apartment block of 20 units (3 to 4 beds each), in relation to use of high powered audio equipment, as part of an updated rules leaflet -- is this acceptably worded?
As a member of the OMC, we've discussed issuing updated rules for the block, obviously with the property manager acting on our behalf.
In relation to the tenant above me (I'm mid-level in a 2 story block, ground, mid and top levels), using a surround sound audio system which I can audibly hear, such that I can actually distinguish the voices on the shows he's watching, we've considered issuing an updated committee rule leaflet.
The following would be the part in relation to noise, and use of audio equipment.
**
Updated rules on use of audio equipment in the block:
Dear tenants and residents, please be aware that use of high powered audio equipment such as amplifiers, immersive sound systems, powerful soundbars, subwoofers, and surround sound speaker systems, is forbidden in this block.
The block was completed in 1998, and being a pure concrete structure without acoustic insulation incorporated into its design, and little to no acoustic regulations in effect at that time in Irish building codes, sound travels very readily between units, particularly from above, to below.
i.e. units situated above others.
On this basis, even at low volume, powerful sound equipment will manifest a noise disturbance for residents in adjoining units, those laterally, above yours, and particularly units beneath yours.
At our recent AGM we had taken note of concerns having been expressed by residents to their landlords in some units regarding this issue, and while of course tenants are welcome to use standard audio and sound equipment such as TV’s, radio’s, computers, laptops, low wattage speakers etc., at reasonable volumes, again we must emphasise that high powered equipment such as that listed above, is strictly forbidden.
As several residents also work from home, this applies not only after hours, during night time hours, but also morning, daytime, evening, at all hours, without exception.
We do appreciate that residents may lack awareness of just how invasive the sound from high powered audio equipment on adjoining units (their neighbours) can be, and again for this reason we would kindly request the discontinued use of all such equipment, at all times, regardless of volume.
In relation to any other audio equipment, when it is mounted directly on walls or placed directly on floors, this increases its transmission affect through the structure, therefore of course increases the disturbance being transmitted into adjoining units. On this basis we would kindly request that if at all possible, standard sound generating equipment is used in a way such that it is de-coupled from the structure itself.
i.e. placed on a desk rather than attached to a wall, or elevated rather than placed directly on the floor.
Finally to re-emphasise, the unit is comprised of cavity block walls upon which hollow concrete slabs rest, forming the ceiling/floor between units.
When powerful sounds are generated, they are absorbed by this concrete, and transmit directly through the structure into adjoining units.
It is our foremost wish to ensure all residents can reside peacefully in their premises at all times of day and night, therefore we are sure you will understand this request, and follow it accordingly moving forward, whether that involves avoiding the installation of such equipment, or removing that which is installed and has been in use up to now.
Failure to do this may result in further scrutiny, and measures being taken to ensure compliance, if necessary.
**
Would that be suitable and appropriate?
