Neighbors are complaining

arm · 2010-07-02T09:29:09+02:00

Seeking advice on managing noise complaints in Utrecht as a family with kids. Discover regulations and practical solutions for peaceful living.

arm Member

Member since 02 July 2010

armMember02 July 2010 07:29:09

Dear All,

Recently we have face an odd situation:
We live in a normal multi apartment building. We have two kids of
12 and 2.8 y.o. We have always had a great relationships with our neighbors.
Few month ago I received a letter from the Makelaars who own the building.
The letter was stating that we make a lot of noise and disturb our neighbors.
We went with this letter to our best neighbor who keeps our keys "just in case"
and asked her to translate it to us completely.
And than she said: "Yes, I informed the makelaars that you are disturbing".
My wife was in a real shock due to several reasons.
She could not understand:
1. If we make noise why nobody has talked to us.
2. How could she pretending to be our friend do things behind our backs.

Whatever, I wrote a letter to Makelaars informing them that we are normal family with kids, we don't play
musical instruments, we do not drill, we do not hummer our floor and e.t.c. I required them to replay to me
but they did not.

Frankly, we do not make noise, of course my son plays at home, he might even run from wall to wall, when he
is happy he used to laugh and jump. He is a kid. And it does not happen constantly.
I mean Should I really stop him when he laughs, plays or jumps, it is just normal growing up process.
I really hate that. Anyone knows if they are regulations in the NL? I mean kids are making noise, of course. What can I do about it?
And there is no restriction on the building like: 聯No kids allowed聰.

Any advices?
Thanks in advance.

ntando Member

Member since 06 July 2010

ntandoMember06 July 2010 17:43:01

Phew...sounds like really dodgey neighbours, my advise would be for you to tell them to get a life or come join in on the kid's fun as it seems like they have nothing better to do except to listen to the happenings in your apartment. Good luck

Taigiseadh New member

Member since 12 October 2010

TaigiseadhNew member12 October 2010 15:46:08

First of all - get your set of keys back from (all of) your neighbors. In all my 13 years of living in this country, I've never given a set to any of my neighbors, no matter how nice they were/are. Dutch people are extremely nosy and curious by nature and if they haven't already, will not give it a second thought to whether or not they should have a peek around your house...

Go to the local "Rechtsbijstand" (an office of law students) and explain the situation. They should be able to tell you what your rights are. It's a bit tricky because the landlords is a realtor and I'm guessing they have the right to kick you out if the noise pollution becomes a problem for the other tenants.