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slapshot_oi · Sep 17, 2012, 01:53 PM

I bought a condo in Massachusetts in 2010. I live above a single woman in her 30s. She complains about my walking and I've had enough.

Two years ago, we exchanged phone numbers and told her that if I'm being too loud, then text me. I thought she would text me when I had people over. Nope! If I walk to the bathroom, I receive a text. If I'm putting bedsheets on, I receive a text. At first, I was apologetic, and said I'll do what I can to keep it down. But, the noise complaints continued. Eventually, I got angry and told her, "sorry lady, I can't levitate. I'm going to make some noise. This is apartment life, if you can't hack it, then move." She didn't like that and wrote me a long letter basically saying that I hurt her feelings. I actually felt bad. I called her that day, we both apologized and said we will both try to be more understanding. That was in November of 2011. Since then, she's texted me three times, but last night she lost it.

She banged on the ceiling at 10:00pm because I put bedsheets on my bed. This frightened my girlfriend, so, I text her saying "your banging scared my girlfriend".

She replies:

"Well deserved. I am sick and tired of being woken up by you! What happened to the rugs you were putting in????? You gave NO respect for the people below you".

Somehow, walking is disrespectful but slamming the ceiling is not. And I did lay a rug underneath my bed, which, is exactly what I told her I would do.

The units were built in 1963 and have hardwood flooring. I wear socks when I walk and I consciously tread lightly. Carpeting is out of the question because 1) that won't solve anything as I already walk barefoot, 2) carpeting is ugly and 3), I need to stand my ground. It's become clear that the more I bend for her, the more she demands.

Here is a list of what I plan to do.

Notify the board of trustees and the property manager.
Start documenting everything this woman is saying and doing. I'm going to get a transcript of our texts from my carrier.
Keep my mouth shut. Never retaliate, threaten or inform her what I'm planning. I want to keep her in the dark as much to catch her by surprise.

Aside from this list, I have no idea what else to do. I want to cover all of my bases long before she even thinks about coming after me.

Has anyone else been in this situation before and taken steps to quell the problem? Legally, what can I do? Can I get an order of restraint against her? Sue for harassment?

I'll take her money if I can get it, but I really want her gone. She was a nuisance to the previous owners of my unit as well. She a reputation of being unreasonable among the residents of my building.

ScottGem · Sep 17, 2012, 02:04 PM

I would send her a letter with a copy to the board. Stating that you have tried to be accommodating and considerate, but her demands are unreasonable. You will continue to be as quiet as you can, but this is a consequence of her living in a downstairs unit. Maybe she can try to switch to an upstairs unit. However, if she continue to harass you you will pursue legal action.

joypulv · Sep 17, 2012, 02:45 PM

In addition, I would block her texts and not text her again (which it sounds like you are planning). And write down every time she bangs on your ceiling.

slapshot_oi · Sep 18, 2012, 12:19 PM

Thanks for the advice guys.

I just got off the phone with the property manager. He chuckled when I told her what this woman has been complaining about. He told me she fired off complaint after complaint against the previous owner. However, she hasn't levied a single complaint against me. So, I guess it's good I made the first move.

He told me what I expected to hear: live life normally and walk normally. If she complains again, have her contact us and we will determine if the noise is unreasonable.

If necessary, I'm planning to hold a meeting between, her, I and the property manager to come up with a reasonable solution. And if that doesn't make her stop, the next step after that is, as Scott suggested, a lawsuit.

ScottGem · Sep 18, 2012, 12:30 PM

[QUOTE=slapshot_oi;3273796
If necessary, I'm planning to hold a meeting between, her, I and the property manager to come up with a reasonable solution. And if that doesn't make her stop, the next step after that is, as Scott suggested, a lawsuit.[/QUOTE]

If the property manager is willing to mediate, that is definitely a good option.