HDB homeowner seeking advice on noisy upstairs neighbour receives interesting suggestions

Singapore – A homeowner upset with noisy upstairs neighbours asked on social media whether she needed a soundproof HDB ceiling to shut out the noise.

Facebook user Yinse Tan, who lives in a Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat, posted her question on Monday (Oct 12).

She asked the following question on Complaint Singapore’s page, “Hi guys, this is no complaint, just want to get help and advice from here. Are there any ways to stop my upstairs neighbour from dragging footsteps, kid running and dropping heavy stuff on the floor during 11 pm till 2:30 am? This happens every single night.”

The concerned citizen added that the Housing & Development Board (HDB) had advised them to seek assistance from mediators. They cannot sell the flat and move out as they still have four years in their MOP (Minimum Occupation Period), which is the period homeowners are required to occupy the flat before selling it.

“Is soundproofing ceiling (sic) any help?” asked Ms Tan.

The post received over 200 comments in response to her question about a soundproof HDB ceiling.

Many shared their own experiences and what they did to solve the noisy neighbour problem.

Some suggested gifting the neighbour with rubber stoppers which they could attach to the legs of their furniture. “Asked them nicely to put on their furniture legs so that when drag chair or tables, there is minimal noise. Told them nicely that the noises are affecting my sleep. After that, no more problem,” said one successful tenant.

“Call police a few times and then see your Member of Parliament and tell the MP that nothing was done by the police,” said Facebook user Sarjit Singh who added they too were facing the same problem.

But there could be a simpler solution than going to the police, complaining to the MP or getting workmen to devise a soundproof HDB ceiling.

Facebook user Zachary Alleano noted the best solution was to go upstairs and have a chat with the neighbours. “Settle it personally first and if it continues, then start random construction work early in the morning. Literally drill holes in your ceiling then cover it up,” added the netizen jokingly. Ms Tan confirmed they have tried talking to the neighbour, to no avail.

Meanwhile, Facebook user Jasmine Siew commented that the cheapest way to stop hearing the sound was to buy an earplug.

“Mediation doesn’t help unless the upstairs neighbour think (sic) that they are in the wrong too and stop, same goes for soft approach if they listen,” highlighted a homeowner who went through the same situation. “If not, the only way is to shift out after four more years of suffering. Been there done that. Unfortunately, Singapore laws don’t protect those who suffer under these circumstances.”

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