Flooring policy aims to reduce noise nuisance
Last updated | 16/05/2008
The Housing and Health Committee will be asked to approve a new policy for tenants who want to fit permanent fixed hard flooring in properties at a meeting on Wednesday 21 May.
In recent years there has been a vast increase in the number of properties where tenants have fitted fixed, permanent hardwood, laminate or tiled flooring in place of carpeting.
However, this can lead to problems both for other residents and the Council:
• It can be a particular problem in flats, where hard flooring can cause noise for people living below, often without the occupant of the upstairs flat realising. The noise of footsteps and dropped items is amplified. Hard floors also reduce sound insulation, causing voices and television noise to transmit more easily.
• Fixed hard flooring can cause upheaval and disruption to Council maintenance workers who need to gain access below floorboards.
Many Scottish Housing Associations have included a clause in their tenancy agreement saying that tenants must apply for permission to fit fixed permanent flooring. It is now proposed that Council also adopts this policy.
Permission will only be granted where the Council considers that any associated noise is not likely to cause disruption for neighbours. When work is allowed to be carried out, appropriate underlay will be required and the work must be carried out by a skilled tradesperson.
Housing and Health Vice Convener, Councillor Alasdair Wylie, said: “The policy will ensure that residents can live in peace and it will also reduce neighbour disputes caused by this type of noise. Hard flooring can cause a real noise nuisance problems in blocks of flats, especially when it is not properly fitted.
“Along with Perth and Kinross Tenants and Residents Association and other registered association, the Perth City Tenants and Residents Association has recognised that this is a problem and has requested that we come up with a formal policy. We will work with tenants to provide as much advice as we can on this issue. If adopted, the new policy will not be retrospective, but any tenants who wish to lay hard flooring in future will have to make an application.”
