New neighbours have moved in and they walk around like elephants upstairs. Each time my dog hears them, he starts to bark and I don’t sleep well. Help! – Edith, NSW

Question: I’ve lived in a flat for 17 years and all has been good but new neighbours have moved in and they walk around like elephants upstairs. Each time my dog hears them, he starts to bark and I don’t sleep well. Today it started at 5.30 am and they left the flat at 6 am, banging the front door. Help! 

– Edith, NSW

Answer: If you’re willing to have a direct and polite conversation with your neighbour, this could help them to understand noise has impacted others in the building. The alternative is, you could advise your strata manager. Check your by-laws to see if noise and disturbance have been addressed. Keep in mind, if the neighbour is handed a breach of by-law letter, they might not react favourably. Furthermore, it might be the first time the occupants are living in a shared property and they might not be aware residents can hear them. If this has been a common issue in the building, it is likely due to poor sound proofing or the type of flooring. If they’ve made renovations to the floors, this would have required approval from the owners corporation. If the renovation has been completed without approval, they can be ordered to install adequate sound proofing measures.